Longevity
Life expectancy
Its usual life expectancy is between 14 and 16 years.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its robustness is average to good. The main vulnerability described lies in its naked skin, less protected against cold, heat and external aggressions.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Regular attention must be paid to the condition of the skin and to dentition, in addition to the usual veterinary follow-up.
Hip dysplasia: Like many dogs, the Mexican Hairless Dog can have a joint malformation that promotes pain and osteoarthritis, especially in cases of overweight.
Eye conditions: An ophthalmological examination of breeding dogs and monitoring of tearing or vision remain useful.
Patellar luxation: Common in small dogs, it manifests as an intermittent abnormal gait.
Periodontal disease: Tartar and dental loosening are major points of vigilance in small sizes.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The absence of hair reduces its tolerance to harsh temperatures. It is therefore advisable to limit its exposure to cold as well as to high heat and to adapt outings to weather conditions.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Its tendency to gain weight is moderate. Portions must be adapted to its size, its age and its level of physical activity.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Regularly examine the skin and moisturize it with a suitable cream.
- Wash the dog at a reasonable frequency with a suitable shampoo.
- Brush the teeth frequently to limit tartar and bacteria.
- Trim the claws when they do not wear down naturally.
- Adapt outings to difficult temperatures.
Vaccination
Xoloitzcuintli vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Xoloitzcuintli need? Like all dogs, Xoloitzcuintlis should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Xoloitzcuintli vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Xoloitzcuintli booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Xoloitzcuintli need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Xoloitzcuintli
Regular veterinary follow-up must in particular monitor the skin and oral health, two points to which its care pays particular attention.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
