XOLOITZCUINTLI CLUB OF AMERICA

Breed OriginsBreed Origins

In 1785 the Naturalist, Buffon, reports the following information:In 1785 the Naturalist, Buffon, reports the following information:

““The first and largest of these American dogs is called Xoloitzquintli. The first and largest of these American dogs is called Xoloitzquintli.

He is often three cubits long; and what is remarkable, he is totallyHe is often three cubits long; and what is remarkable, he is totally

Destitute of hair, and only covered with a soft close skin marked Destitute of hair, and only covered with a soft close skin marked

with yellow and spots.”with yellow and spots.”

According to Glover M. Allen in “Dogs of the American Aborigines,According to Glover M. Allen in “Dogs of the American Aborigines,

1920, the first account of the Mexican Hairless Dog by a European, 1920, the first account of the Mexican Hairless Dog by a European,

seems to be that of Francisco Hernandez. (1514-1578). seems to be that of Francisco Hernandez. (1514-1578).

Breed Origins Breed Origins cont.cont.

““A dog of medium size, rather heavily built, and long bodied inA dog of medium size, rather heavily built, and long bodied in

proportion to its height; ears large and erect; tail thick, drooping, proportion to its height; ears large and erect; tail thick, drooping,

or carried nearly straight behind; hair nearly absent except for a or carried nearly straight behind; hair nearly absent except for a

few coarse vibrassae and generally a sparse coating on the tail, few coarse vibrassae and generally a sparse coating on the tail,

particularly near the tip; sometimes a tuft on the crown.particularly near the tip; sometimes a tuft on the crown.

Breed Origins Breed Origins cont.cont.

The Xoloitzcuintli is now known to be one of the world’s oldest and rarest breeds, with statues identical to the hairless variety dating back over 3,000 years. These clay and ceramic effigies have been found in tombs of the Mayan, Colima and Aztec Indians. Xolos were considered sacred dogs by the Aztecs (and also Toltecs, Mayans and some other groups) because they believed the dogs were needed by their masters’ souls to help them safely through the underworld,. The Aztecs deeply revered the Xolo and believed the breed to have mystical healing abilities.

The Xoloitzcuintli Club of AmericaThe Xoloitzcuintli Club of America

The Official AKC Parent clubThe Official AKC Parent club

Formed in 1986, the Xoloitzcuintli Club of America has Formed in 1986, the Xoloitzcuintli Club of America has granted equal privileges to all three sizes and both varieties as granted equal privileges to all three sizes and both varieties as

part of their effort to regain the AKC’s recognition status.part of their effort to regain the AKC’s recognition status.

The Xoloitzcuintli became eligible for Performance and The Xoloitzcuintli became eligible for Performance and Companion events in 2007, entered the Miscellaneous Companion events in 2007, entered the Miscellaneous

class January 1, 2009, and will achieve regular status class January 1, 2009, and will achieve regular status

as of January 1, 2011.as of January 1, 2011.

General AppearanceGeneral Appearance

The Xolo is an ancient, natural breed, molded by The Xolo is an ancient, natural breed, molded by

evolution rather than evolution rather than selective breeding. breeding. A Xolo is A Xolo is moderate in all aspects of type and conformation, moderate in all aspects of type and conformation,

never extreme or overdone. never extreme or overdone. Today the breed serves as a guard Today the breed serves as a guard and companion. The Xolo and companion. The Xolo possesses a clean, graceful outline, possesses a clean, graceful outline, equally combining elegance equally combining elegance and strength. and strength.

VarietiesVarieties

There are two varieties, hairless and coated; identical except There are two varieties, hairless and coated; identical except for coat and dentition.for coat and dentition.

In the hairless variety, the principal In the hairless variety, the principal characteristic is the total or almost characteristic is the total or almost

total absence of hair.total absence of hair.

VarietiesVarieties

The coated variety is covered by short, flat coat. The coated variety is covered by short, flat coat.

ConformationConformation

In conformation, all three sizes are lean, sturdy, well muscled In conformation, all three sizes are lean, sturdy, well muscled

with a spacious ribcage, and moderate bone.with a spacious ribcage, and moderate bone.

The Xolo outline is rectangular, The Xolo outline is rectangular, and the distance from the elbow and the distance from the elbow to the ground is equal to, or to the ground is equal to, or slightly greater than the slightly greater than the distance from the withers to distance from the withers to the elbow. the elbow.

TemperamentTemperament

Typical Xolo temperament Typical Xolo temperament is calm, tranquil, aloof, and is calm, tranquil, aloof, and attentive.attentive.

Size, Proportion, SubstanceSize, Proportion, Substance Height is measured at the highest point of the withers. Height is measured at the highest point of the withers.

Dogs less than 10 inches or over 24 inches are Disqualified.Dogs less than 10 inches or over 24 inches are Disqualified.

TOY:TOY:

Height at withers at least 10 inches, and up to Height at withers at least 10 inches, and up to and including 14 inches. and including 14 inches.

Size, Proportion, Substance, Size, Proportion, Substance, cont.cont.

