Companion Medium size 5-18 kg
Mexican Hairless Dog
An alert, clean and calm companion in three sizes; the bare skin needs real sun and cold protection, and the breed is reserved with strangers.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Toy to standard
Size
5-18 kg across three size varieties
Moderate
Activity
Enjoys walks and play, then settles
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Handles reasonable alone time
Moderate
Trainability
Intelligent and willing with patience
Minimal
Coat care
Skin needs washing, sun and cold care
Moderate
Fit with kids
Good with considerate children
Moderate
Other pets
Generally sociable with early exposure
Light
Health burden
Generally hardy; skin and dental care
The Mexican Hairless Dog typically weighs 5-18 kg, stands 25-60 cm, and lives 12-15 years.
Consider this breed if…
you want a clean, low-shedding companion and can care for bare skin,
you can protect it from sun in summer and cold in winter,
you want a calm, devoted dog that bonds closely with its household,
you like being able to choose toy, miniature or standard size.
Do not consider this breed if…
you cannot commit to sunscreen, coats and daily skin care,
you want an outgoing dog that greets every stranger warmly,
you live somewhere with harsh sun or cold and little shelter,
you expect a hairless dog to be automatically hypoallergenic.
A typical day with a Mexican Hairless Dog
- 7:00 · MorningWalk with sun or cold protection as the season needs
- 9:30 · MidmorningRests calmly at home, often seeking warmth
- 13:00 · NoonShort potty break and a little play
- 16:30 · AfternoonTraining or a walk; skin check for scratches
- 19:00 · EveningLonger walk, then close time with the family
- 22:00 · NightSleeps warm, often under a blanket
Family and environment
Kids Conditional
Good with calm, respectful kids; the skin is easily scratched.
Dogs Conditional
Fine with early socialization; can be selective.
Cats Conditional
Usually manageable when raised together.
Apartment Suitable
Quiet and clean; the smaller sizes suit flats well.
House with a yard Suitable
Fine, but it wants to be indoors with its people.
City Suitable
Adapts well; manage sun and cold on walks.
Countryside Conditional
Good, but not a rugged outdoor dog.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Light
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Skin and sun damage Bare skin burns, chaps and needs year-round care
Dental disease Hairless lines often have missing or crowded teeth
Luxating patella Kneecap slips from its groove; may need surgery
Obesity Keep it lean to protect joints and heart
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Another ancient hairless companion breed
Peruvian Inca Orchid
An elegant, mostly hairless breed in three sizes; affectionate and clean but needs skin and temperature care.
View profile →
Smaller hairless dog with similar skin care
Chinese Crested
A tiny, affectionate companion in hairless and coated types - devoted and apartment-friendly, but needs skin care and dislikes being left alone.
View profile →
Hairless, but a livelier terrier temperament
American Hairless Terrier
A lively, hairless terrier that is affectionate and low-shedding but needs skin protection from sun and cold and firm training.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a Mexican Hairless Dog cost?
Also known as the Xoloitzcuintli, puppies from health-testing breeders in the US commonly run about $1,500-$3,500, with size variety and lines affecting price. The purchase price is the small part: across a 12-15 year life, food, skin and dental care, and routine vet bills typically add $12,000-$20,000 or more, and any chronic problem adds thousands on top. Budget for sunscreen, coats and regular dental work as ongoing costs.
Are Mexican Hairless Dogs hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but a hairless dog sheds no coat, so many allergy sufferers tolerate it better. The bare skin still produces dander and oils and needs regular bathing, so test your own reaction before committing.
Do they get cold or sunburned?
Yes, both. Without a coat the skin burns in strong sun and the dog chills in cold weather. Plan on sunscreen made for dogs in summer, a sweater or coat in winter, and shade and shelter whenever it is outdoors.
Are they good family dogs?
With the right home, yes. They are calm, clean and deeply attached to their household, though naturally reserved with strangers and best with older, gentle children who will not scratch the delicate skin. Early socialization prevents the reserve from tipping into shyness.