Xoloitzcuintle: species of breed, how to contain it?

Xoloitzcuintle or the Mexican Hairless Dog is well known not only in Mexico, but also far beyond its borders. On the territory of our country, the breed is also quite popular, moreover, dog breeders once having bought such a dog, and in the future remain faithful only to this breed.

Xoloitzcuintle is a unique breed that has formed in a natural way without human intervention. Unfortunately, it was not possible to determine the exact cause of the appearance of hairless dogs, however, most scientists are inclined to version of spontaneous genetic mutations in the population of their most ancient ancestors. The progenitors of the Mexican Hairless Dog were introduced to the American continent by the discovererswho crossed the Bering Strait and settled on new fertile lands.

The legend has survived to this day that the god Sholotl, who was worshiped by the Aztecs, sent this noble animal to the earth so that it accompanied the dead to the gates of paradise. That is why the burial of a deceased relative was accompanied by the killing of the Xoloitzcuintle, and this ritual was preserved in the Indian tribes for a long time. This fact is evidenced by archaeological excavations in Mexico and the United States, as well as the location of mummified hairless dogs buried next to their owners.

Clay figurines of the Xoloitzcuintle dating back to the 5th century were also found. BC e., which indicates a special attitude of people to these dogs.There is an opinion that Mexican hairless dogs were eaten, believing that their meat has great magical power, giving people the gift of providence. In addition, the Aztecs believed that dogs were able to heal ailments, explaining this with their hot skin.

The idyll of the joint existence of the Aztecs and the Xoloitzcuintles was violated by conquistadors, who, conquering the New World, destroyed the culture and traditions of the indigenous population and imposed their own way of life on it. Together with many ancient rituals, dogs fell into disgrace, whom the strangers considered a symbol of outdated structures and doomed to destruction. As a result of massacres, which were often carried out in order to use animals for food, by the end of the XVI century. the population of the oldest dogs reached a historic low. The breed was saved from extinction by a few of its representatives, who were fortunate enough to live in remote mountain settlements of Mexicowhere the conquistadors simply couldn’t get.

However, the revived breed by the beginning of the XIX century. was again subjected to massacres, and this time purely for mercantile purposes. The fact is that enterprising Mexicans began to use the skin of dogs for sewing leather things. This outrage lasted almost half a century, and only in 1850, cultural figures stirred public opinion and drew attention to the problem of killing innocent animals. With the help of amateur dog breeders, they managed to equip several expeditions and send them to the mountain villages of Mexico, where there still remained a fairly large number of hairless dogs. Thanks to the surviving specimens, the first nurseries were organized, and by 1887 the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club.

The fate of the breed was not easy. There were dizzying ups, such as the victory of the Mexican hairless dog at the show in 1940, and unfortunate falls, when the dog breeders lost all interest in the breed, because of which the American Cynological Union deleted it from its register. Dogs became smaller and smaller, and their owners almost stopped attending exhibitions. Thus, the Xoloitzcuintle was threatened with extinction for the second time and only through the efforts of enthusiasts again rose from the ashes.

The breed owes its second birth to dog handler Norman Pelham Wright, who again went to the remote Mexican villages in 1954 and bought a dozen dogs from the Indians. Upon arrival home, he took up breeding work, during which a preliminary breed standard was formulated and a history of its origin was written.

The adult dog of the Xoloitzcuintle breed looks very impressive. The animal has a powerful complexion, graceful forms and has a fairly proportional physique.

• The main feature of the breed is strong and elastic skin. It is absolutely immune to bites of parasites and blood-sucking insects, and also resistant to all kinds of injuries and injuries. The skin of adult dogs is very well stretched and does not form folds, with the exception of only the eyebrow folds. Puppies, on the contrary, are literally mottled with wrinkles, which are completely smoothed out as the animal grows up. Skin color can be very diverse. The standard allows yellow, black, gray, brown and nut coverings, on which spots of a different color are often present.

• The head of the animal is high set and proportional to the size of the body. The skull has a wolf type of structure, a small protrusion on the back of the head and slightly narrows to the nose. The forehead line is parallel to the muzzle, which, in turn, is characterized by smooth outlines and flat cheeks.

• The nose has a well-defined lobe, the color of which is completely identical to the color of the skin. So, in black dogs, the nose is almost black, in golden yellow and bronze - coffee or flesh, and in spotted dogs - partially pigmented.

• Lips the animal is quite dry and snug against the teeth.