MINIATURE:MINIATURE:

Height at withers over 14 inches, and up to Height at withers over 14 inches, and up to and including 18 inches. and including 18 inches.

Size, Proportion, Substance, Size, Proportion, Substance, cont.cont.

STANDARD:STANDARD:

Height at withers over 18 inches, and up to Height at withers over 18 inches, and up to and including 23 inches. and including 23 inches.

Dogs less than 10 inches, Dogs less than 10 inches,

or over 24 inches are or over 24 inches are

disqualifieddisqualified

Size, Proportion, Substance, Size, Proportion, Substance, cont.cont.

The body is slightly longer than the height, in a 9:10 ratioThe body is slightly longer than the height, in a 9:10 ratio

measured from the point of the shoulder blade to the end of the measured from the point of the shoulder blade to the end of the

rump. rump.

Medium, oval bone is desirable. Medium, oval bone is desirable.

All three sizes exhibit moderately balanced proportions, and All three sizes exhibit moderately balanced proportions, and

appear strong, sturdy, and well covered with smooth, flat appear strong, sturdy, and well covered with smooth, flat muscle,muscle,

but never coarse, heavy, or over-muscled. but never coarse, heavy, or over-muscled.

HeadHead

Expression: Thoughtful and intelligent, vivacious, conveying Expression: Thoughtful and intelligent, vivacious, conveying

the noble and faithful character of the breed. Will show the noble and faithful character of the breed. Will show distinctive brow wrinkles when at attention.distinctive brow wrinkles when at attention.

Head Head cont. cont. EYES: Almond shaped, medium size, neither sunken nor protruding.EYES: Almond shaped, medium size, neither sunken nor protruding.

The color varies from yellow to black, the darker being preferred,The color varies from yellow to black, the darker being preferred,

but lighter color is acceptable. Both eyes must be of the same color. but lighter color is acceptable. Both eyes must be of the same color.

The eye rims may be less pigmented on light colored dogs. Light or The eye rims may be less pigmented on light colored dogs. Light or

spotted eye rims are tolerated but not preferred.spotted eye rims are tolerated but not preferred.

EARS: Large, elegant, and expressive, a thin delicate texture, EARS: Large, elegant, and expressive, a thin delicate texture,

tapering to a rounded tip. Ears are set high and carried stronglytapering to a rounded tip. Ears are set high and carried strongly

erect when alert. erect when alert.

Ears not standing erect by one year of age is a fault. The Xolo Ears not standing erect by one year of age is a fault. The Xolo

should never exhibit ear fringe. Cropping is prohibited.should never exhibit ear fringe. Cropping is prohibited.

DisqualificationsDisqualifications

Xolos under 10 or over 24 inches in Xolos under 10 or over 24 inches in heightheight

Head Head cont.cont.

Skull is wedge-shaped when see from above, wide and strong, Skull is wedge-shaped when see from above, wide and strong,

gradually tapering to the muzzle. gradually tapering to the muzzle.

Excessively wide or narrow heads Excessively wide or narrow heads

are a fault. Skull and muzzle planesare a fault. Skull and muzzle planes

are parallel. Stop is not pronounced. are parallel. Stop is not pronounced.

Muzzle is longer than skull, straight Muzzle is longer than skull, straight

when viewed in profile. The lower when viewed in profile. The lower

jaw is strong and well developed, jaw is strong and well developed,

free from throatiness.free from throatiness.

Head Head cont.cont.

NOSE: Dark on dark colored dogs, lighter on light colored dogs. NOSE: Dark on dark colored dogs, lighter on light colored dogs.

Lips are thin and tight. Lips are thin and tight.

Head Head cont.cont.

BITE: Scissors bite. In the hairless variety, the absence of pre-BITE: Scissors bite. In the hairless variety, the absence of pre-

molars is acceptable. Complete set of incisors preferred but lack molars is acceptable. Complete set of incisors preferred but lack

thereof is not to be penalized. In the coated variety, complete thereof is not to be penalized. In the coated variety, complete

dentition is required. dentition is required.

Neck, Topline, BodyNeck, Topline, Body

Neck is long, elegant, slightly arched, blending smoothly into theNeck is long, elegant, slightly arched, blending smoothly into the

shoulders. In dogs less than one year of age, wrinkled skin mayshoulders. In dogs less than one year of age, wrinkled skin may

be present. In adults the skin on the neck is smooth and dry, be present. In adults the skin on the neck is smooth and dry,

without wrinkles. without wrinkles.

Topline is level with slight archTopline is level with slight arch

over the loin. Body is well over the loin. Body is well

developed. The brisket shoulddeveloped. The brisket should

reach to point of elbow.reach to point of elbow.

Neck, Topline, Body Neck, Topline, Body cont.cont.

The ribcage is deep and oval, of good length, with sufficientThe ribcage is deep and oval, of good length, with sufficient

ribspring to produce a rounded shape, but never barrel shaped.ribspring to produce a rounded shape, but never barrel shaped.

