Mexico is known for many things, but its dog breeds often get overlooked.
There are 5 Mexican dog breeds worth paying attention to, all of which are dogs native to Mexico
While only five breeds arenât as many as somewhere like France or the UK, what Mexico lacks in numbers of native dog breeds it more than makes up in the quality and uniqueness of those breeds.
So here are the top 5 Mexican dogs:
Each comes with its unique selling points, so if youâve been thinking about getting a new dog, why not get a Mexican breed?
1. XOLOITZCUINTLI (Mexican Hairless Dog)
![5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 2 Xoloitzcuintli dog photographed on white background](https://cdn-0.dogbreedsfaq.com/wp-content/uploads/Xoloitzcuintli-dog-photographed-on-white-background.jpg)
Highlights: Alert, Brave, Loyal
Nothing says Mexican dogs like the name Xoloitzcuintli or Xolo for short. The breed is also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog because, you guessed it, it has no fur. However, versions do exist with coats, but hairless is the standard.
The Xolo can trace its ancestry back to the Aztecs, which is also the reason for its name.
Xoloitzcuintli[1]= Xolotl, the god of lightning and death + itzcuintli, or dog
Those familiar with Aztec culture will be able to recognize the language in the dogâs name, which seems to have stuck even in modern Mexican culture.
The breedâs history and association with the Aztecs mean it likely stretches back thousands of years, although this is difficult to prove.
![5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 3 5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 1](https://cdn-0.dogbreedsfaq.com/wp-content/uploads/./xolo-dogs-ceramic-vessels-1.jpg)
Xolo dogsâ ceramic vessels are frequently found in 2,000-year-old tombs in western Mexico.
However, the breed was also semi-wild for much of this time, meaning there was very little selective breeding done.
This means that not only is there still quite a bit of variation in the breed, but also that itâs not prone to as many health conditions.
Xoloitzcuintli exist in three different sizes: standard, miniature and toy. Standard and hairless is the most popular type of Xolo, but the mini and toy versions are becoming more popular as family pets.
![5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 4 3 Xoloitzcuintli sizes](https://cdn-0.dogbreedsfaq.com/wp-content/uploads/./Xoloitzcuintli-sizes.jpg)
DID YOU KNOW?
- The breedâs name actually comes from the Aztec god of death. The Aztecs considered the dogs to be sacred.
- Indigenous people used Xolos to protect against evil spirits entering their home, which is why the breed was considered sacred.
- Some experts believe theyâve found evidence of Xolos in tombs dating back over 3000 years, arguably making it one of the oldest breeds in existence.
- Xolo is the National Dog of Mexico.
Temperament
![5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 5 Xoloitzcuintli dog with young, smiling girl](https://cdn-0.dogbreedsfaq.com/wp-content/uploads/Xoloitzcuintli-dog-with-young-smiling-girl.jpg)
 Xoloitzcuintli dogs are known to be very sociable dogs and are very people-oriented.
Xolos are known for being very friendly and protective of their family, but they can also be very wary of strangers.
However, this rarely becomes aggression, and the right training will prevent this.
Xoloitzcuintli dog breeds are very active dogs and need plenty of exercises and mental stimulation to keep them under control.
With the right training and attention, Xolos make amazing family dogs and are fine around children of all ages.
![5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 6 spotted mexican hairless dog on the lawn](https://cdn-0.dogbreedsfaq.com/wp-content/uploads/spotted-mexican-hairless-dog-on-the-lawn.png)
However, without the right training and stimulation, Xolos can become bored and destructive.
When it comes to training a Xolo, itâs relatively easy. Their intelligence means theyâre receptive to training, but also that it needs to be maintained throughout the dogâs life; otherwise, they can become bored.
Xoloitzcuintli appreciate mental stimulation and are capable of learning a wide range of commands.
[table id=10 /]Related Questions:
1. Are Xoloitzcuintli rare?
Simply put, Xoloitzcuintli is one of the rarest breeds in the world. Little is known about them outside of Mexico, so it might be difficult to find one where you are.
Breeders do keep them in the USA and elsewhere, but it might take some searching.
2. Are Xoloitzcuintli hypoallergenic?
Xoloitzcuintli are considered hypoallergenic because they donât have the same triggers as normal dogs (mainly their coat).
