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Xoloitzcuintli Breed Standards
FCI, UKC, XCA,
XCUSA
 FCI
Xolo Standard
Federation
Cynologique Internationale (FCI)
Secretariat General: 13, Place Albert l - B6530 Thiun, Belgium
FCI Standard no. 234 / 22.05.1995 / E
XOLOITZCUINTLE MEXICAN HAIRLESS DOG
Origin: Mexico
Date of publication of this Standard: January 24, 1998
Utilization:
Standard: Guard Dog
Intermediate: Guard Dog
Miniature: Companion
FCI Classification: Group V: Spitz and Primitive Types.
Section 6: Primitive Type
a) Standard Variety.
b) Intermediate Variety.
c) Miniature Variety.
Without working trial.
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY: The
origin of these dogs goes far back into history. The indigenous
people consumed its meat, which was greatly sought after. The breed
was regarded as the earthly representative of the god Xolotl from
which the breed name obviously originates. Its task was to accompany
the souls of the dead to their eternal resting place. The breed is
also known by the name Mexican Hairless Dog.
GENERAL APPEARANCE : It is a
very attractive dog; its most important characteristic and
peculiarity is the complete or almost complete lack of any hair,
with a smooth and soft skin. Its body has harmonious proportions,
chest is broad, rib cage roomy, limbs and tail long.
IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS: Its
body is slightly longer than it is high. Approximately 10:9. Females
may be slightly longer than the males. Elongated dogs with short
legs should be penalized.
TEMPERMENT: It is a quiet and
tranquil dog that is happy, alert and intelligent. They mistrust
strangers and as such make a good guardian and companion.
CRANIAL REGION:
Head: The cranium is lipoid. Seen from above it is wide, strong and
elegant; thinning out towards the snout with an occipital crest that
is not well defined.
Frontal-Nasal Depression (stop): Slight but well defined with
cranial-facial axis almost parallel.
FACIAL REGION:
Nose: It should be dark in dark colored dogs, brown or rose colored
in blond and bronze colored dogs and spotted in spotted dogs. Snout:
Seen in profile it is straight with a strong mandible and maxillary.
Lips: Tight and together.
Cheeks: Slightly developed.
Teeth: Incisors close tightly in a scissor bite. Over and undershot
bite as well as any other anomaly in position of the jaws is to be
categorized as a serious fault. Absence of molars and premolars is
not penalized.
Eyes: They are medium sized and almond shaped with an alert and
smart expression. Color of eyes differs according to skin color and
ranges from black, coffee-brown, red-brown and amber to yellow.
Color as dark as possible preferred and both eyes should be the same
color. Color of eyelids ranges from black to brown to gray. Paler
color or pink patches on the lids are permitted but not very
desirable.
Ears: The ears are long, large, expressive and very elegant with a
delicate texture (bats ears). They should always be erect in an
alerted state. In this position their axis should be 50-80 degrees
in relation to a horizontal line. Cut or droopy ears are not allowed
and should be disqualified.
NECK:
Upper Profile: Held high.
Length: Proportionally large.
Shape: Thin, flexible, with muscles, slightly arched and very
elegant.
Skin: The neck skin is tight, firm, elastic without a double chin.
Puppies have wrinkles that disappear with age.
BODY: Strong build.
Withers: Not very defined.
Torso: Straight; the upper line of the back should be perfectly
straight. Dogs with arched or sunken backs as well as long backs
with short legs are not desirable.
Loin:Strong and muscled.
Hindquarters: The upper profile of the hindquarters should be
slightly convex with an incline of approximately 40 degrees. It
should be solid, muscled and very slightly rounded.
Chest: Seen in profile it is deep and long, dropping down to the
elbows. The ribs are slightly arched but never flat. Seen from the
front the upper chest is of a good size. The sternum should not be
prominent.
Abdomen: The lower profile is elegantly marked, starting at the
lower chest and finishing at the ventral retraction, which is
muscled and tucked up.
