AKC Breed Standard

Accepted June 20, 2004 - Effective January 1, 2009

I.     General Appearance: 
The Xolo is an ancient, natural breed, molded by evolution rather than selective breeding. A Xolo is moderate in all aspects of type and conformation, never extreme or overdone. Today the breed serves as a guard and companion. The Xolo possesses a clean, graceful outline, equally combining elegance and strength. There are two varieties, hairless and coated, identical except for coat and dentition. In the hairless variety, the principal characteristic is the total or almost total absence of hair. The coated variety is covered by a short, flat coat. In conformation, all three sizes are lean, sturdy, well muscled with a spacious ribcage, and moderate bone. The Xolo outline is rectangular, and the distance from the elbow to ground is equal to, or slightly greater than the distance from the withers to the elbow. Typical Xolo temperament is calm, tranquil, aloof and attentive.

II.    Size, Proportion, Substance: 
Height is measured at the highest point of the withers. 
Toy: Height at withers at least ten, and up to and including 14 inches.
 Miniature: Height at withers over 14 inches, and up to and including 18 inches.
 Standard: Height at withers over 18 inches, and up to and including 23 inches.
 Dogs less than 10 inches, or over 24 inches are disqualified.

The body is slightly longer than height, in a 9/10 ratio measured from the point of the shoulder blade to the end of the rump. Medium, oval shaped bone is desirable. All three sizes exhibit moderately balanced proportions, and appear strong, sturdy, and well covered with smooth, flat muscle, but never coarse, heavy or over-muscled.

III.   Head
Expression: Thoughtful and intelligent, vivacious, conveying the noble and faithful character of the breed, will show distinctive brow wrinkles when at attention. Eyes are almond shaped, medium size, neither sunken nor protruding. The color varies from yellow to black, the darker being preferred, 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 spotted eye rims are tolerated but not preferred. Ears Large, elegant and expressive, a thin delicate texture, tapering to a rounded tip. Ears are set high and carried strongly erect when alert. Ears not standing erect by one year of age are a fault. The Xolo should never exhibit ear fringe. Cropping is prohibited. Skull is wedge shaped, when seen from above, wide and strong, gradually tapering to the muzzle. Excessively wide or narrow heads are a fault. Skull and muzzle planes are parallel. Stop is not pronounced. Muzzle: is longer than skull, straight when viewed in profile. The lower jaw is strong and well developed, free from throatiness. Nose is dark on dark colored dogs, lighter on light colored dogs. Lips are thin and tight. Bite: Scissors bite. In the hairless variety, the absence of premolars is acceptable. Complete set of incisors preferred but lack thereof is not to be penalized. In the coated variety, complete dentition is required.

IV.   Neck, Topline, Body: 
Neck is long, elegant, slightly arched, blending smoothly into the shoulders. In dogs less than one year of age, wrinkled skin may be present. In adults, the skin on the neck is smooth and dry, without wrinkles. Topline is level with slight arch over loin. Body is well developed. The brisket should reach to point of elbow. The ribcage is deep and oval, of good length, with sufficient ribspring to produce a rounded shape, but never barrel shaped. The loin is muscular, with a smooth underline showing a slight tuck up. Back is level and firm. Croup is well muscled, slightly rounded, and broad. It should not be flat or steeply angled. Tail is set low, continuing smoothly off the angle of the croup, long and fine, reaching to the hock. When the dog is moving, the tail is carried in a graceful curve, but not over the back. It is held down in a relaxed position when the dog is at rest. A short or curled tail is a serious fault.

 V.    Forequarters: 
Shoulders are covered with smooth muscle, long and sloping. Shoulder blades are flat and well laid back. Upper Arm (humerus) is equal or slightly longer than scapula, angled to place the forelegs well under the body. Elbows are firm and tight, allowing for reach but not so loose to as to allow for elbowing out, nor so tight as to create toeing in or out. Legs are long, straight, and parallel, when viewed from all sides, set well under the body to allow a long stride. Pasterns are flexible, strong and straight, turning neither in nor out. Feet are harefeet, webbed, with well-arched toes. Thin soft pads, splayed feet or rounded feet are a serious fault. Toenails are to be dark on dark colored dogs, light on light colored dogs. Dewclaws may be removed.

 VI.   Hindquarters: 
The Xolo possesses moderate rear angulation, in balance with the forequarters. The bones of the first and second thigh are approximately equal in length, and the combined angle should place the front edge of the back paw directly under the rearmost point of the pelvis with the hock perpendicular. Legs are straight and well muscled. Stifle is moderately bent. Hocks are short, sturdy and straight, turning neither in nor out. Dewclaws may be removed. Feet are the same as the front feet.

