The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican Hairless dog or the Xolo, is a unique-looking dog with a cost that falls anywhere between the medium and high range.
If the Xolo has gotten you interested with its one-of-a-kind features, then you need to financially prepare not just for the dog itself but also with its associated costs to keep it healthy and happy.
This article should assist you in planning your budget as you acquire your very own Xolo. This guide should also help you prepare for the initial and annual costs of owning this canine and how to save money in the process.
The Average Cost of a Xoloitzcuintli Dog
The Xoloitzcuintli price from reputable breeders ranges between $800 and $4,000. This pricing may be influenced by factors such as age, pedigree, registration, location, and breeder’s reputation.
It is said that there are less than 1,000 Mexican Hairless dogs in the United States, with only about 30,000 of this breed worldwide. Hence, the rarity of the Xolo gives it a steeper price compared to other dog breeds.
Even with such a small population, variations exist within this breed. To start, the Xolo has a medium-sized standard version, as well as a smaller toy and miniature version. The pricing discussed in this article covers all three.
Surprisingly, even if the Xolo is called a Mexican Hairless, there is also a short-coated version of this breed.
There are no clear references as to which of the sizes or the coat types are pricier, but it should similarly fall within the range given.
Meanwhile, here is a video that talks about the fruitful history of the Xolo, which makes it a sought-after breed:
This Ugly-Cute Hairless Dog Has a Surprising History | Nat Geo Wild<a href="https://youtu.be/F7oJ66knlg0" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FF7oJ66knlg0%2F0.jpg" alt="This Ugly-Cute Hairless Dog Has a Surprising History | Nat Geo Wild" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Xoloitzcuintli Puppy
Certain factors are considered by breeders to determine the Mexican Hairless dog price. As a prospective Xolo owner, you need to be knowledgeable of these factors to help you check if your target puppy is rightly-priced.
Here are some of the common factors influencing the Xolo dog price:
Appearance: There are three size variants and two coat variants of the Xolo. Further, it has 16 color variations and four markings recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Expect variants that are harder to produce or are more in demand to fetch higher prices.
Pedigree: Pedigree or bloodline is a factor that highly impacts the Xolo dog’s price. A top-quality Xoloitzcuintli puppy from a strong champion lineage may even be priced higher than $4,000.
Breeder’s Reputation: Breeders with an excellent track record for producing and raising healthy and quality puppies with excellent temperaments may demand a higher price for their litter. The AKC recognizes outstanding breeders by awarding them the Breeder of Merit recognition.
Registration Papers: A registration is a certificate of your breed’s pedigree and authenticity. If your breeder takes care of your Xolo’s registration from the American Kennel Club (AKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), Continental Kennel Club (CKC), or other reputable organizations, expect this expense to be integrated into the price of the puppy.
Health Screenings: Health screenings and DNA tests are done by responsible breeders to ensure that their puppies are free from any congenital issues. Xolo puppies with health guarantees or certificates are often priced higher.
There are other factors affecting the Xoloitzcuintli puppy price, such as the cost of provided training or socialization and spaying or neutering.
Expect these procedures to be integrated into the puppy price, making it more expensive.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Xoloitzcuintli From a Rescue?
Should you choose to adopt a Xoloitzcuintli from a rescue organization or animal shelter, it would only cost you around $150 to $450. This is also a noble act since you will also give a dog another chance for a better life.
There are specific factors as well that affect the adoption fees of Xolos, such as age and gender.
Xolos that have been vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed or neutered also fetch a higher amount but cost lower than breeder-raised Xolos.
Despite its rarity, there are several rescue organizations and local shelters that focus on the rescue of Xoloitzcuintlis, which will be discussed in the latter section of this article.
Initial Cost of Xoloitzcuintli Ownership
Aside from the Mexican Hairless dog price, one must also financially prepare for the maintenance costs to keep the physical health and overall well-being of this breed.
Some items must be purchased ahead of the puppy and should be set up in advance. This is to make sure that your Xolo puppy will be comfortable and can adjust well as you welcome it to its new home.
Here is a list of the initial expenses you need to consider for your Mexican Hairless puppy:
Food and Treats: High-quality kibbles and dog treats are a must to ensure that your Xolo gets the proper nutrition needed for its daily functions. Prepare around $50 to $100 for your dog’s dietary needs, depending on its size.
Food and Water Bowls: A food and a water bowl are two essential supplies for dogs to be familiar with their food and water intake. A high-quality, long-lasting pair may hold you back by around $10 to $30.
Bed: A nice and comfortable bed for your Xolo should help relieve its stress, especially as it adjusts to its new environment. A soft yet sturdy bed should cost anywhere between $30 and $180. Get one that is large enough that your Xolo will not outgrow.
Crate: Aside from the advantages of crate training your Xoloitzcuintli, a crate is necessary when you need to travel your Xolo regardless of distance. The price range of a quality crate would be around $30 to $370, depending on the size.
Leashes and Collars: A leash and collar combination for your Xolo has a lot of functions, such as for the dog’s identification, for safety when walking outside, or for training purposes. This will run you about $15 to $50.
Toys: Mexican Hairless dogs love to play, so choosing the right type of toys that would not break easily is necessary to satisfy them. Expect to spend less on toys as they mature, as their interest in playing subsides. A sturdy set of toys may cost you around $20 to $40.
Grooming Essentials: Given this breed’s hairless nature and even the coated version’s minimal hair, grooming costs wouldn’t be as much. You just need shampoo, hair brush, toothbrush, nail clippers, eye and ear cleansers, and other essentials. Set aside a budget of $30 to $160 for this.