Tail is set low continuing smoothly Tail is set low continuing smoothly

off the angle of the croup, long and off the angle of the croup, long and

fine reaching to the hock. When the fine reaching to the hock. When the

dog is moving the tail is carried in a dog is moving the tail is carried in a

graceful curve, but not over the back. graceful curve, but not over the back.

It is held down in a relaxed positionIt is held down in a relaxed position

when the dog is at rest. A short or when the dog is at rest. A short or

curled tail is a serious fault.curled tail is a serious fault.

ForequartersForequartersShoulders are covered with smooth muscle, long and sloping. ShoulderShoulders are covered with smooth muscle, long and sloping. Shoulderblades are flat and well laid back. Upper arm, blades are flat and well laid back. Upper arm, (humerus) is equal or slightly longer than the (humerus) is equal or slightly longer than the scapula, angled to place the forelegs well under scapula, angled to place the forelegs well under the body.the body.

Elbows are firm and tight, allowing for reach but Elbows are firm and tight, allowing for reach but not so loose as to allow for elbowing out, nor so not so loose as to allow for elbowing out, nor so tight as to create toeing in or out.tight as to create toeing in or out.

Legs are long, straight, and parallel when viewed Legs are long, straight, and parallel when viewed from all sides, set well under the body to allow a from all sides, set well under the body to allow a long stride. Pasterns are flexible, strong and long stride. Pasterns are flexible, strong and straight, turning neither in nor out.straight, turning neither in nor out.

Forequarters Forequarters cont.cont.

FEET: FEET: Harefeet, webbed, with well arched toes. Thin soft pads, Harefeet, webbed, with well arched toes. Thin soft pads,

splayed feet, or rounded feet are a serious fault. Toe nails are to be splayed feet, or rounded feet are a serious fault. Toe nails are to be

dark on dark colored dogs, light on light colored dogs. Dewclaws maydark on dark colored dogs, light on light colored dogs. Dewclaws may

be removed.be removed.

Hindquarters Hindquarters The Xolo possesses moderate rear angulation, in balance with theThe Xolo possesses moderate rear angulation, in balance with the

forequarters.forequarters.

The bones of the first and second thigh are The bones of the first and second thigh are

approximately equal in length and the combinedapproximately equal in length and the combined

angle should place the front edge of the back paw angle should place the front edge of the back paw

directly under the rear most point of the pelvis directly under the rear most point of the pelvis

with the hock perpendicular.with the hock perpendicular.

Legs are straight and well muscled. Stifle is Legs are straight and well muscled. Stifle is

moderately bent. Hocks are short, sturdy, and moderately bent. Hocks are short, sturdy, and

straight, turning neither in nor out. Dewclaws straight, turning neither in nor out. Dewclaws

may be removed. Feet are the same as the front may be removed. Feet are the same as the front

feet.feet.

CoatCoat

The principal characteristic of the hairless The principal characteristic of the hairless

variety, is the absence of hair, however, a small variety, is the absence of hair, however, a small

amount of short, coarse hair is permitted on the amount of short, coarse hair is permitted on the

top of the head, the feet, and the last third of the top of the head, the feet, and the last third of the

tail to the tip. The absence of hair in those areas tail to the tip. The absence of hair in those areas

is not to be penalized.is not to be penalized.

Hair on any other areas is a serious fault. Hair Hair on any other areas is a serious fault. Hair

may be any color. The skin is tough, protective, may be any color. The skin is tough, protective,

smooth and close fitting. Moderate head wrinkles smooth and close fitting. Moderate head wrinkles

are permitted but loose or wrinkled skin on theare permitted but loose or wrinkled skin on the

body is a fault.body is a fault.

Coat Coat cont.cont.

The coated variety is completely covered with a short, smooth, The coated variety is completely covered with a short, smooth,

close fitting coat. Long, soft, or wavy hair is a serious fault in close fitting coat. Long, soft, or wavy hair is a serious fault in

either variety.either variety.

Color Color

A dark uniform color is preferred, ranging from black, gray A dark uniform color is preferred, ranging from black, gray

black, slate, to red, liver or bronze, although white spots andblack, slate, to red, liver or bronze, although white spots and

markings are permitted.markings are permitted.

Color (coated variety)Color (coated variety)

GaitGait

The movement is free and effortless at a fast trot, with good reachThe movement is free and effortless at a fast trot, with good reach

and drive. Legs will converge towards a center line of gravity asand drive. Legs will converge towards a center line of gravity as

speed increases.speed increases.

DisqualificationsDisqualifications

Xolos under 10 or over 24 inches in height, measured at the Xolos under 10 or over 24 inches in height, measured at the

highest point at the withers. highest point at the withers.

Cropped ears.Cropped ears.

The AKC Xoloitzcuintli Standard: Approved 2004. EffectiveThe AKC Xoloitzcuintli Standard: Approved 2004. Effective

January 1, 2009.January 1, 2009.

Original material in this presentation is copyright protected and may not beOriginal material in this presentation is copyright protected and may not be

reproduced without the permission of the Xoloitzcuintli Club of America.reproduced without the permission of the Xoloitzcuintli Club of America.