The Pet Atlas

Breed Dogs Non-Sporting

Xoloitzcuintli

Sleek, ancient dog with calm devotion and quiet confidence

At a glance

Basic requirements and commitment level

Daily requirements

Activity
Medium
Exercise
Medium
Mental stimulation
Medium
Trainability
Medium
Vocality
Medium
Health sensitivity
Low
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Temperature sensitivity
High

Context & compatibility

Size
Medium
Lifespan
12–15 years
Body weight
10–55 lb
Height
10–23 in
Apartment suitability
Well Suited

Is this right for you?

Common scenarios where this breed tends to fit well or less well

A good match

  • Want low-shedding living and can stay consistent with skin/coat routines
  • Prefer a home-centered dog that does best with predictable structure

Not ideal

  • Prefer a "no upkeep" dog with no skin or coat routines
  • Want a dog that's comfortable outdoors in harsh sun or cold without planning

Social & behavior

Temperament and interaction style

Personality & activity

Quietly alert with a strong bond to the household—often noticing changes immediately. Moderate energy with a calm “presence” more than constant play.

Handling & social style

Usually affectionate with family and reserved with strangers. Thrives with gentle handling and a consistent, low-chaos routine.

Care & health

Setup, routines, and health considerations

Care overview

The Xolo is calm, loyal, and quietly watchful, typically thriving with steady routines and respectful handling. Many are close to their people without being overly demanding.

Environment & space

Often apartment-friendly, especially for adults with a stable daily rhythm. They generally prefer predictable routines and comfortable indoor conditions.

Daily routine

Moderate walks and light training are usually enough for many individuals. They often do best with consistent daily engagement rather than long repetitive exercise.

Health sensitivities

Skin comfort is a major theme (especially in hairless varieties), along with temperature sensitivity and dental considerations in some lines. Owners often emphasize proactive monitoring.

Grooming / coat

Grooming depends on hairless vs coated, but overall coat work is modest. Practical upkeep is often about skin comfort and managing sun/temperature swings.

Background

Origins and how that history shapes what you see today

Origin region

Mexico

Background

The Xolo is tied to long-standing Mexican traditions of hairless companion dogs, with roots that go back a very long time. The modern breed became more formally organized in the 1900s, while keeping its close-to-home identity. Today, many Xolos are calm and loyal, often preferring predictable routines and familiar people over constant novelty.