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Xoloitzcuintli: History, Temperament and Care

By Dhiraj Sharma · Published October 27, 2026

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A slate-grey hairless Xoloitzcuintli standing proudly beside ancient Aztec stone carvings in warm light

The Xoloitzcuintli is the ancient hairless dog of Mexico, linked to Aztec beliefs and now a national symbol, in hairless and coated forms.

Its name, often shortened to Xolo and pronounced show-low, combines Xolotl, the Aztec god of lightning and death, with itzcuintli, the Nahuatl word for dog. In Aztec belief the dog guided souls through the underworld.

This profile is part of Finepedia's Dog Breeds of the World guide, which covers every major dog family from ancient times to today.

Origin and History

Hairless dogs have lived in Mexico for thousands of years, and clay figures of them have been found in ancient burials across western Mexico. Their warm bare skin led people to use them as living hot-water bottles to soothe aches.

The breed became rare in the twentieth century before Mexican breeders and the Federación Canófila Mexicana worked to save it. Artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera kept Xolos, and the dog featured in the 2017 film Coco. It is in FCI Group 5 and was recognised by the AKC in 2011.

Appearance

The Xolo comes in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard, ranging from about 25 to 60 cm at the shoulder. Most are hairless, with smooth, tough skin in dark colours, but a coated variety with a short flat coat also occurs naturally in litters.

Hairless Xolos often have missing teeth, a trait genetically linked to hairlessness.

Temperament

Xolos are calm, loyal and alert, making good watchdogs. They are devoted to their family and often wary of strangers. Puppies are lively, but adults tend to be quiet and composed.

They need early socialisation and regular exercise, and they enjoy being close to their people.

Care and Health

The breed is generally hardy, with a life expectancy of about 13 to 18 years. Hairless dogs need sunscreen or clothing in strong sun and warmth in cold weather, and their skin benefits from occasional cleansing and moisturising to prevent acne.

Coated Xolos need only an occasional brush.