Tail: It is long, thin and complete with some tufts of hair. From
the base to the tip it gets thinner. In movement it is happily held
up in a curve never drooping over the back. When resting it should
hang with a hook at the end. Sometimes it is placed between the legs
which is a sign of shyness.
FRONT LEGS: Seen from the
front they are straight and perpendicular, proportionate to the body
and of a good length. The shoulders are flat and muscled with a good
scapula-humerus that allows a long, free and elegant stride. Elbows
should be strong and close to the thorax, never turned outward.
HINDQUARTERS: Seen from
behind they are perfectly straight and parallel to each other. Wide
thighs that are muscled but never touching. The angles of the
coxes-femur, femur-tibia-knee and tibia-tarsal are wide which is
indispensable to allow a free and powerful leg movement. Cowhocks
are to be strongly penalized. Feet: The feet are semi-long (hare's
foot) with compact and tight toes having tufted hair. Nails are
short and black in black colored dogs, lighter colored in bronze or
blond dogs. The foot pads are strong and resistant to any terrain.
Inter-digital membranes are well developed. Dewclaws must be removed
on all four limbs.
MOVEMENT: According to the
angles they should move with long, elegant and flexible steps; at a
fast trot they should unfold with the head and tail held high.
SKIN: Due to a total absence
of any hair on the body the skin of this breed is of great
importance. It is smooth and sensitive to touch as well as being
warmer than other haired breeds where heat is let out through
natural ventilation. The skin required more care from exposure to
the sun and elements due to its lack of natural protection.
Accidental scars are not penalized. The dog tends to sweat through
the foot pads and inter-digital membrane and as such tends not to
pant.
COAT: The characteristic of
this breed is the lack of hair although there are some short tufts
of hair on the forehead and back of the neck that may be any color
but should not reach the length or softness of the Chinese Crested
of Tai-Tai. It is common to find odd hairs on the feet and at the
end of the tail, however if they do not exist this should not be
penalized. Any dogs with long hair will be disqualified.
COLOR: Solid, uniform and
dark colors are preferable. There are variants from black, dark
gray, light gray, red, liver, bronze and blond. There are also
spotted dogs of any color including white spots.
SIZE: There are three sizes
for males and females. a) Standard: 46-55 cms and up to 60 cms in
high quality specimens. (18" - 21.5" up to 23.5") b) Intermediate:
36 to 45 cms. (14.25" - 17.75") c) Miniature: 25 to 35 cms. (9.75" -
13.75")
Specimens larger than 60 cms (23.5")
or smaller than 25 cms. (9.75") are disqualified.
FAULTS: Any deviation from
the aforementioned criteria must be considered a fault and as such
the gravity of the fault will be measured against the standard.
- Very wide head
- Very long body
- Shy or aggressive character
- Exaggerated poor pigmentation (Albino)
- Hair in non-specified regions
- Flabby, loose or wrinkled skin.
- Double chin
- Clear, round and bulging eyes.
- Short Tail.
- Very long body with short legs.
DISQUALIFYING FAULTS:
- A dog with a coat of hair covering the body.
- Cropped or droopy ears.
- Over or undershot bite.
- Taller than 60 cms. (23.5") or smaller than 25 cms. (9.75").
- Docked tail.
-Tufts of hair on the forehead long or soft, as with Chinese Crested
Dog.
N.B. Males should have two testicles
of normal appearance that have completely dropped into the scrotum.
UKC
Xolo Standard
XOLOITZCUINTLI
Official United Kennel Club (UKC) Breed Standard
Revised January 1, 2002
History
The Xoloitzcuintli is a very ancient Latin American breed, dating
back to before the time of the Aztec Empire and its existence can be
substantiated for as far back as three thousand years. They were
held in high esteem by the native Toltec and Mayan civilizations.
The Aztecs, however, extended their appreciation of the breed to one
of a culinary nature. With the defeat of the Aztecs and their
culture by the Spanish, the breed diminished drastically,
essentially becoming rare. It is thought the breed was saved from
extinction by its adoption by remote, mountain-dwelling Indians.