• Xoloitzcuintle's ears are large and longset high, making the dog look like a bat. When the animal is alert, they stand almost at right angles.

• Eyes are almond shaped and exactly repeat the color of the skin. The most common are yellow, amber, red-brown, coffee and black shades. The eyelids are dry and dense with a clearly visible gray, black or brown edging. This gives the look alertness and alertness.

• Teeth in hairless dogs are rather weak., closing in a scissor bite, the jaws are strong, a complete tooth formula is desirable, but optional.

• The neck of the animal is very elegant, gradually expanding at the base and passing into the withers. The scruff is light and elegant.

• The body of the Xoloitzcuintle is slightly elongated and correlates with the height at the withers as 10/9. The chest is slightly narrowed and is located at the level of the elbows. The back is straight and short, with obliquely set strong shoulder blades. The loin protrudes slightly above the line of the back and has prominent muscles. The stomach is picked up, and the thin tail is decorated with an elegant tassel.

• The limbs are strong, straight and muscular.with backward directed joints. Occasionally, dewclaws are found on rabbit type hands, which must be removed.

• Wool cover completely absent, although coarse and sparse hair 2.5 cm long on the forehead and scruff can be found in some individuals.

Considering the characteristics of the breed, one can not stop at the defects. Thus, a dog can be disqualified at the show for clubfoot, a crest on the top of the head, a cat's paw shape, kyphosis, too loose skin that forms numerous folds, cropped or shortened tail, bulging eyes and drooping or cropped ears. A head that is too wide, a malocclusion, a coat in areas where this is unacceptable, is also considered a vice., testicles not lowered into the scrotum, the presence of dewclaws, as well as abnormal behavior, which is expressed in excessive cowardice or, on the contrary, aggressiveness.

In addition, overly feminine males and large bitches, albino dogs, as well as individuals with undeveloped muscles, a pronounced suspension and light pigmentation of the iris are considered a defect. However, owners of individuals that do not meet standard characteristics should not be upset, since any dog ​​of the Xoloitzcuintle breed can get a “zero” pedigree. As for the cost of the puppies of this rare graceful dog, it starts at 10 thousand and ends with 150 thousand rubles (2019).

Xoloitzcuintle is characterized by a balanced character and calm disposition.Dogs are easily trained and are quite suitable for a novice dog breeder as the first pet. A characteristic feature of naked dogs is a developed sense of ownership, because of which they are especially kind to their things - toys, a sleeping place and a cup of food. In addition, they are considered monogamous and choose for themselves as the owner of someone one of the family members. The pet will also normally communicate with other household members, but only one person will recognize a leader.

Mexican hairless dogs are considered good guards and watchmen, warning the owner of the danger of unusual behavior. The dog will spin and fussyly run around the owner, however, it will not give a vote. This model of the dog’s behavior when visiting uninvited guests is very convenient for families in which there are children and elderly people whom the pet will not wake up with a loud bark, if someone knocks on the door. Dogs have restrained feelings towards strangers, however, they do not show obvious aggression. But if the animal sees that the owner or someone from the household is in real danger, then he will immediately defend them.

As for relationships with other animals, in adults xoloitzcuintle zoo aggression is sometimes found. However, it is aimed exclusively at unfamiliar animals, and within its family the dog coexists peacefully with other dogs and cats. Another characteristic of the Mexican hairless dogs is excessive obsession, which is due to the desire of the pet to take an active part in all family affairs. The dog is immensely happy when the owner takes it with him, and terribly distressed when he is left alone in the apartment. Therefore, such a breed is not suitable for permanently absent owners, because it tolerates loneliness very poorly and begins to howl.

The way out of the situation could be the purchase of another naked dog, with which the pet will quickly find a common language and will play while the owners are absent. As for the attitude towards children, the Xoloitzcuintle gets along well with them and is glad to take part in all their undertakings. However, the instinct of "nanny" in these dogs is absent, therefore, from an early age they need socialization in relation to children.

Mexican hairless dogs live from 12 to 15 years, and their life expectancy depends on the conditions of detention, the emotional state of the animal and the presence of hereditary and acquired diseases. Dogs of this breed are characterized by frequent allergic reactions and dermatitis, which are the result of improper nutrition or care. In addition, due to the lack of coat, the skin of dogs is sometimes injured while walking in the forest and playing with other dogs. For the same reason, sunburns are often observed on the skin. Therefore, despite the fact that the breed comes from sunny Mexico, the presence of dogs on the street under the scorching sun should be limited.

