How Many Mexican Dog Breeds Are There?
When you hear Mexico, the first thing to cross your mind is the strong tequila, sandy beaches, and fresh avocados. But other than amazing food, individuals, and culture, Mexico also has unique, wonderful dog breeds. So, how many Mexican dog breeds are there? There are five Mexican dog breeds. And while there aren’t as many as in France or Germany, these dog breeds have no problem getting into the spotlight and often emerge as the fiesta star. This article focuses on the five Mexican dog breeds and their characteristics.
5. Chihuahua
Highlights: Charming, Lively, alert
Chihuahua is the most popular and famous Mexican dog breed getting its name from the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. It is the smallest dog breed globally, with a height of 6 to 10 inches, weighing 3 to 7 lbs, and a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years. The Chihuahua dog breed was introduced in the United States in the 1850s, soon becoming popular among the Mexico Border countries. The Chihuahua Club of America was founded in 1923. This dog breed started to become famous in the States in the 1960s. Chihuahuas are a favorite dog breed among celebrities.
It was highly popularized in the 1940s and 1950s by Bandleader Xavier Cugat. It has been owned by celebrities such as Madonna, Demi Moore, George Lopez, Mickey Rourke, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Chihuahuas have also been frequently featured onscreen, playing the starring roles in films like ‘Beverly Hills Chihuahua,’ ‘sex and the city’ and ‘Legally Blonde.’ Chihuahua dog breed comes in various colors, markings, and coat types. According to Daily Paws, their fur color can range from white, chocolate, black, gold, fawn, cream, or a mix of them.
All the Details
While chihuahuas have short and long hair types, you might be surprised to hear that there are also hairless chihuahua breeds. Each chihuahua has a unique look, but they all offer a perfect small lap dog for dog lovers who enjoy a long cuddling session. Chihuahuas can also be short or long-haired. Sassy and smart, chihuahuas know they are cute and work their way to get what they want. Regardless of their small size, chihuahuas have high attitudes and massive personalities.
Like their different coatings, they have varying individual personalities, with some being timid while others have a fearless and outgoing character. However, one of the qualities that stays the same is that they are normally loyal, intelligent, healthy, and affectionate dogs. They hence make great family dogs and are children friendly. Chihuahuas are also suspicious of strangers and make great watchdogs. Also, due to their small size and minimal maintenance, chihuahuas are ideal pets if you stay in small apartments and urban environments.
4. Xoloitzcuintli
Highlights: Devoted, Calm, Alert
Also called the Mexican Hairless Dog, the Xoloitzcuintli is the most ancient Mexican breed that dates back to the 1300-1500s. The archeological evidence of its existence dates back over 3000 years. However, the breed can be coated and hairless, so not all Xoloitzcuintli dogs are hairless. Those with hair on their bodies come with a sparse coat with flat, short fur. If you pet a Xolos, you will realize its skin is a thick hide resistant to injury.
The breed comes in various colors: bronze, dark brown, copper & white, fawn, brindle, and black. The Xoloitzcuintli’s names originate from ‘Xoloti,’ an Aztec god, and ‘itzcuintli,’ the Aztec term for the dog. The breed was considered sacred by the Aztecs and bred to be companions and watchdogs. The ancient people believed that the breed could protect their home from evil spirits as well as thought to have healing powers. They are mostly referred to as Xolos, an easier term to pronounce and remember.
All the Details
Xoloitzcuintli dog breed is available in three different sizes; standard, miniature, and toy. They grow to a height of 10 to 14 inches and a weight of 10 to 15 lbs. All the sizes are relatively small, but Xolos make up for it with their big personalities. According to Be Chewy, Xolos are a loyal, loving, and smart breed. The breed is also a great family dog and likes getting involved with family activities, although they mostly bond with a single person.
If you don’t spend sufficient time with the Xoloitzcuintli, they can become notorious and destructive to get your attention. This makes them the perfect playmate for kids. Generally, the Xolos was a famous dog breed between the 1930s and 1940s but later started to lose popularity. But recently, this breed has returned to the limelight, getting recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1992. The American Kennel Club also brought the Xolos back as a member of the Non-Sporting Group in 2011. The life expectancy of the Xolos is 12 to 18 years.
3. Chinese Crested Dog
Highlights: Playful, Affectionate, alert
You are probably surprised how the Chinese Crested Dog is a Mexican dog breed given the name, but the Chinese Crested Dog has some origins in addition to Mexico. Research shows that the breed is an ancestor of the Xoloitzcuintli, the most ancient Mexican breed. Researchers claim that the early Mexican ancestors were imported to China, where they underwent further breeding resulting in the Chinese Crested. The Chinese Crested dog was made popular by Gypsy Rose Lee, a burlesque dancer. After getting this dog named Fu Man Chu as a gift from her sister, she fell in love with the breed and became a breeder and advocate of the dogs.