Never entirely forgotten, interest in the breed was eventually
revived and it was formally recognized by the FCM (Mexican Kennel
Club) in 1956.
The Xoloitzcuintli was recognized by the United Kennel Club on
January 1, 1993.
General Appearance and Characteristics
The Xoloitzcuintli has a clean and graceful outline, combining the
elegance of a sighthound with the strength and proportions of a
terrier. There are two varieties: hairless and coated. The hairless
variety exhibits a total, or almost total, absence of hair. The
coated variety has a short, flat coat with no thin or bare patches.
For U.K.C. conformation events, the hairless and coated varieties
are shown together. The breed is, however, divided by size
varieties--Toy, Miniature and Standard--for exhibition.
In conformation, the breed has a harmonious effect, with graceful
movement and lean, well-proportioned extremities. The height to body
length proportion is in a ratio of 9 to 10 height being equal to
length is acceptable. Medium bone is ideal, however bone type should
be in proportion to the overall size of the dog. The larger the dog,
the more bone that is acceptable, keeping in mind that the breed
exhibits an overall view of elegance and of strength.
They are naturally calm, happy, and alert, with a thoughtful,
intelligent and vivacious expression; all showing the noble and
faithful character of the breed. A good adult example is one that is
somewhat quiet and tranquil, barking or growling only under
provocation.
Puppies do not resemble adults as they are blunt-nosed, short-legged
and frequently very noisy, characteristics which they retain until
they are approximately one year of age.
Head and Skull
The skull is somewhat broad and strong, but not coarse. When at
attention, they will show distinctive brow wrinkles.
The planes of the muzzle and the skull are not separate and blend
smoothly one to the other. The stop is not pronounced. In length,
the muzzle is proportionately longer than the skull. Seen in
profile, is it similar to a wedge. The jawline blends smoothly with
the base of the muzzle, without brusque changes. In profile it will
be slightly curved in its upper line. A strong lower jaw is
essential. The lips perfectly cover the teeth and have tight skin.
TEETH -- Strong, white teeth meet in a scissors or level bite.
Undershot or overshot bites are not acceptable.
A full complement is required in the coated variety. A complete set
of incisors is preferred in the hairless variety, but a lack thereof
is not to be penalized. Lack of premolars is acceptable in the
hairless variety.
EYES -- The medium size, almond shaped eyes are medium set, neither
sunken nor protruding. Eye color ranges from yellow to a very dark
brown (almost black), with the darker being preferred. Both eyes are
to be of the same color.
The eyelid pigment will be dark on dark dogs, and self colored or
light on self-colored or light dogs.
NOSE -- The nose is dark in dark dogs, brown in bronze dogs, and
spotted as the rest of the body only in spotted dogs.
EARS -- The uncropped, large, elegant ears are expressive. They are
set on more on the side of the head, and are carried erect when the
dog is alert. Ear leather is thin and delicate.
Fault: Ears not standing erect by one year of age.
Neck
The proportionately long neck is slightly arched. The neck is
slender at the point of insertion with the head, widening gradually
at the insertion with the body, at the withers.
Forequarters
The shoulder is attached to the upper arm at a 45-degree angle. The
flat, smooth shoulder blades provide free movement. The prosternum
(point of shoulder) angulation is in a proportion to allow for free
movement and extended reach, but not so much as to allow the elbows
to bow out.
FORELEGS -- The elbows are firm and tight, allowing for reach. They
are not so loose as to allow for elbowing out, not so tight as to
create toeing out. When viewed from all sides, the forelegs are
straight and parallel. They are set well under the body to allow for
a long and elegant step, in proportion to the size of the dog. The
strong, straight pasterns turn neither in nor out.
Body
The backline is level, with a slight arch over the loin. The back is
level and firm. The croup is rounded and relatively broad. It is
neither sunken at the withers nor roached over the loin. The chest
is well-developed, the brisket reaching to the point of the elbow.