Also, the most common diseases include cartilage weakness, which is expressed in hanging ears, as well as tooth loss and the formation of an unhealthy, badly smelling plaque on the skin. If the described symptoms are found, the animal should be immediately shown to the veterinarian who will determine the cause of the disease and prescribe treatment.

Xoloitzcuintle is classified according to two criteria: the presence of wool and size. According to the first sign, they are absolutely bald, often having a small bundle of hair on their heads and short-haired individuals. Hairless crested dogs in their genotype have a “hairless” gene that spontaneously mutated at the dawn of the breed's origin. Such mutations are not uncommon in nature and are often found in cats and rats.

Shorthair individuals comprise a small minority in the litter and are born as a result of the work of genes that are responsible for the undercoat and are in a recessive state. The presence or absence of hair is directly related to the condition of the teeth, which is why bald dogs do not have premolars and often incisors are missing. In short-haired representatives of the breed, teeth are present in full. The rest of the naked and downy individuals are identical and have no fundamental differences from each other.

According to the second criterion for differences (size), Mexican hairless dogs are standard, medium and miniature. The first type includes individuals with a height of 46-62 cm and a weight of 9 to 19 kg. The second group is represented by dogs 36-45 cm tall and weighing 6-12 kg. The third type includes mini dogs with a height at the withers of 22-35 cm, weighing no more than 8 kg.

Xoloitzcuintles are exclusively domestic dogs and are categorically not suitable for street keeping. Mexicans are recommended to have people prone to allergic reactions to animal hair, as well as families with young children and the elderly. Dogs are good in that they do not emit the smell of dogs, which is present to some extent in almost all dogs.

From the first days of the appearance of a puppy in the house, it is necessary to equip a stove bench for him and equip a place for eating. To do this, you need to purchase or make a do-it-yourself soft warm mattress and place it away from heating appliances and drafts. Additionally, you need to prepare a blanket, which will be required at first, while the puppy is still small. However, adult dogs are also often sheltered, especially during the off-season in the absence of central heating.

An important condition for keeping a pet is walking. You should walk with the Mexican from the age of 4 months after all the necessary vaccinations have already been given. The first time you take your pet out should be as often as possible - preferably after each meal and at night. Xoloitzcuintles quickly enough understand what is required of them, and by the age of 7 months they begin to go to the toilet on the street.

Xoloitzcuintle is a carnivore, so half its diet should be meat and offal. But given the fact that bald dogs lack several teeth, the meat component should be given in the form of minced meat or canned food. The rest of the food also needs to be ground to a mushy state. However, this should only be done if the pet has 6 or more teeth, in other cases it is necessary to give the animal solid food. It is advisable to cut the meat into small pieces.

When compiling a menu for xoloitzcuintle, it should be borne in mind that 70% of it should consist of food with a high protein content. If you plan to feed the animal with natural products, then it is advisable to include turkey, lamb or rabbit meat in the menu, as well as low-fat sea fish, previously cleared of bones. It is also necessary to give cereals, fresh and boiled vegetables and seasonal fruits, with the exception of citrus fruits. A couple of times a week should include low-fat cottage cheese and sour cream in the diet.

However, the most serious problem that owners of Mexican Hairless Dogs face is their predisposition to allergic reactions to many products. These include beef, chicken, some types of river fish, eggs, soy and sugar. In addition to these products, the dog should not be given fatty, spoiled and expired foods, smoked meats, pickles, spiced dishes, pastries, foods high in carbohydrates and artificial additives, legumes, mushrooms, tubular bones and potatoes. Xoloitzcuintles should receive bone meal, fish oil (with caution), and vitamin and mineral complexes as a food supplement.

However, more often than dogs prone to allergies, they are fed with premium premium adapted feeds in which all the necessary elements are in optimal amounts and in an acceptable combination. When choosing food, you should be guided by the size of the animal, as well as its age and activity.

Due to the lack of coat, caring for a naked Mexican dog is quite simple. Bald animals do not suffer from parasites, do not need regular combing and frequent washing. In addition, xoloitzcuintles do not fade or smell. Therefore, the main object of care for such dogs is the skin. It must be cleaned weekly with a damp cloth and periodically lubricated with a special moisturizer, which should be bought at a pet store.

Besides, the skin of the pet must be protected from direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation and not allow the dog to be in the sun for a long time. Before walking, it is recommended to lubricate the body of the animal with sunscreen, which, upon returning home, must be carefully wiped with a damp cloth.