However, itâs always difficult to think of a dog breed is truly hypoallergenic because some people can still be affected by the dogâs saliva or skin.
3. Are Xoloitzcuintli good dogs?
Overall, Xolos are an excellent choice of a dog because they make both great family pets and guardian animals.
Theyâre very clever and alert, which make them ideal for protecting the home. While theyâre not aggressive dogs, their bark is enough to put most intruders off.
2. CHINESE CRESTED DOG
![5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 7 Chinese Crested Dog photographed on white background](https://cdn-0.dogbreedsfaq.com/wp-content/uploads/Chinese-Crested-Dog-photographed-on-white-background.jpg)
Highlights: Loving, Playful, Loyal
You might be thinking this is a typo, but it seems that the Chinese Crested Dog belongs on a Mexican dog breeds list.
It comes in two types:
- Powderpuff â With fur
- The Hairless â Without fur
The breed has until recently had sketchy origins, and it seems that the name is something of false flag. With and without fur, which is born in the same litter:
The Chinese Crested is a relatively old breed, but similar dogs have cropped up in other areas of the world.
![5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 8 Chinese Crested dog standing on the grassy ground](https://cdn-0.dogbreedsfaq.com/wp-content/uploads/Chinese-Crested-dog-standing-on-the-grassy-ground.png)
However, modern research seems to indicate that the Chinese Crested dog actually descends from the Xoloitzcuintli from Central America[2] as both breeds share many similar genetic characteristics.
Itâs hardly a surprise that the Chinese Crested dog would descend from the Xoloitzcuintli, as itâs probably one of the worldâs oldest breeds.
Itâs most likely that merchants first brought the dogs from Mexico to other parts of the world, including Africa and Asia.
![5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 9 Chinese Crested dog running on the sand](https://cdn-0.dogbreedsfaq.com/wp-content/uploads/Chinese-Crested-dog-running-on-the-sand.png)
Itâs believed that the breedâs name doesnât refer to its country of origin, which is the usual case in dog breed names.
Instead, itâs believed that the âChineseâ part refers to the breedâs use on Chinese merchant ships, as it became their particular breed of choice.
It was only in the 1950s that the Chinese Crested was picked up and recorded by a breeder.
![5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 10 Chinese Crested dog with from china or mexico sign](https://cdn-0.dogbreedsfaq.com/wp-content/uploads/./From-China-or-Mexico_-1.jpg)
While not every Chinese Crested dog in the world descends from this kennel, they set the breed standards and therefore, the name too.
Regardless of the breedâs actual name, it has its origins in Mexico, and so belongs on a Mexican dog breeds list.
DID YOU KNOW?
- The Chinese Crested Dog is quite a well-known breed because itâs been the winner of the worldâs ugliest breed in 2003, 2004, and 2005. A Chinese Crested, called Sam, was the winner of the ugliest breed these years too.
- Chinese Crested dogs were used on merchant ships for catching mice and other vermin. Being hairless doesnât really offer any advantage in this situation, other than helping to keep them cool.
- One amazing feature about the breed is that they have sweat glands. A well-known fact about dogs is that they pant to keep cool, but this isnât true of the Chinese Crested. It can regulate its temperature through its skin like humans. Blackheads are also seen on this breed.
- They are known as the âDr. Seuss dog because they look like the characters in Dr. Seussâ stories.
Temperament
![5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 11 Chinese Crested Dog Breed standing on blue road](https://cdn-0.dogbreedsfaq.com/wp-content/uploads/Chinese-Crested-Dog-Breed-standing-on-blue-road.jpg)
Chinese Crested Dogs are about as unique in temperament as they are in looks.
They love to climb and would much rather be at height than on the ground. This is probably a leftover of their use on ships, but it makes them behave much more like a cat than a dog.
Similarly, the Chinese Crested prefers to spend lots of time indoors, either playing or sleeping.
Itâs not uncommon for Chinese Crested to not want to go for a walk, although they should still be taken daily to keep their weight down.
Chinese Crested dogs do make excellent house pets, and theyâre incredibly affectionate with their owners.
They make a great choice to have around children because they love to play, and are friendly enough even to approach strangers.
[table id=11 /]#defects in teeth, nails, sweat glands[3]
Related Questions:
 1. What is the lifespan of a Chinese Crested?
A Chinese Crested can live between 13 and 15 years on average.