The ribs are well-developed, but not barrel-shaped.
Faults: Sunken at the withers. Roached over the loin. Sunken (sway,
weak) back. Roached back.
Hindquarters
Hindquarter angulation is of proportionate depth to allow for a
strong driving rear. Serious faults: Straight hock. Over-angulated
hock.
HIND LEGS -- The upper thigh is straight and well muscled, giving
the impression of power. Muscular development is not so overdone as
to restrict free-flowing movement. The stifle is not obtuse or
over-angulated. When viewed from behind, the rear pasterns, from the
hock joint to the feet, are straight. The hocks turn neither in nor
out.
Serious fault: Cowhocks.
Feet
They have hare feet, webbed with strong, well-arched toes. Pads are
smooth and strong. Nails are black on dark dogs, light nails on dogs
with little foot pigmentation is acceptable. Hair on the feet of the
hairless variety is acceptable. Dewclaws may be removed from both
the front and the rear.
Tail
The tail is set on low. It is fine and long, reaching to the hock.
It may be carried gaily, but not over the back. The hairless variety
may have a moderate amount of coarse hair on the lower half of the
tail. A fully covered tail is required in the coated variety.
Coat and Skin
In mature specimens, the skin is clean, without any wrinkles or
dewlap. In young dogs, however, wrinkled skin is still present. Hair
may be of any color. There are two coat varieties, hairless and
coated. The characteristics of each are:
HAIRLESS VARIETY -- The principal characteristic of this variety is
the general absence of hair, but the presence of a wisp of short,
not very dense, hair on the forehead, nape, tail and feet is common.
This hair is not soft nor of great length. A very short crest of
hair on the top of the skull is acceptable. A total lack of hair in
these regions is desirable.
Serious fault: Hair on any other areas than the head, nape, tail,
and feet.
COATED VARIETY -- The hair is short and lays close to the body. A
fully coated tail is required on the coated variety.
Color
Any color combination is allowed.
Disqualification: Albinism.
Height and Weight
Height ranges, measured at the withers:
TOY -- up to, and including, 13 inches;
MINIATURE -- over 13 inches up to, and including, 18 inches ;
STANDARD -- over 18 inches up to, and including, 23 inches.
Gait
At a fast trot, movement is free and effortless. As speed increases
the dog will tend to single track, but the legs never do incline so
far that the feet travel in a single line.
Disqualifications
Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Extreme viciousness or shyness.
Albinism. Dogs over 23 inches in height. Cropped ears.
XCA
Xolo Standard
Xoloitzcuintli Club of America (XCA)
BREED STANDARD
REVISED STANDARD FOR THE XOLOITZCUINTLI
I. General Appearance
A dog of clean and graceful outline, equally combining elegance
and strength. There are two varieties, hairless and coated.
In the hairless variety, the principal characteristic is the
total, or almost total, absence of hair. In the coated variety,
the hair should be short and flat. In conformation, the Xolo is
lean and well-proportioned. The puppies do not resemble the adults
in that puppies are blunt-nosed, and short-legged, with wrinkled
skin; characteristics they may retain until approximately one year
of age. A good adult example is an animal somewhat quiet and
tranquil, barking or growling only under provocation. A calm dog
that is naturally happy and alert; not shy.
II. Size, Proportion, Substance
At the withers, height is as follows: Toy - up to and including 13
inches.
Miniature - over 13 inches, up to and including 18 inches.
Standard - over 18 inches, up to and including 23 inches.
The body is slightly longer than height, measuring from point of
shoulder
blade to the end of rump. Medium bone is desirable. However, bone
type
should be in proportion to the overall size of the dog. The larger
the dog,
the more bone acceptable, remembering that the breed exhibits an
overall
view of elegance and of strength.