All the Details
This dog breed grows to a height of 10-13 inches, weighing 8-12 pounds. When you come across the Chinese crested dog, you will comprehend why they are known as ‘Dr. Seuss dog’. The only hair the dog breed has is the long, silky fur on their tails, heads, and feet. The breed has a hairless body, long-crested hair on the head, and feathery feet and tail. Chinese Crested dog’s minimal hair makes them the best of both worlds for people who enjoy the benefits of hairless dogs while still having some fur to rub on.
There is also a variety of Chinese crested dogs that can be born with their body completely covered in hair depending on the single dominant gene they inherit. When they have a hairless body, the skin is smooth and soft, and most will have missing or crooked teeth. The dog breed is available in various colors, including cream, apricot, black, and chocolate.
The toy breed is a playful, affectionate dog that loves family company. They are, in fact, some of the friendliest toy breeds you will find out there. According to the Pawsitive, Chinese Crested dogs are friendly homebodies that love being played with and pampered. You may consider purchasing this breed if you have family and other pets. They are not territorial or aggressive and do well with other cats and dogs.
They are very athletic and can jump over tall fences as well as do well in agility competitions. If you want a dog that will follow you constantly and prefer sitting on your lap all the time, the Chinese crested dog is a perfect choice. According to Dogtime.com, they prefer to stay indoors, which is why they are perfect for older individuals. But they are a charming and alert breed that will give their owner a lot of affection. Some people shy away from this dog breed because of its appearance but are missing one of the most affectionate and kindest dog breeds.
2. Chamuco (Mexican Pitbull)
Highlights: Brave, protective, friendly
Chamuco dog breed is another Mexican dog breed. It is also known as the Mexican Pitbull or Miniature Pitbull. This dog breed was created in the 1970s and is extremely rare, almost extinct. The dog closely resembles the American Pitbull but was created by crossbreeding the American bulldogs, Mexican bulldogs, Pit Bull Terriers, and Staffordshire Terriers. It’s a medium-sized dog, growing to around 14 inches tall and weighing up to 40 pounds. The breed comes in different colors, including; black, white, and brown.
The same fact about this dog breed is that they are not favorite house pets as they were initially bred for underground dogfighting despite their confident and friendly nature. Some people still secretly breed them as fighting dogs. However, Chamuco dogs that become house pets are incredibly playful and gentle. According to Wisdom Panel, the Chamuco is a great watch dog and guard dog due to its natural ability to judge the character and intent of strangers. They also enjoy spending time and playing with kids. However, they might get aggressive when bored and engage in behaviors such as barking, digging, pulling, and chewing. Because of their aggression, they require proper socialization to be a perfect family pet from a young age. With early and proper training, Chamuco dogs have a playful side and make perfect watchdogs.
1. Calupoh (Mexican Wolfdog)
Highlights: Loyal, Agile, Dynamic
The Calupoh is a hybrid wolfdog dating back to Mexico’s pre-Hispanic years. The dog breed is a crossbreed of wild wolves and a range of other dog breeds. Today, the breed is a Mexican cultural symbol called Mexican Wolf. Out of the five Mexican dog breeds, The Calupoh is the rarest Mexican dog breed and is yet to be well known in other areas of the world. The breed looks like a wolf, featuring double coats that can be black with brown or white markings as well as strong legs that enable them to run at high speed.
The fact that they are bred from wolves proves the Mexican Wolfdog provides a perfect sense of security. Initially bred as herding dogs for protecting livestock, they are even-tempered and agile. The dogs enjoy responsibilities and are often used as cattle and sheep dogs. While they are not often kept as a pet, some people try to make them more appealing as companions than working dogs. They adapt well when staying with a family because they are devoted and loyal to their owners. Regardless of their wild DNA, the dogs have stable temperaments and are fairly easy to handle and train.
All the Details
According to San Miguel Times, Calupoh grows up to 29 inches tall and weighs up to 120 pounds, making them an excellent guard dog. They are not very aggressive but will alert you of any potential threat. They are friendly around other dogs and bond with human families, although they stay cautious of strangers. These dogs are significantly strong and agile with their muscular bodies and long legs, providing them incredible endurance and speed. Their muscular, lean body offers them agility that matches that of a German Shepherd hence ideal for a security dog. A strong skull, neck, and head make the Mexican Wolfdog a relatively powerful dog.
Therefore, they will need a lot of exercises and a yard to play and run around. Even so, Calupoh has a balanced temperament than the primitive wolf, as intended with the crossbreeding process. Like their wolves’ descendants, the Mexican Wolfdog is loyal to their pack and will be similarly dedicated to your family. Ultimately, if you want a confident guard dog, the Calupoh is one of the options to consider. They are amazing and easily one of the most fascinating dog breeds from Mexico.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, Mexico offers a lot of spice to our lives in many ways, and these dog breeds are no exception. These are the five Mexican dog breeds that are not only interesting but can make excellent pets. With their unique histories, they each have a story that is worth listening to. They might be lacking in size, but they have a great attitude. It is essential to know about different dog breeds, particularly if you are a dog lover, to help you decide the best dog breed for your needs. Some of these Mexican dog breeds don’t get the attention they deserve and have much to offer to a responsible dog owner. If you plan to adopt one of these dogs, always conduct proper research to ensure they are from reputable dog breeders. All the best.