VII.  Coat: 
The principal characteristic of the hairless variety is the absence of hair, however a small amount of short, coarse hair is permitted on the top of the head, the feet, and the last third of the tail to the tip. The absence of hair in those areas is not to be penalized. Hair on any other areas is a serious fault. Hair may be any color. The skin is tough, protective, smooth and close fitting. Moderate head wrinkles are permitted but loose or wrinkled skin on the body is a fault. The coated variety is completely covered with a short, smooth, close fitting coat. Long, soft or wavy hair is a serious fault in either variety.

VIII.Color: 
A dark, uniform color is preferred, ranging from black, gray black, slate, to red, liver or bronze, although white spots and markings are permitted.

 IX.   Gait: 
The movement is a free and effortless at a fast trot, with good reach and drive. Legs will converge towards a centerline of gravity as speed increases.

 X.    Temperament: 
Typical Xolo temperament is calm, tranquil, aloof and attentive.

 Disqualifications


Xolos under ten or over24 inches in height, measured at the highest point of the withers. Cropped ears.

 WHAT I WOULD LIKE JUDGES TO KNOW. . . .

(from Mrs. Kathy Lawson, Judges’ Education Coordinator for the Xoloitzcuintli Club of America (the AKC-sanctioned Parent Club)

 1.     The Xoloitzcuintli is a primitive breed – not created nor manipulated by Man until recently.  Most especially this is not a breed that was designed for a purpose, neither as a hunting dog, nor as a companion dog.  Circumstances allowed natives to capitalize on the dog’s natural abilities – as a watchdog/early warning system, and at a very basic level. . . . .as food.

 2.     At first glance, a primitive moderate balanced and graceful animal is what should be seen.

 3.     From the tip of its nose to the end of its tail, the Xolo should be a series of graceful curves – smooth transitions with no sharp corners nor dramatic rises or falls.  Nothing should distract the eye from the overall grace of the animal. 

 4.     All three sizes are judged by the SAME STANDARD – whether Toy, Miniature or Standard, the angles, muscling, head and tail should all be the same.  It is more difficult to breed a correct Toy head, but nonetheless that is what is required. 

 Now starting with the head, it should be a wedge from the side and the top – that does NOT mean a triangle.  There should be fill from under the eyes to the muzzle – no chiseling, thus creating a solid wedge.  When viewed from the side, a slight stop rather than well-defined – again keeping to the solid wedge look.  Muzzle is to be LONGER than skull – visibly longer!  Ears need to be erect by the time they are a year old – and should be large and expressive.  The correct earset is with the tips of the ears at eleven and one o’clock.  Large ears are highly desirable, especially correctly held.  The large, expressive ears are also exceedingly mobile – an evolutionary advantage in the jungle to enhance hearing.  Unlike most other breeds, Xolos can – and often do – have ears at completely different positions, ie. one up, and one back, or one folded to the side, while the other is completely forward.  A well-developed underjaw without excessive skin around the mouth is correct.  A bad bite, including undershot, overshot or wry, is a fault – even if the dog is missing teeth, the jaws must be aligned correctly. Although the standard says that full dentition is required in the coated, since most coated are the result of hairless to hairless breedings – it’s not uncommon to have missing premolars.  If the coated that is missing teeth excels in all other breed-type features. . . . .it is still worthy of consideration, especially since coateds have only recently been allowed (and only in the US) into the show ring. 

 The head should blend smoothly into the neck with a natural arch, not one created by handling.  Well-placed and well-angled shoulders will create a nice length of neck.  There should not be an abrupt angle where the neck meets the body, again it should flow smoothly.  Correctly placed shoulders properly angled to place the forelegs under the body can be difficult to find, and should be rewarded when possible.  There should be fill between the front legs, muscled not fat, and front legs should be strong and straight. The brisket should reach to the point of elbow, from the side – neither barreled nor slabsided – but with sufficient spring and heartroom, a deep and oval ribcage.

 The topline on a Xolo can be a bit confusing. . . . .  The back portion of the topline (from withers to the last rib) should be straight to the horizontal.  The loin, from the last rib to the croup, should have a slight flexible rise.  The croup should be at the same level as the withers – neither high in the withers, nor in the croup.  Extending from the croup, without any hard angles, is where the tail should be set – continuing that graceful curve following out behind the dog.   Rear angulation should be moderate – sufficient bend and length of stifle for the dog to stack with the hocks perpendicular to the ground and feet on the ground, rather than standing “on tippy toes”.  Overall build of the dog should be consistent throughout – neither lighter nor heavier in front or in rear.  Again moderate is the best description of the Xoloitzcuintli.