III. Head
Expression is thoughtful and intelligent. Will show distinctive brow
wrinkles when at attention. The expression is of a vivacious animal,
conveying the noble and faithful character of this breed. Eyes
should be
almond-shaped, of medium size and neither sunken nor protruding. The
color
varies from yellow to black, the darker being preferred. Both eyes
of the
same color. The eye rims will be dark on dark colored dogs, light on
light
colored dogs. Ears are large, expressive, and elegant. Set medium
high and
carried erect when alert. The ear leather is to have a thin and
delicate
texture. Ears not standing erect at one year of age is a fault.
Cropping
is prohibited. Skull is wedge-shaped. Stop not pronounced. Muzzle
slightly
longer than the skull. Strong lower jaw. Jawline blends smoothly
into
muzzle. Nose is dark on dark colored dogs, light on light colored
dogs.
Lips are thin and tight. Bite is neither undershot or overshot. In
the
hairless variety, the absence of premolars is acceptable. Complete
set of
incisors preferred, but lack thereof not to penalized. In the coated
variety, full dentition is required.
IV. Neck, Topline and Body
Neck is long and slightly arched, blending smoothly into shoulders.
Skin
is to be without wrinkles or dewlap, though in young dogs, under one
year
of age, wrinkled skin may still be present. Topline is level, with a
slight
arch over the loin. Body is well developed. Brisket reaches to the
point of
the elbow. Ribs well sprung but not barrel shaped. Back is to be
level and
firm. Croup is rounded and relatively broad. Tail is set low, long
and
fine, and reaching to the hock. Carried in a graceful curve but not
over
the back when in motion. Held down in a relaxed position when the
dog is at rest.
V. Forequarters
Shoulders are long, sloping, well laid back, with flat, smooth
shoulder
blades, providing free movement. Elbows should be firm and tight,
allowing
for reach but neither so loose as to allow for elbowing out, nor so
tight as
to create toeing in or out. Legs are to be straight and parallel
when
viewed from all sides, set well under the body to allow for a long
and
elegant stride. Pasterns are strong and straight, turning neither in
nor
out. Feet are harefeet, webbed with well arched toes. Toenails are
to be
dark on dark colored dogs, light on light colored dogs. Dewclaws may
be removed.
VI. Hindquarters
Angulation of proportionate depth to allow for a strong driving
rear.
Neither straight at the point of the hock; nor so steep as to allow
for
weakness in the hock. Legs are to be straight and well muscled.
Stifle is
moderately bent. Hock joint is straight when viewed from the rear,
turning
neither in nor out. Dewclaws may be removed. Feet are same as front.
VII. Coat and Skin
The principal characteristic of the hairless variety is the absence
of hair
in general but the presence of a tuft of short, coarse and not very
dense
hair on the head and nape is acceptable. It is also common to have
similar
hair on the feet and the lower portion of the tail. Hair on areas
other
than the feet, head, nape and tail is a serious fault. Skin is
smooth and
firm. In the coated variety the hair is to be short and lay close to
the
body, completely covering all areas of the dog. The hair may be of
any
color. Moderate wrinkling on the heads of adult dogs is acceptable.
Long,
soft or wavy hair in either variety is a serious fault.
VIII. Color
Any solid color of combination of colors is allowed.
IX. Gait
A free and effortless fast trot. Legs will converge towards a center
line
as speed increases, but remains as double tracking movement.
X. Temperament
Happy, alert and intelligent. Timidness or aggressiveness is a
serious fault.
XCUSA
Xolo Standard
Xoloitzcuintle Club USA (XCUSA) used to support the FCI Xolo
standard, but revised their breed standard in 2006 to include coated
Xolos.
