Skin & Nails
Skin & Grooming
The Xoloitzcuintle’s naked skin exists on a spectrum, ranging from very smooth and fine to thicker and more resilient. No two Xolos are exactly the same, and skin type can vary greatly between individuals.
Some Xolos have exceptionally smooth skin, which can be more prone to scratches. The good news is that these usually heal quickly and without intervention.
Other Xolos have thicker skin, often referred to as having a hide. These dogs may develop rough patches or keratin plugs, a build-up of excess keratin in the pores that can resemble blackheads. Regular hydration and gentle exfoliation can help manage both keratin plugs and true blackheads.
Young Xolos are more prone to pimples and uneven skin texture as they mature, which is a normal part of development.
When it comes to Xolo skin care, less is more. The breed has survived for over 3,000 years without modern skin products. Excessive washing, heavy scrubbing, or frequent use of antibacterial products can damage the skin barrier, leading to sensitivities and ongoing skin issues.
We recommend keeping skin care routines simple and using only gentle, minimal products.
For companion Xolos, a monthly bath is generally sufficient unless they live in dusty environments, in which case occasional rinsing may be helpful. Show dogs may be bathed weekly prior to events using a gentle shampoo. Exfoliation can be done monthly for most dogs, and more frequently for show dogs, provided the skin barrier remains healthy and unaffected.
Moisturising is optional. You may moisturise your Xolo as often as you like, but it is not essential; dry skin will not crack or split. Unlike hairless cats, Xolos do not produce oily skin secretions that transfer onto furniture or clothing.
Hair on the Hairless
Hairlessness in the Xolo is also a spectrum, ranging from very naked to surprisingly hairy. Most hairless Xolos will have scattered hairs across the body, and some may develop small patches. Show dogs may require light “tidying up” to present a clean outline.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is generally not necessary for Xolos. Much like humans with higher levels of skin pigment, Xolos tend to darken with increased sun exposure and lighten again during the winter months. While they are still capable of sun-related skin damage, they are less prone to burning than lighter-pigmented dogs.
Melanoma is not common in the breed, although it is not entirely unheard of. As Xolos age, it is also normal for them to develop freckles or pigmented spots, which are typically a natural part of maturation rather than a cause for concern.
All the weird things
Xolos can experience a variety of skin-related issues, ranging from interdigital cysts and boils to occasional cystic bumps, fungal or bacterial infections, hives, rashes, and allergic-type reactions.
That said, many Xolos experience few or none of these issues, or may only have one or two minor flare-ups from time to time.
None of our breeding dogs suffer from chronic skin conditions, and we consider them to be healthy-skinned dogs, selected with long-term skin health in mind.
Nails
Xolo nails grow extremely quickly and should be trimmed weekly. Allowing nails to grow too long can result in talon-like nails that are difficult to correct once they get away from you.
Our puppies are trained from an early age to accept both nail clipping and nail grinding. It is important that owners continue this regular exposure to ensure nail care remains a calm, routine experience rather than becoming a stressful struggle.