 The Xoloitzcuintli movement is an effortless, ground-covering trot – with free reach and drive. . . . .in ALL THREE SIZES.  The Toy may be smaller – but still has the same ground-covering movement, with reach and drive.  The topline while moving should exhibit strength, and the flexible rise of the loin may flatten at a full clip.  As the dog increases in speed, the head may lower and the topline corresponding flatten out.

 As to skin, coat and color – all colors are acceptable – dark and solid colors are preferred.  The other colors should not be penalized.  An overall solid matte colored dog is unlikely – since these dogs acquire their coloration from tanning the way people do, there should be gradation of color under the tail, and under the elbows as well as a few other areas.  There is only ONE acceptable coat type – short, smooth and close-fitting.  A correctly coated Xolo will often appear hairless from a distance.  The skin of the Xolo is actually hide – not a patent-leather, shiny finish.  One of the main differences between Xolos and Chinese Cresteds is the quality of the skin – it is far more durable and less inclined to scratches and injury in the Xoloitzcuintli. 

 The temperament of the Xoloitzcuintli, not unlike that of other primitive breeds, is seldom open and friendly.  Far more often you will find them to be aloof, and wary of strangers.  Aggression is neither normal, nor tolerated – but don’t be dismayed by a disinterested attitude.

 In closing, some important things to keep in mind:

STANDARDS ARE JUDGED ONLY ON THE GROUND;

MINIATURES AND TOYS ARE JUDGED ONLY ON THE TABLE.

 As a primitive breed, they were either the hunter or the hunted – consequently, movement is crucial.  A well-built Xolo should be able to cover ground effortlessly, with balance and grace. 

 REMEMBER:

THREE SIZES, TWO COATS;

ONE BREED STANDARD

ONE BREED!!!

EVALUATING THE XOLOITZCUINTLI

by Kay Lawson, JEC - XCA

 The Xoloitzcuintli is a study in balanced moderation.  It’s very important to remember where these dogs come from.  They were not molded by the hand of Man to work, or fetch or comfort – although they excel at all of those.  Created by Nature’s force, they still retain the cunning and intelligence of what most certainly was the wild canid of the area.  All three sizes are noteworthy hunters, anticipatory thinkers, and give heart and soul to whatever desire drives them.  In today’s world, that is what makes them devoted guardians, unrivaled performers, and extraordinarily good family pets for those who invest the time and effort it takes to breed true type and raise quality puppies.  The indigenous people who discovered them living in the jungles did not take these dogs and change them.  They accepted the dogs as they were and considered them part of the deities they worshipped.  Instead of taking one special trait and breeding dogs to capitalize on that (as with many other breeds), the Indians allowed the breed to become “every dog” – hunter, retriever, herder, laborer, guardian and companion.  From the tip of their nose to the end of their tail, the Xolo should be a moderate balanced dog the way Nature intended it to be.  Xolos must be able to move effortlessly, not over-muscled and heavy nor over-light and weedy.  They must have stamina and determination.  Their essence should still reflect the primitive dogs that they are.  Their bodies should flow from one soft curve to another, without any hard angles or edges, without undue rise or fall.  Front angles should be balanced and equal to rear angles.  The width of the dog in the front should be the same as the width of the dog in the back. 

The head on a Xolo should match the size of the dog’s body.  It should be a wedge shape; the muzzle should appear to be slightly longer than the skull without a pronounced stop.  Some cushioning on the muzzle allows for a true wedge when seen from the front.  Eyes should be almond shaped and obliquely set – reflecting again the primitive dog.  The ears should be large, elegant and expressive – Xolo ears often move independent of each other, since as both predator and prey in the wild they need to maintain constant awareness of their surroundings.  In young dogs the ears may not be fully up, however by one year our standard requires that they can be held erect. When the ears are carried fully erect, they make the wrinkling on the forehead pronounced which adds to the intelligent inquisitive look typical of the Xoloitzcuintli.  Excessively wide or narrow heads are a fault.  The bite should be scissors, with correct alignment even in dogs missing teeth.  Lack of under jaw detracts from the strong primitive functionality necessary in this breed.  A bulky head with excessive muscling is not correct – these dogs are primitive and do not hearken back to the Molossian dogs of the ancients.  The nose and eyes should be colored to match the dog, dark preferred.  Loose skin around the muzzle, dewlap or anything suggesting it is not correct. 