Breed Standard for the Hairless Xoloitzcuintle and Coated
Xoloitzcuintle
(Mexican Hairless Dog & Mexican Coated Dog)
Date of publication of this Standard: January 14, 2006
ORIGIN
Mexico
UTILIZATION
Standard: Watch Dog (AKC, Working Group)
Intermediate: Watch Dog (AKC, Non Sporting Group)
Miniature: Companion Dog (AKC, Toy Group)
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY
The origin of these dogs goes far back into history. The breed
was regarded as the earthly representative of the god "Xolotl," from
which the breed name obviously originates. Its task was to accompany
the souls of the dead to their eternal resting place. The breed is
also known by the name "Mexican Hairless Dog." The meat of the Xolo
was considered a delicacy and therefore this dog became increasingly
scarce, reaching a point of near extinction in the early1950s.
Federacion Canofila Mexicana began a registration and breeding
program for the Xolo on May 1, 1956.
GENETICS
The hairless gene is dominant in this breed. Although thought of
as a hairless breed, some puppies are born with a coat of hair. The
Coated Xoloitzcuintle is allowed for breeding and may be shown in
the conformation ring. The hairless to hairless breeding will
produce the least number of coated puppies, therefore this is
preferred. Coated to Coated breeding should not occur. It has been
proven that the breed can sustain and improve using only hairless to
hairless breeding, however, in consideration of the rarity of this
breed, and the difficulty that breeders in distant locations have in
finding breeding stock, the Coated Xolo may be used for breeding in
some cases, to continue producing and to provide genetic diversity.
When this is necessary, it is permitted. Xoloitzcuintle breeders
have made much progress, but in view of the very limited gene pool,
sound and very good quality Xoloitzcuintle should not be eliminated
from the breeding pool, including the Coated Xoloitzcuintle. Coated
breeding stock must come from registered parents with at least one
documented generation of hairless to hairless breeding and must be
registered to be used as breeding stock. The Coated Xoloitzcuintle
must not be given registration by visual inspection, at this time.
GENERAL APPEARANCE
HAIRLESS VARIETY
The Xoloitzcuintle is a very attractive dog with its most
important characteristic and peculiarity being the complete, or
almost complete, lack of hair. The skin should be smooth and soft.
The body has harmonious proportions, the chest is ample, ribs well
sprung, limbs and tail long.
COATED VARIETY
The Coated Xoloitzcuintle is a very attractive coated dog with
the same proportions as the Hairless variety. The body has
harmonious proportions, the chest is ample, ribs well sprung, limbs
and tail long.
SIZE, PROPORTION AND SUBSTANCE
a) Standard: 51-63 cm (20-25 inches)
b) Intermediate: 38-51 cm (15-20 inches)
c) Miniature: 25-38 cm (10-15 inches)
The Standard variety Xolo is 63 cm (25 inches) or under at the
highest point of the shoulders, with a minimum height of 51 cm (20
inches). Any Standard Xolo with more than a half inch deviation from
this shall be faulted.
The Intermediate variety Xolo is 5l cm (20 inches) or under at the
highest point of the shoulders, with a minimum height of 38 cm (15
inches). Any Intermediate Xolo with more than a half inch deviation
from this shall be faulted.
The Miniature variety Xolo is 38 cm (15 inches) or under at the
highest point of the shoulders, with a minimum height 25 cm (10
inches). Any Miniature Xolo with more than a half inch deviation
from this shall be faulted.
PROPORTIONS
The body is slightly longer than the height at the withers.
Approximately 10:9. The length of the body is measured from the
point of the shoulder to the point of rump and from the highest
point of the withers to the ground. Females may be slightly longer
than the males. Serious Fault: Long bodies with short limbs;
dwarfism.
HEAD
According to his "wolf" type, the Xoloitzcuintle skull is broad
and strong. From above, the head is wedge shaped. It is wide, strong
and elegant; tapering towards the muzzle. The occiput should not be
prominent. The depth, width and length and of skull should be
approximately equal. The length of the skull and the length of
muzzle should be approximately equal. Stop: Slight but well defined,
with skull and muzzle planes almost parallel.
FACIAL REGION
Nose: The nose should be dark in dark colored dogs, brown or
rose colored in blond and bronze colored dogs. A spotted nose is
allowed in spotted dogs.