Theyâre a generally healthy breed and suffer from few hereditary conditions. However, owners do need to help them keep warm in cold weather.
2. Do Chinese Crested Dogs howl?
Chinese Crested Dogs arenât known to be loud dogs, and generally, donât bark or howl. Whatâs more, theyâre friendly with everyone and so wouldnât make a good guard dog.
Check Out One of Chinaâs good guard dogs: Chinese Red Dog
3. Are Chinese Crested dogs hypoallergenic?
Yes, Chinese Crested are considered hypoallergenic because they donât shed their hair.
However, they still create dander, and some people can be affected by their saliva, as with any other breed.
3. CHIHUAHUA
![5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 12 Chihuahua sitting on white background](https://cdn-0.dogbreedsfaq.com/wp-content/uploads/Chihuahua-sitting-on-white-background.jpg)
Highlights: Courageous, Lively, Friendly
Chihuahuas a.k.a. Chiwawa (Spanish: chihuahueño) are probably one of the most recognizable breeds in the world and have a special place in pop culture.
Theyâre a small Mexican dog breed, which is the source of much of their appeal. Chihuahua makes great house pets, an excellent watchdog because they are highly intelligent and possessive and are much more portable than regular-sized dogs.
Chihuahua is probably the most popular Mexican dog, and much of this is down to its temperament and ease of care.
Check Out Our: Chihuahua Shedding Tips
They live for a relatively long time and because they donât take up much space, theyâre a convenient pet for many.
![5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 13 3 chihuahuas on white background](https://cdn-0.dogbreedsfaq.com/wp-content/uploads/3-chihuahuas-on-white-background.jpg)
smooth coat, longhaired and fawn chihuahuas
While little is officially known about the Chihuahuaâs history, itâs believed that the breed was depicted in Mexican art from around 300BC, making them quite an old breed.
A genetic study was done on the Chihuahua and it was found to have less than 2% European DNA, making it an age-old Mexican breed.
Itâs not known what purpose Chihuahuas served in Aztec culture, although itâs likely they chased vermin.
Spanish Conquistadors wrote that Chihuahuas were bred for food, but obviously, this isnât a particularly unbiased source.
Evidence suggests that the Aztecs often used the breed as hot water bottles, especially for the sick and dying.
![5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 14 A Techichi, the ancestor of Chihuahuas](https://cdn-0.dogbreedsfaq.com/wp-content/uploads/Techichi.jpg)
Techichi, the possible ancestor of Chihuahuas (via Wikimedia Commons)
A ritual was created in which Techichi, which was the ancestor of the Chihuahua, was buried alive with a deceased person.
The Chihuahua, as we know it, didnât come into being until the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Before this time, the breed was mostly hairless and it was only around the time that the American Kennel Club recognized that the Chihuahua became hairy.
INTERESTING FACTS:
- Before becoming the Chihuahua, which happened relatively late in the breedâs history, they were known as Texas dogs or Arizona dogs.
- The Chihuahua is named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
- Chihuahuas have quite a lot of variety in their breed standard: they can come in many different colors and sizes, and with short or long hair. Whatever the type of Chihuahua, theyâre recognized as the smallest breed in the world.
- The ritual described above led to the cultural belief that Chihuahuas could cure ailments, such as colds or asthma, by absorbing the illness into their bodies from their owners.
-
The smallest dog living, in terms of height, is a female Chihuahua called Milly, who measured 9.65 cm (3.8 in) tall on 21 February 2013 and is owned by Vanesa Semler of Dorado, Puerto Rico.
-Guiness World Records
- Chihuahuasâ popularity was boosted by the famous âRumba Kingâ Xavier Cugat, whose Chihuahuas appeared with him on his TV shows weekly.
Temperament
![5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 15 3 chihuahuas wearing purple shirts](https://cdn-0.dogbreedsfaq.com/wp-content/uploads/3-chihuahuas-wearing-purple-shirts.png)
 Along with having plenty of physical variety, thereâs plenty of variation in the temperament of Chihuahuas.
Some can be very friendly and affectionate, while others can be a bit snappy and cold.
Similarly, some Chihuahuas can be very timid, but much of this is probably related to their size.
