Xoloitzcuintli — breed standard (AKC: size, coat, temperament, type)

Xoloitzcuintli — breed standard (AKC: size, coat, temperament, type)

Claims

• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Origin and type: an ancient Mexican breed shaped by evolution rather than selective breeding, serving today as a guard and companion; moderate in all aspects, never extreme, combining elegance and strength.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Two varieties and three sizes: hairless and coated forms are identical except for coat and dentition. Height classes are Toy (at least 10 up to 14 in), Miniature (over 14 up to 18 in) and Standard (over 18 up to 23 in); a dog under 10 in or over 24 in is disqualified.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Build: a lean, sturdy, well-muscled dog of rectangular outline with a spacious ribcage and moderate bone; the distance from elbow to ground equals or slightly exceeds the distance from withers to elbow, and the body is slightly longer than tall in a 9 to 10 ratio.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Coat and colour: the hairless variety's main trait is the total or near-total lack of hair, with only a little short coarse hair allowed on the crown of the head, the feet, and the final third of the tail; the coated variety wears a short flat coat. Skin is tough, smooth and close-fitting. A dark uniform colour is preferred — black, gray-black, slate, red, liver or bronze — though white spots and markings are permitted; in either variety a long, soft or wavy coat is a serious fault.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Head and dentition: a wedge-shaped skull tapering to a longer-than-skull muzzle, almond eyes ranging yellow to black, and large erect ears; a scissors bite is expected, but in the hairless variety missing premolars or incisors are acceptable, while the coated variety requires full dentition.
• *[Paraphrased derived summary — non-Open-Access source.]* Temperament and disqualifications: typical Xolo temperament is calm, tranquil, aloof and attentive. Disqualifications are a height under 10 or over 24 in, and cropped ears.