Mexico boasts a rich canine heritage, gifting the world with unique and captivating breeds. From ancient companions of emperors to spirited street dogs, these six iconic Mexican breeds showcase the country’s diverse history and cultural tapestry. Explore the fascinating stories behind the Xoloitzcuintli, Chihuahua, and others, uncovering their distinct traits, temperaments, and contributions to Mexico’s furry legacy. Discover the enduring spirit and charm of these remarkable dogs, testaments to Mexico’s enduring bond with its canine companions.
Dog breeds come from all over the world and typically bear some traits of their home country. In addition to its wonderful food and culture, Mexico is also home to some interesting dog breeds. Many even date back thousands of years, giving them some rich history that breeders love to tell. It also attests to the longevity of the pets. Some are said to ward off evil spirits!
Mexico also has a large stray dog population that walks the streets, called Mestizo. These are dogs that are often rescued and adopted out to the population to keep the numbers on the streets contained. Mexican-American activists often work to save these pups as much as they can.
Most of the Mexican dog breeds known to man are of the same temperament. They’re all fun-loving and devoted to their families, but like any pup, they can become aggressive if they’re raised in the wrong hands. The country doesn’t have very many native breeds, but the ones they do have are beautiful and worth a second look.
Mexican Dog Breeds
There aren’t very many Mexican breeds on this list, but the ones that are included have amazing traits that stand out. From the Xolo, which has a very unique look, to the Mestizo, which makes up so many breeds, they’ve caught our attention, and we hope they catch yours, too.
1. Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli Dog (pronounced show low eats queent lee), or Xolo (show low) as it’s often shortened, is a Mexican hairless dog. This ancient breed is more than 3,000 years old and has the honor of being the country’s national dog. The natives believe the Xolo wards off evil spirits and has healing powers.
As such, they tend to be buried with their families. The Xolo is a very calm dog that is loyal to and protective of its family. It’s also very intelligent, which makes them fast learners and ensures they will need proper training.
The Xolo comes in three different sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. These Mexican hairless pups do come in a coated variety, which has smooth, short fur. This hairless breed has very thick warm skin that tends to be injury-resistant and, therefore, is considered more of a hide. They are a member of the American Kennel Club (AKC) and belong to the Non-Sporting Group. The Xolo will vary in size depending:
- Toy Xolo – stands 10 to 14 inches tall, weighs 10 to 15 pounds
- Miniature Xolo – stands 14 to 18 inches tall, weighs 15 to 30 pounds
- Standard Xolo – stands 18 to 23 inches tall, weighs 30 to 55 pounds
The Xolo, both Mexican hairless dogs and coated variety, comes in a variety of colors, including charcoal, black, brown, tri-color, liver, and black and tan. They live to be around 12 to 15 years old.
2. Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is perhaps the most recognized Mexican breed on this list. It’s also the country’s national symbol and a major part of Mexican culture. There has been some debate about whether Chihuahuas actually originated from Mexico or England, but there is archaeological evidence that shows the breed is a descendant of the Techichi.
Chihuahuas are listed as the world’s smallest dog and come from the Mexican state they’re named after. Don’t let its size fool you, though; this pup has a lot of personality packed into its little body, and they’re very sassy. The Chihuahua is fun-loving and loves children, though it tends to be aloof with strangers. Its popularity has also landed it on a list of America’s top dog breeds.
The Chihuahua has a variety of coat types, ranging from short and smooth to long and fluffy, and comes in many different colors. It stands between 6 to 10 inches tall and only weighs approximately 2 to 6 pounds. There are miniature versions too, with a tiny body and a bigger head. Chihuahuas live an average of 12 to 14 years, though some have lived as long as 20.
3. Chinese Crested
The name of the Chinese Crested dog may confuse people, seeing as how it’s a Mexican breed with Chinese in its name, but it originated in the country as a descendant of the Mexican Hairless Dog. They’re bright and sassy pups that enjoy being in the lap of their owner, where they focus on being great companions.
Chinese Crested dogs prefer to be indoors over outdoors and are often called ugly dogs, though to their owners, they are anything but. They also act like cats in that they like to be on higher ground.
The Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: hairless and coated. The Mexican hairless dog variety has “crested” hair on its head, tail, and feet, which is the dominant trait. The Powderpuff is completely covered in hair but is a recessive trait.
