Meet the Xoloitzcuintli: The Dog With Almost No Hair

Have you ever seen a dog that looks like it forgot to grow its fur?

Meet the Xoloitzcuintli, pronounced roughly “show-low-eets-QUEENT-lee.” Often called the Xolo or the Mexican Hairless Dog, this fascinating breed is one of the most unusual-looking dogs in the world.

In fact, Guinness World Records recognizes the Xoloitzcuintli as the least hairy dog breed.

But there is much more to this unique dog than its lack of a fluffy coat.

An Ancient Breed With a Fascinating History

The Xoloitzcuintli is an incredibly old breed, with a history stretching back thousands of years.

The Canadian Kennel Club describes the Xolo as one of the world's oldest and rarest breeds. Archaeological evidence has connected these dogs with ancient cultures in Mexico, including the Toltec, Maya and Colima civilizations.

The breed's unusual name comes from Xolotl, an Aztec god, and itzcuintli, the Aztec word for dog.

So while today's Xolo might look like a modern novelty, this is actually a dog with a remarkably long history.

Not Completely Hairless

Although the Xolo is commonly called a hairless dog, that doesn't necessarily mean completely hair-free.

The hairless variety may have small patches or tufts of short, coarse hair on the head, feet, tail and sometimes the nape. The rest of the body is generally bare.

And here's another interesting fact: not every Xolo is hairless.

The breed also has a coated variety. These Xolos have a short, dense coat that lies flat against the body. Both varieties are officially recognized.

Three Sizes of Xolo

Xolos aren't all the same size either.

The breed comes in Toy, Miniature and Standard varieties. Depending on the variety, they can range from a small companion-sized dog to a considerably larger dog standing more than 18 inches at the shoulder.

That means there can be quite a difference between one Xolo and another, even though they belong to the same breed.

What Is a Xolo's Personality Like?

Don't let their unusual appearance fool you.

Xolos are described by the Canadian Kennel Club as calm, happy and fearless, although they can be reserved around people they don't know. They are also alert and can make attentive watchdogs.

They still need regular exercise and opportunities to explore, just like other dogs. Their sleek appearance doesn't mean they're content to spend every day lounging around the house.

Less Fur Doesn't Mean Less Care

It might seem logical that a dog without much hair would require very little grooming.

In some ways, that's true. You won't be spending your mornings brushing out mats or vacuuming huge amounts of fur.

But a hairless dog has something else to think about: skin care.

Without a thick coat of fur providing coverage, a Xolo's skin needs protection from the elements. The Canadian Kennel Club recommends sunscreen during the summer and sweaters during colder weather. It also advises against excessive bathing because frequent bathing can strip the skin's natural oils.

So while there may be less brushing involved, being a hairless dog comes with its own unique care routine.

What Chew Treats Are Best for a Xoloitzcuintli?

Just because a Xoloitzcuintli has very little hair doesn't mean they don't enjoy a good chew!

When choosing a chew, consider your dog's size, age and chewing style. Natural options such as Pig ears, beef cheek rolls and other appropriately sized chews can make satisfying treats for dogs that enjoy chewing.

Since Xolos come in three sizes, always choose a chew that is suitable for your individual dog and supervise them while they're enjoying it.

A Dog That Definitely Gets Noticed

The Xoloitzcuintli isn't the kind of dog you're likely to walk past without a second glance.

With its smooth skin, elegant body, large ears and distinctive appearance, the Xolo has a look all its own.

And perhaps that's part of what makes the breed so interesting. Dogs come in an incredible variety of shapes, sizes, coats and personalities. From giant fluffy breeds to tiny dogs with barely any hair, there really is no single definition of what a dog is supposed to look like.

The Xolo is a wonderful reminder of just how diverse our canine companions can be.

Would You Recognize a Xolo?

The next time you see a nearly hairless dog, take a closer look. You might just be looking at one of the world's most ancient and distinctive breeds.

And if you thought the Xoloitzcuintli was simply a dog without fur, now you know there's a fascinating history behind that unusual appearance.

Would you ever recognize a Xolo on a walk? Or have you ever met one in person?