In winter, the animal should be worn in a warm jumpsuit, even if it is planned to take it to the toilet for a couple of minutes. Hairless dogs should be washed once every 3 months, since more frequent bathing can provoke dry skin caused by the loss of a protective layer. Mexican skin needs to be moisturized regularly. As a moisturizer, you can use olive or almond oil with the addition of vitamins A and E. Shorthair representatives of xoloitzcuintle are combed with a soft brush a couple of times a week.

In addition to the skin, the teeth, ears and eyes of the pet need care. To clean the teeth, the dog needs to buy chewing toys or give cleansing food, however, the best option is the classic weekly brushing using special pastes and brushes. The ears of the animal should be regularly examined for redness and secretions, and if necessary, cleaned with sanitary napkins and hydrogen peroxide. Eyes also need regular removal of secretions with a wet swab and a decoction of chamomile. If pus or too much secretion appears, immediately show the dog to the veterinarian.

The claws of the animal should be trimmed as soon as a characteristic knock on the floor appears, and inspect them after each walk for injuries. In rainy weather, before going for a walk, place a basin of hot water at the front door. During the walk, the water will cool to a comfortable temperature, which will allow immediately after returning to wash off wet sand and dirt from the paws.

Xoloitzcuintle owners often encounter an unpleasant phenomenon: the formation of acne and black spots on the pet’s body.This is considered normal for puppies up to 8 months old and is cleaned with a finely abrasive scrub and lotion.

Thanks to high intelligence and an innate focus on people, the education of the Xoloitzcuintle is a completely solvable task even for a beginner. The only thing to consider when training is the stubbornness and waywardness of some individuals, especially males. Therefore, it is not worth treating on an equal footing with a pet of this breed. From the first lesson, it is necessary to show the puppy who is the boss in the house and make him obey. Otherwise, the dog will grow up naughty, and it will be difficult to call it to order.

To start raising a pet should be with its socialization. For this, the puppy must be brought to people as early as possible, introduced to other animals and children. Very soon, the little Xoloitzcuintle will stop being scared of loud noises, the noise of vehicles and crowds. In the future, this will help to avoid problems when a dog is in society and will make it safe for others.

You can teach the Mexican simple commands on your own using the classic reward and punishment scheme. The only thing that needs to be clearly understood is that it is impossible to beat a pet in any case. If the dog indulges and does not want to carry out commands, then a loud shout and a strict look will be quite enough: Xoloitzcuintle is a very smart dog and she will immediately realize that the owner is not happy. A general training course for the Mexican is necessary, especially for aggressive animals, which will be much easier for a professional to cope with. After the start of classes, it is important not to skip workouts and not to stop them even in cold weather. The dog should only be warmer to dress and slightly reduce the time of training.

Naked dogs should not be allowed to fight with other dogs, and when breeding a conflict, you should immediately breed the animals and take them on leashes. This requirement is due to the fact that the naked skin of a Mexican can be damaged in a fight, which will lead to the appearance of ugly scars.

When choosing a nickname for a xoloitzcuintle puppy, it should be borne in mind that for dogs with such an extraordinary appearance, any name will not work. It should be beautiful, noble and further emphasize the eccentricity of the pet. The task is much simplified when a dog is acquired in a pedigree kennel, in which it is already given a name according to the pedigree and the merits of its ancestors on both lines. In this case, the nickname, if necessary, is reduced to a one or two-syllable form, and it is to her that the puppy is trained.

If the name was not given to the baby or only the first letter of the nickname was indicated, then the boy’s pet can be called Amigo, Angel, Basco, Benito, Burito, Grand, Graf, Diego, Hidalgo, Calypso, Carlos, Manuel, Mateo, Miguel, Nestor, Oswald, Oscar, Pecos, Real Madrid, Ricky, Sebastian, Tamale, Chavez or Charo. The girl can be called Aya, Bonita, Gringo, Dorothea, Zara, Isabelle, Camila, Consuela, Mariachi, Manuel, Marta, Nayda, Olivia, Paulina, Rosarita, Hana, Jimena and Esperanza.

Xoloitzcuintle is a rather exotic dog and attracts the attention of others. However, it is impossible to have a pet only because of the extraordinary exterior: the Mexican requires a sufficient amount of attention and claims to be a full member of the family.

For more information on breed features, see the next video.