However, Chihuahuas are very outgoing dogs that are very loyal to their owners. Theyâre known to be very lively and playful, while also being very affectionate.
Chihuahuas benefit from plenty of training, particularly if you notice a potentially unpleasant streak developing in the dog.
Chihuahuas are generally fine around children, although owners should obviously be careful around small children.
![5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 16 Chihuahua Lying on White carpet](https://cdn-0.dogbreedsfaq.com/wp-content/uploads/Chihuahua-Lying-on-White-carpet.jpg)
Because Chihuahuas are so small, they canât really withstand the kind of boisterous attention you might find from small children. However, with supervision, everything should be fine.
Chihuahuas arenât particularly energetic dogs, and even daily walking is a minimal task.
They simply donât need to go as far as larger breeds, and many can get away with not being walked every day.
Due to their size and ease of care, Chihuahuas are a good choice both for apartment living and first-time dog owners.
[table id=12 /]Related Questions:
1. How smart is a Chihuahua dog?
Chihuahuas are quite intelligent dogs and can learn a wide range of commands.
However, with this intelligence also comes stubbornness, which some owners can find difficult to overcome.
2. Do Chihuahuas like to cuddle?
Among other things, the Chihuahua is known to be very affectionate. Theyâre considered house dogs and much prefer to be asleep on someoneâs lap than outside playing.
However, they do love to play indoors and will form intense bonds with their owners if raised well.
3. Do Chihuahuas bark a lot?
Chihuahuas are quite a vocal breed and will bark at many different things.
The main reason theyâll bark is because of a perceived threat, although theyâll also use barking to communicate several other things.
One benefit is that because theyâre small dogs, they canât actually make that much noise.
4. CHAMUCO (Mexican Pitbull)
![5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 17 Chamuco dog on white background](https://cdn-0.dogbreedsfaq.com/wp-content/uploads/./Chamuco-dog-on-white-background.jpg)
photos courtesy of Wikimedia commons
Highlights: Bold, Confident, Loyal
The Chamuco is also known as the Mexican Pitbull and was historically used for dogfighting matches.
Much like other Pitbull types worldwide, the Chamuco has been subjected to a negative campaign for most of its history and so is very rare.
The Chamuco is very muscular, and while many people believe them to be aggressive dogs, this is generally behavior thatâs taught to them.
However, the breed retains a certain boldness and requires the right kind of owner.
The breed looks very similar to the American Pitbull, which was one of its foundational breeds.
It contains other common fighting dogs, such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the Pit Bull Terrier, along with the Mexican Bulldog.
Although the Chamuco has the potential to be a great family pet, itâs still often used in illegal dogfighting.
Unfortunately, this seems unlikely to change in the near future, but hopefully, like other Pitbull breeds, it can become more popular as perception changes.
DID YOU KNOW?
- The breedâs name (Chamuco) is Spanish for âdevilâ. Itâs also a common slang for a naughty person, so it seems fitting either way.
- Chamuco can only trace their history back to 1970, when they were created out of 7 different fighting breeds. Their entire purpose was fighting, and theyâre one of few modern breeds created for this.
- The Chamuco isnât recognized by any kennel club and nor has no breed standards. This means they can vary massively in size and color, although there is a set of expectations for their appearance.
Temperament
The Chamuco is generally believed to be quite an aggressive breed, but this isnât necessarily true.
Like all other ex-fighting breeds, the Chamuco has the potential to be a very friendly and loving dog if raised in a good home.
The breed is known to be loyal and very eager to please its owners, and the dogs love to be included in everything.
On top of this, Chamuco makes amazing guard dogs because theyâre very protective of their family and home.
Theyâre very intimidating dogs and so can be excellent to have around the home. Chamuco is relatively intelligent and easy to train, which can be harnessed to create a fierce guard dog.
Despite being such fierce sounding dogs, Chamucos are great around kids. Theyâre very playful and can be very gentle, although itâs always best to train them properly and have them around kids from a young age.
Although Chamuco can be great family pets, theyâre not freely available to buy in Mexico.
This is mainly because of public perception, but much of the breeding is believed to be done by gangs specifically for fighting, meaning there are few opportunities for people to get hold of them.