The correct Xolo exhibits a strong, slightly arched neck, smoothly muscled and well-set into laid-back shoulders blending into the body without any hint of a 90 degree angle. The back should be level and firm; the topline should be level with a slight arch – only over the loin.  The length of body – since the Xolo is to be longer than tall – should be primarily in the ribcage, never in the loin. The correct proportion of length to height is 10 to 9 – visually rectangular, but not overwhelmingly so.  Viewed from the front, they should exhibit a sturdy frame with enough fill in front to prevent any hint of “cathedral” chest.  The bones should be oval for strength.  The shoulders should be long, sloping and covered with smooth muscle.  They should lay flat to the body and be well-laid back.  The legs should be long and straight from the side, and set well under the body.  Pasterns are flexible and strong, continuing in a straight line to the foot.  A modified hare foot with well-arched toes is the ideal – splay feet or round feet are a fault.  Dewclaws may be removed but in keeping with the primitive and natural heritage of this breed may also be retained (in the front only).  When viewed from the side, the long sloping shoulder should be equal in length to the upper arm in the ideal dog.  The ribcage should extend to the point of the elbow.  The ribcage should be oval for heart and lung room, and constitute the great proportion of the dog’s overall length.  A slight muscular tuck-up is desired – it should never resemble that seen in a sighthound.  The rear quarters should balance with the forequarters – both angles should match.  The croup should be well-muscled and slightly rounded, with the tail as a continuation of the spine and following the rounded part of the coup – effectively set on below the topline.  A moderately bent stifle accompanies a moderate length of second thigh – they should be nearly equal in length.  The hocks are short, sturdy, strong and straight – when properly stacked or the dog standing naturally, there should be a straight vertical line from the rearmost point of the buttocks to the toe of the rear foot.  The dog should always stand with his hock perpendicular to the ground – a correctly stacked Xolo will not stand with his hock extended, whether to level the topline or give an impression of greater body length.  The tail should be long enough reach to the hock.  It can be carried down at rest, and carried at a graceful curve (between 2 and 4 o’clock) when in motion.  The tail should never be carried completely over the back and a short and/or curled tail is a serious fault. 

The outer covering of a hairless Xoloitzcuintli is NOT skin – it is a true hide, as seen in all hairless wild animals.  It was a product of the evolutionary changes in the breed and is meant to protect the dog.  It is tough and resilient; it actually produces an oil that repels insects and is a natural sunblock.  Puppies and young dogs may have wrinkled body skin – adults should not exhibit that wrinkling.  Adolescent acne is often seen in younger dogs and should not extend into adulthood.  Hairless Xolos may have some body hair – usually seen on the head, feet and tail.  It is coarse, short and should be in keeping with the color of the dog.    A dark uniform color is preferred, white spots and markings are permitted.  The red Xolo was historically revered by the Mayans and other indigenous people, who considered this dog the soul guide to the afterlife.  In that tone, another special trait not often seen is the dark dog with light colored toenails.  That was thought to be something the soul could see more easily.  The Xoloitzcuintli has enough melanin in their skin to acquire a suntan when the weather permits.  Consequently, there is no such thing as a totally solid matte colored dog.  They will exhibit the same shadings as people – i.e., under the front legs, on the belly, and anywhere not readily available to get sun. 

There is only one acceptable correct type of coat in the coated Xoloitzcuintli – short, dense, smooth and close-fitting.  In the wintertime, the coat may be somewhat thicker – but it still remains close-fitting and tightly covering the dog.  It is typical to see an iridescent shine in these coats.  As to length, density and texture – running spread fingers backward through the coat will allow you to evaluate length and density. A long coat or a dense undercoat is not desirable.  Some of the colors seen in the modern Xoloitzcuintli are probably the result of cross-breeding over the three thousand year history of the breed.  We have no disqualification for color, but remember that dark is preferred.  If a Xoloitzcuintli appears to be of another breed – whether by conformation or color, it is lacking in correct true Xolo type.

The Xoloitzcuintli currently comes in three sizes:  Toy – 10 up to and including 14” in height, Miniature over 14” and up to and including 18” in height; and Standards over 18” and up to and including 23” in height.  Dogs under 10” or over 24” are disqualified.  Because of the use of other breeds to create from this natural dog of moderate size both a Toy and a Standard variety, bone weight is also a consideration.  Toys will be finer boned, Standards may carry a bit heavier bone – however all three sizes should be a strong and sturdy athletic dog.