Muzzle: Seen from side, straight; upper and lower jaws strongly
developed.
Lips: Tight and close fitting.
Cheeks: Slightly developed.
Teeth in the HAIRLESS Xolo: Incisors close tightly in a scissor bite
or even bite. Overshot, undershot or wry bite, as well as any other
anomaly in the position of the jaws, are disqualifications. Absence
of premolars is expected, and must not be penalized. Absence of some
front teeth or canine teeth should not be penalized, as not all Xolos have deeply rooted teeth.
Teeth in the COATED Xolo: Full dentition with scissor or even bite.
The coated Xolo with an overshot, undershot or wry, as well any
other anomaly in position of the jaws, are disqualifications.
Tongue: The Xolo tongue is generally pink but may have black
markings, spots or stripes. This is a characteristic of the breed,
most common in the Standard and Intermediate varieties.
Eyes: Medium sized and almond shaped, with alert and lively
expression. Color of eyes differs according to skin color and ranges
from black, coffee-brown, red-brown and amber to yellow. Eyes must
be the same color. Color of eyelids ranges from black to brown to
gray. Paler color or pink patches on the lids are permitted but not
desirable. Blue eyes or flecks of blue in the eyes are a
disqualification.
Ears, HAIRLESS Variety: The ears are long, large, expressive and
elegant with a fine texture, reminiscent of "bat" ears. They should
be held erect in an alerted state. In the alert position, their axis
should be 50-80 degrees in relation to a horizontal line. Cropped or
drop ears are to be disqualified. Due to the fine texture of the
ears, it is not uncommon for an ear to have notches. This should not
be penalized.
Ears, COATED Variety: The ears are long, large, expressive and
elegant. The ears of the Coated Xolo may be held erect, or they may
be down or tipped. Any position is acceptable. Both ears should be
held in the same position, when alert.
NECK
Upper Line: Slightly arched.
Length: Proportionally long with head held high.
Shape: Slim, flexible, well muscled and very elegant.
TOPLINE
Straight and level blending into the croup. Slight rise over the
loin is permitted. Dogs with arched or sunken backs are not
desirable.
UNDERLINE
The underline is elegantly marked, starting at the lower chest
and finishing at the abdomen. The abdomen is muscled and moderately
tucked up.
BODY
Sturdy and athletic build.
FOREQUARTERS
Chest: Seen in profile, the chest is deep and long, dropping
down to the elbows. The ribs are slightly sprung but never flat.
Seen from the front, the upper chest is of a good breadth but not
broad. The tip of the sternum should not protrude.
Front Legs: Seen from the front, legs are straight and
perpendicular, proportionate to the body and of a good length. The
shoulders are flat and muscled with a good scapula-humerus that
allows a long, free and elegant stride.
Shoulders: Flat and muscular. The adequate angulation of the
shoulder blade-upper arm joints permits free and elegant movement
and a long stride.
Elbows: Strong, fitting close to the chest wall, never turned
outwards.
Feet: The feet are medium length (hare's foot) with toes arched and
close together. Feet may have short bristly hair. Any nail
coloration is acceptable. Nails are short and usually black in black
colored dogs. In lighter colored and bronze colored dogs, nails are
lighter colored, even white. The foot pads are strong and resistant
to any terrain. Inter-digital membranes are well developed. Dew
claws may be removed.
HINDQUARTERS
Hindquarters: The upper profile of the hindquarters should be
slightly convex with an incline of approximately 40 degrees to the
horizontal. The rear should be strong and well-muscled with a
moderate bend of stifle.
Rear Legs: Seen from behind, the rear legs are perfectly straight
and parallel. The angle of pelvis to upper thigh joint, the stifle
and hock, is adequately open to permit free strong movement of the
hindquarters.
Loin: Strong and muscular.
Tail: The tail is long, thin and tapers from base to tip. It may
have some tufts of hair. In movement it is happily held up in a
curve, never drooping over the back. When resting, it should hang
with a slight curve at the end. Sometimes it is placed between the
legs which can be a sign of shyness, or caused by cold temperatures.
