Medium
Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced 'show-lo-eats-QUEENT-lee'), also called the Mexican Hairless Dog or Xolo, is one of the world's oldest and rarest breeds. Like the Chinese Crested, it comes in a Hairless variety (with sparse hair on the head and tail tip) and a Coated variety (with a short, flat, dense single coat). The Hairless Xolo's exposed skin requires dedicated skincare, while the Coated variety's short coat is exceptionally low-maintenance.
Coat Type
Hairless Variety: Bare, Smooth Skin / Coated Variety: Short, Flat, Dense Single Coat
Groom Every
Every 6-8 weeks
Styles Available
3 cuts
Cuts & Styles
Grooming Styles
1
Hairless Skin Care Routine
The Hairless Xolo receives a gentle bath with a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo, thorough drying, and application of a pet-safe moisturizing lotion to the exposed skin. The complete care routine.
2
Coated Standard Bath
A full bath with a gentle shampoo for short-coated dogs, rubber mitt finish, nail trim, and ear cleaning. The straightforward grooming service for the Coated variety.
3
Natural Xolo Style
For the Hairless variety, maintaining the sparse head and tail hair while keeping the body skin clean and moisturized. For the Coated, a simple bath and rubber mitt polish.
Expert Advice
Care Tips
- The Hairless Xolo's skin lacks the protective oils of a coated dog — bathe with a very gentle, pH-balanced shampoo, rinse completely, and apply an unscented pet-safe moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp.
- Apply pet-safe sunscreen to the Hairless Xolo's exposed skin before any outdoor activity in direct sunlight — the bare skin burns within minutes without protection, and the breed's thin skin is particularly sun-sensitive.
- The Hairless Xolo is prone to skin conditions including acne and blackheads on the body; clean the skin twice weekly with a warm damp cloth and consult a veterinarian if persistent blemishes develop.
- The Coated Xolo's short, flat coat requires almost no maintenance beyond a weekly rubber mitt rub-down and periodic bathing — it is one of the lowest-maintenance coats of any breed.
- Both varieties are extremely temperature-sensitive due to their lack of or minimal coat; keep grooming sessions warm, dry the dog completely immediately after bathing, and dress the dog in a warm coat during winter months.
Recommended Tools
What you'll need
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush
BrushThe gold standard for poodles and doodles. Features long pins that penetrate deep into dense coats to remove tangles and fluff the hair.
$60 - $75
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Nail CareUsed by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
$10 - $15
Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
BrushAn excellent entry-level brush that's easy to clean. Great for removing loose fur and detangling shorter coats.
$15 - $25
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Deep Dives
Xoloitzcuintli Grooming Guides
Summer Grooming
Heat management, coat care, and seasonal tips.
Read guide
Winter Coat Care
Cold-weather protection and moisture balance.
Read guide
Shedding Season
Survive the seasonal blowout without losing your mind.
Read guide
Prevent Matting
Detangle, prevent, and protect their coat year-round.
Read guide
Best Brushes
The right tools for this specific coat type.
Read guide
Nail Trimming
Safe nail care frequency and technique.
Read guide
Ear Cleaning
Prevent infections with proper ear care.
Read guide
Bathing Guide
How often to bathe and which products to use.
Read guide
Grooming Cost
What professional grooming should cost for this breed.
Read guide
Hypoallergenic
Shedding, dander, and allergy-friendly coat care.
Read guide
First-Time Owner
Grooming basics for new owners of this breed.
Read guide
Skin & Allergies
Itchy skin, hot spots, and coat-sensitive care.
Read guide
Dental Care
Oral hygiene tied to coat and skin health.
Read guide
Flea & Tick
Parasite prevention without damaging the coat.
Read guide
Pro vs DIY
When to groom at home and when to hire a pro.
Read guide
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