One of the Chinese Crested Dog’s notable fun facts is that it has sweat glands, so unlike other dogs, the Chinese Crested doesn’t need to pant to cool off. Regardless of whether it’s a coated or hairless variety, Chinese Crested dogs stand 9 to 13 inches tall and weigh between 5 and 12 pounds. It lives an average of 13 to 15 years.
4. Chamuco
The Chamuco, referred to as the Mexican Pit bull, is a mixture of the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier. Chamuco translates to “devil” and is said to be because of the dog’s aggressive behavior. That’s because the breed is often used as a fighting dog in the country. However, they are not typically aggressive.
In fact, they’re playful and devoted to their families. The Chamuco is a vital part of Mexican folklore. It is very strong and will need proper training due to its protectiveness.
The Chamuco is an athletic dog that has a muscular appearance, and its short-haired coat comes in a variety of colors. You can find Chamucos in black, white, brown, or a combo of them.
The Mexican Pit bull tends to be on the smaller side, standing about 14 inches tall and weighing between 25 and 40 pounds. As one of the types of Pitbulls, they live to be approximately 10 to 12 years old.
5. Calupoh
If you’re looking for Mexican dog breeds that make an impact, the Calupoh must be on your list. This Mexican Wolfdog, as it’s known because it is part wolf, is a truly stunning creature.
It is one of the rare Mexican dog breeds and is commonly used as guard dogs, cattle dogs, or sheepdogs. They’re speedy with great agility and have very territorial instincts. However, the Mexican Wolfdog also makes a great family pet.
This Mexican breed looks a lot like a German Shepherd, with pointed ears and a muscular stance with elongated legs. They also stand pretty tall, 29 inches, and weigh 120 pounds. This Mexican dog is the rarest of the country’s breeds. It can live 12 to 18 years.
6. Mestizo
The Mestizo is popular in Mexico, but it’s not an actual dog breed. Instead, it’s a mixed breed that’s predominant in the country and represents at least a quarter of the population, most of which are street dogs.
There are no defining characteristics since they are mixed and have varying characteristics and lifespans. The rescue of these animals is often the work of Mexican-American activists.
FAQs
What Is a Rare Mexican Dog Breed?
The rarest of all Mexican breeds is the Calupoh. In the 1990s, researchers worked together to save the breed from extinction. The Chamuco is also one of the Mexican dog breeds that’s hard to find, though they are typically bred underground in secret.
Are Chihuahuas and Xoloitzcuintli Related to Each Other?
There is no clear answer as to whether Chihuahuas and the Xolo are related to each other. Some have said the Xolo was mixed with another breed to create the Chihuahua, while others say there’s no connection between the two.
How Much Does a Chamuco Dog Cost?
A Chamuco isn’t an awfully expensive dog breed, though it depends on where you buy it. Most often, the prices range between $200 and $1,000. Make sure you get the Chamuco from a reputable breeder, and if possible, get a look at its bloodline.
Is the Mexican Wolf Dog Native to Mexico?
Yes. This Mexican dog breed dates back to pre-Hispanic times. It was considered a sacred pet to ancient civilizations such as the Aztecs and is a cross between a wolf and a dog.
Final Thoughts
Mexico is home to many different dog breeds, including some of the most popular dog breeds, even if they aren’t native to the country. For example, the Toy Poodle, Labrador Retriever dog, and Schnauzer are all at the top of the list of Mexico’s favorites in terms of percentage of ownership, which sits at 4%, 2.9%, and 7%, respectively.
Other dog breeds that are sought in the country outside of Mexican breeds include Siberian Huskies, Yorkshire Terriers, Pugs, and Pitbulls. If you’re looking to adopt one of the top Mexican dog breeds native to the country, make sure you can either import the pup or follow all regulations in regards to bringing the dogs over the border.
And remember, I say this with every breed category, but it’s the honest-to-goodness truth: make sure you do your research to ensure that the breed fits in with your lifestyle. Otherwise, you’re going to have to rehome the pet, which can cause a lot of stress on both you and the animal.
Mexico’s canine heritage is a rich tapestry woven with unique breeds adapted to its diverse landscapes and cultures. From the hairless Xoloitzcuintli revered by ancient Aztecs to the lively Chihuahua, these six iconic breeds showcase Mexico’s enduring bond with dogs. By understanding their history and characteristics, we not only celebrate these remarkable animals but also gain a deeper appreciation for Mexico’s vibrant cultural legacy. Preserving these breeds ensures the continuation of a unique piece of canine history for generations to come.