Xoloitzcuintle (Mex Hairless) Int | Breeds A-Z

The Mexican Hairless dog come in three sizes, all descending from the standard size which originated it is thought from the Colima dog of Western Mexico.

Its name (pronounced sholo-its-quintli) means dog of the god Xolotl who was the Aztec god of deformed things, and the hairless body qualified the breed for that description. Sadly the early function of the breed was as a source of food without hair and therefore ‘oven ready’: a sad thought. However, in direct contrast to their nomenclature, the breed also has a coated variety which is more rarely seen.

It has long been thought that the breed has curative powers: it was known as a healing dog thought to help with asthma, rheumatism and migraines, and with its hot skin providing comfort against the cold.

The breed first appeared as a curiosity in dog shows in America in 1883 but remained rarely seen until the 1980s. In the 21st century it has gained a following as a show dog in most European countries as well as in America.

Read the breed standard

Images for this breed

The Utility breed group

This group consists of miscellaneous breeds of dog mainly of a non-sporting origin, including the Bulldog, Dalmatian, Akita and Poodle. The name ‘Utility’ essentially means fitness for a purpose and this group consists of an extremely mixed and varied bunch, most breeds having been selectively bred to perform a specific function not included in the sporting and working categories. Some of the breeds listed in the group are the oldest documented breeds of dog in the world.

Colour Watch

Category 0: Breeds with no NBS colour registration options.

Read more about Colour Watch.

Breed Standard colours

Breed standard colour means that the colour is accepted within the breed standard and is a traditional and well-known colour in this breed.

Breed standard colours in this breed include:

Black
Black & Tan
Black & White
Black Brindle
Blonde
Blue
Blue & Tan
Blue Merle
Bronze
Brown
Brown Brindle
Butterfly
Carbonate
Chocolate
Chocolate & Tan
Chocolate Tricolour
Copper
Cream
Dark Grey
Fawn
Grey
Isabella
Isabella & Tan
Lilac
Liver
Merle
Red
Red Merle
Sable
Spotted
Tricolour
White
White & Black
White & Brown
White & Grey
White & Red
White & Yellow
Yellow

Other colour/s

'Other' means you consider your puppy to be a colour not currently known within the breed and one that does not appear on either the breed standard or non-breed standard list. In this instance you would be directed through our registrations process to contact a breed club and/or council to support you on identifying and correctly listing the new colour.

Non-breed-standard colours

Non-breed-standard colour means that the colour is not accepted within the breed standard and whilst some dogs within the breed may be this colour it is advised to only select a dog that fits within the breed standards for all points.

Colour is only one consideration when picking a breed or individual dog, health and temperament should always be a priority over colour.

Whether you’re thinking of buying a puppy, or breeding from your dog, it’s essential that you know what health issues may be found in your breed. To tackle these issues we advise that breeders use DNA tests, screening schemes and inbreeding coefficient calculators to help breed the healthiest dogs possible.

More about health

Important health schemes and tests

We strongly recommend that all breeders, both assured breeders (ABs) and non ABs, use the following (or equivalent) schemes, tests and advice.

Check inbreeding calculators

Currently there are no additional health screening schemes or DNA tests for this breed. You may want to speak to your breeder, vet or local breed club about any health issues in the breed.

Find out about a particular dog's results

Please visit our Health Test Results Finder to discover the DNA or screening scheme test results for any dog on The Kennel Club's Breed Register.

You can also view the inbreeding coefficient calculation for a puppy's parents, or for a dog you're thinking of breeding from.

Have any questions about health in your breed?

If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.

Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed. They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.

To contact your breed health co-ordinator please email

Health (The Kennel Club)

Breed watch

Category 1

Currently no points of concern specific to this breed have been identified for special attention by judges, other than those covered routinely by The Kennel Club's breed standard.