The tail should nearly reach the hock. The tail set should be an
extension of the topline when the dog is at rest. A docked tail is a
disqualification, unless it is as a result of an injury, verified by
a licensed veterinarian. A short tail is a fault.
COAT & SKIN
Skin: The skin on the neck is firm, elastic, yet close fitting
and without dewlap. Puppies show folds on the neck, which disappear
with increasing age. Flabby, loose or wrinkled skin is a fault in
adults.
Skin, HAIRLESS Variety: Due to a total absence of any hair on the
body, the skin of this breed is of great importance. The skin is
smooth and sensitive to touch and feels very warm because of its
lack of hair. The Hairless Xolo should not be penalized for skin
eruptions. Acne is common in Xolos, especially young dogs. Scars are
not penalized. The hairless dog tends to sweat through inter-digital
membranes, foot pads and skin areas and as such, tends to pant only
in extreme heat.
Skin, COATED Variety: The skin of the Coated Xolo should be the same
as the coated dog of any other breed.
Coat, HAIRLESS Variety: The characteristic of this breed is the lack
of hair, although there may be some short tufts of hair on the
forehead and back of the neck. This hair may be any color but should
not reach a length of more than an inch. The hair should never form
a long topknot of soft texture. It is common to find hairs on the
feet and at the end of the tail, however if they do not exist this
should not be penalized. Any Hairless dog with hair longer than 3 cm
(1 inch) is to be disqualified.
Coat, COATED Variety: The coated variety of the Xoloitzcuintle has a
complete coat of short hair. The coat can be of any color or
combination of colors. Length of coat should be short to medium;
short being preferred, with a single coat of medium texture, similar
to that of a Smooth Coat Chihuahua. Coat must be uniform in density
and texture over the entire body. The coated Xolo can be expected to
have very little hair on its belly and inside the rear legs.
Color of Skin, HAIRLESS Variety: Solid, uniform and dark colors are
preferable. There are variants from black, dark gray, light gray,
red, liver, bronze, brown, dark brown, brindle, and blond. White
markings and tri-color are permitted. Albinism is a
disqualification.
Color of Hair, COATED Variety: The Coated Xoloitzcuintle can have
hair any color or combination of colors.
GAIT / MOVEMENT
With correctly balanced angles the Xolo moves with long, elegant
and flexible strides; at a fast trot a Xolo should unfold
gracefully, head held above the topline.
BEHAVIOR/TEMPERAMENT
An alarm dog, the Xolo is aloof and suspicious toward strangers.
The Xolo is a calm, quiet dog; cheerful, attentive and alert, a good
watchdog, and an excellent pet. Aggressiveness is a serious fault.
FAULTS
Any deviation from the aforementioned criteria must be
considered a fault.
Aggressive character
Hair in non-specified regions, on the HAIRLESS variety
Body very long with short legs
Eyes round or protruding
Very broad head
Tail tightly curled over the back
Short tail
Slack, loose or wrinkled body skin on adults
Excessive dewlap
Deviation of more than a half inch from specified size is a
serious fault
- Standard variety: under 51 cm, over 64 cm (under 20 in, over 25
in)
- Intermediate variety: under 38 cm, over 51 cm (under 15 in, over
20 in)
- Miniature variety: under 25 cm, over 38 cm (under 10 in, over 15
in)
DISQUALIFYING FAULTS
Hair on any part of the Hairless Xolo's body other than the
head, ears, back of
neck, feet and tail. Allowed hair not to exceed 3 cm (1 inch) in
length.
Overshot, undershot or wry bite
Tail docked to any length (except due to injury)
Cropped, tipped, or dropped ears in the HAIRLESS Xolo
Blue eyes or blue flecks in the eyes
Albinism
Monorchid or Cryptorchid. N.B. Males should have two
apparently normal testicles that have completely
dropped into the scrotum.
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