Breed Standards

GENERAL APPEARANCE - The Xolo is an ancient, natural breed, molded by evolution rather than selective breeding. A Xolo is moderate in all aspects of type and conformation, never extreme or overdone. Today the breed serves as a guard and companion. The Xolo possesses a clean, graceful outline, equally combining elegance and strength. There are two varieties, hairless and coated, identical except for coat and dentition. In the hairless variety, the principal characteristic is the total or almost total absence of hair. The coated variety is covered by a short, flat coat. In conformation, all three sizes are lean, sturdy, well-muscled with a spacious rib-cage, and moderate bone. The Xolo outline is rectangular, and the distance from the elbow to ground is equal to, or slightly greater than, the distance from the withers to the elbow. Typical Xolo temperament is calm, tranquil, aloof and attentive.

The Xoloitzcuintli comes in a wide variety of sizes. Generally, Xoloitzcuintli with a height of 23-38 cm (9-15 in) and weight of 2-7 kg (5-15 lbs) are considered Toy Xolos. The Miniature Xoloitzcuintli is 38-51 cm (15-20 in) high and weighs 7-14 kg (15-30 lbs). The Standard Xoloitzcuintli is 51-76 cm (20-30 in) tall and weighs 14-18 kg (30-40 lbs). The Xoloitzcuintli has a similar appearance to the Pharaoh Hound, with a sleek body, long neck, and distinctive hairless coat. Xolos have almond-shaped eyes and large pointed ears; some do not have a full set of teeth.

The Xoloitzcuintli is known for its hairless body, but there is a short-haired variety, which has sleek, straight hair. It can be any color and sheds little.