[table id=13 /]5. CALUPOH (Mexican Wolfdog)
![5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 19 Calupoh dog breed on white background](https://cdn-0.dogbreedsfaq.com/wp-content/uploads/./Calupoh-dog-breed-on-white-background.jpg)
photo courtesy of calupoh.com
Highlights: Cunning, Intelligent, Quick
The Calupoh or Mexican wolfdog (Spanish: Perro Lobo Mexicano) is probably the rarest of the dog breeds in Mexico and generally isnât known outside the country.
In fact, theyâre mainly regarded as a working breed and generally arenât kept as pets.
The Calupoh was only created in the 1990s, but it was done so to reintroduce wild dogs into the native habitat.
Calupohs were created by breeding dogs with wolves to create something similar to the wild dogs native to Mexico.
There was a species of wolf-dog native to Mexico and Central America that was important to native cultures in the region.
![5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 20 5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 2](https://cdn-0.dogbreedsfaq.com/wp-content/uploads/Calupoh-dog-breed-standing-on-white-background.png)
It was mainly used as a working dog in Mexico and would fill roles in hunting and protection. The ancient wolf dog breed also has associations with native spiritual rituals, so it holds a significant place in the culture.
Calupoh were long kept as working dogs, but this tradition died out from the 16th century onwards.
Local farmers were expected to use European breeds, and so the wolf dogs basically died out. It wasnât until relatively recently that people decided it would be worth trying to revive the breed.
Work is being done to make the Calupoh more appealing as a family and companion pet.
Theyâre similar in appearance to breeds like the German Shepherd, and providing they receive the right training, thereâs little reason why they couldnât make an amazing family dog.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Native Mexicans had been breeding dogs with gray wolves for centuries in order to get the best from both species. This practice was never official so there wasnât a breed name, but this is the role the Calupoh was created to fulfill.
- The breed standard is for black dogs, which is relatively difficult to achieve considering the breeding stock that was used. Genetic âdefectsâ can include pink lips and pink eyelids.
- The ancient wolf dogs were important in the native culture because they represented a combination of symbols. The wolf represented power and teamwork, while the dog represented fertility and agriculture. To own one of these was a powerful status symbol.
- The average price of a Calupoh dog is around 700 USD
Temperament
![5 Popular Mexican Dog Breeds [ With Photos ] 21 2 mexican wolfdogs outdoor](https://cdn-0.dogbreedsfaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2-Calupoh-dogs-in-the-wild.png)
Much like other big breeds (a male Calupoh can reach 30 inches in height), it can be challenging to handle these dogs.
However, with the right training and handling, they can be an enjoyable and rewarding breed.
Calupoh dogs are known for their stable and relatively easy-going temperament. They enjoy being around other dogs and take well to people, although theyâre known to be wary of strangers.
Itâs important to train a Calupoh properly because their size means they canât be controlled with strength alone.
Due to their size and wariness of strangers, Calupoh makes great guard dog. The breed isnât known to be aggressive but will bark to alert their owners to a threat.
Hopefully, as they become more widely available, this will become another working role theyâll easily fulfill.
[table id=31 /]CONCLUSION:
Several of the 5 top Mexican dog breeds are incredibly well known. However, the others are at the complete opposite end of the spectrum and are barely known even within Mexico.
Hopefully, as more people become aware of some of the amazing breeds to come out of Mexico this situation will change.
Until then, weâll just have to enjoy reading about them.
If youâre thinking of getting a new dog, why not consider one the well-known Mexican dog breeds?
Check Out Other: North American Dog Breeds
REFERENCES: âïž
1. [^] Taran, Sergey, and Metropolitan Museum of Art. âThis Hairless Mexican Dog Has a Storied, Ancient Past.â National Geographic, 22 Nov. 2017, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/11/hairless-dog-mexico-xolo-xoloitzcuintli-Aztec/.
2. [^] Ding, Z-L, et al. âOrigins of Domestic Dog in Southern East Asia Is Supported by Analysis of Y-Chromosome DNA.â Nature News, Nature Publishing Group, 23 Nov. 2011, https://www.nature.com/articles/hdy2011114.
3. [^] Parker, Heidi G, et al. âThe Bald and the Beautiful: Hairlessness in Domestic Dog Breeds.â Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences, The Royal Society, 5 Feb. 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5182420/.
Thanks for the Info alano!