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: Protecting your Xoloitzcuintli from diseases brought about by parasites is a must from a health perspective. It is more expensive to treat an illness once it progresses. Effective anti-parasitic medicines should be around $50 to $200.
Initial Vet Visits: Routine veterinary visits are critical to your pet’s overall well-being. Further, it is a practice that could help diagnose illnesses early, hence, saving you from the higher cost of treating full-blown conditions. Prepare a budget of around $100 to $300 for a vet visit.
Initial Vaccine Shots: It is very critical to complete the initial set of vaccines for your Xolo. Aside from completing all the prescribed vaccines, follow the vaccination schedule as well for it to be effective. Set aside $75 to $200 to get this completed and be worry-free.
Neutering or Spaying: Many owners acquire the Xolo as pets because of their unique appearance and wonderful personality, without plans of breeding. Hence, neutering or spaying is done for its health and behavioral benefits. The cost of this surgery ranges between $50 and $500.
Dog License: A dog license is a very effective tool in locating and protecting your pooch in the instance that it gets lost. This is already mandated in most states in the United States. Licensing organizations can do this process for around $10 to $20.
Microchip: The microchip is a small device implanted in your dog’s back. It contains all the relevant information about the dog and its owner, assisting in its retrieval in case it gets lost. Microchipping a Mexican Hairless dog can cost you around $40 to $60.
Miscellaneous Supplies: Cleaning up after a Xoloitzcuintli’s mess as they run and play indoors or outdoors is another responsibility of being a dog owner. Hence, purchasing poop bags, scoopers, carpet cleaners, and odor neutralizers, just to name a few, should be on your list. These additional costs will be around $15 to $30.
Here’s a quick summary of all the initial expenses for your Xoloitzcuintli puppy:
From the estimate above, you’ll need around $525 to $2,240 to secure all these essentials to keep your Xolo healthy, safe, and comfortable in your house.
You’ll save a few hundred bucks if some of the procedures have already been covered by the breeder, like microchipping, vaccination, and spaying or neutering.
If you are not a first-time dog owner, you might already have some of the items listed. Hence, recycling these can help you save up on costs.
Further, look for breeders who can offer these items as part of their puppy package. There are a lot of generous breeders who give away free dog food, treats, toys, food and water bowls, and other essentials along with the pup.
Annual Cost of Owning a Xoloitzcuintli
As soon as you have completed all the basic needs of your Mexican Hairless, the next budget you have to consider is for its annual upkeep costs. This projection should help you manage the longer-term finances for your Xolo.
Most of these costs are recurring items critical to keeping your Xolo healthy and happy both physically and mentally.
Here’s a summary of the annual expenses of owning Xoloitzcuintlis:
At the onset, the annual expenses might look like they will set you back by a huge amount. However, as you break it down into monthly costs, you will realize that it is not too bad, especially if you own smaller versions of the Xolo.
Another thing to consider is that the Xoloitzcuintli has a very long lifespan, which is between 13 and 18 years. This means you have to be financially prepared to sustain this annual cost for that time period.
Other Potential Expenses
As you enjoy the companionship of your Xolo, unexpected circumstances may arise where you find yourself spending money outside of what you prepared for.
This section should help you realize what those possible expenses may be and make you a bit more ready financially to handle these situations.
Here’s a list of other potential expenses you might encounter with your Xolo:
Dog Daycare: Leaving your precious pet with close friends or family members is comfortable when you can not bring your dog with you on your business trips or vacations. However, should they not be available, a pet daycare is your next viable option. This will hold you back by $20 to $30 daily, but you can be assured of professional care.
Dog Walking Service: In as much as owners enjoy walking their pets themselves, many of them hire dog walkers should there be times when they lack the time or energy to do so. Hiring a dog walker costs around $15 to $25 for a 30-minute walking session.
Grooming Services: It is highly recommended for owners to groom their Xolos themselves, especially since this dog is very easy to groom to do due to its hairless nature. However, if you are uncomfortable with other aspects of grooming, such as nail trimming or ear cleaning, professional groomers will charge around $35 to $50 per session.
Training: Xoloitzcuintlis are easy to train, especially since they respond very well to positive reinforcement. Nonetheless, if you lack time to do basic training such as obedience, socialization, and housebreaking, a private dog trainer can help you with this for $50 to $500.
Kennel Club Registration: The Xoloitzcuintli is a recognized breed by many organizations, including the AKC. Hence, it can join dog shows and sporting events. Your purebred Xolo can also be registered so you can have proof of its authenticity and bloodline. This may cost anywhere between $80 and $200.
Emergency Medical Treatment: Even with pet insurance, one will never know what types of accidents and medical emergencies can occur to your beloved Xolo. This is potentially a huge expense; that’s why you always have to set aside some budget. Emergency procedures or treatment can be anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000.
The advantage of knowing these potential expenses is that you would know how much to set aside whenever you come across these situations, and you will not be as surprised anymore.
Places to Find Xoloitzcuintli Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Xoloitzcuintlis are a rare breed in the United States. However, since it was reinstated to the AKC show ring in 2011 as its 170th breed, it has gained more popularity. More breeders now specialize in the preservation of the Xolo.
Given the rarity of the Xolo, this breed may be a target of puppy mills and irresponsible breeders. Our ultimate puppy buying guide should help you be confident when searching for your Xolo from reputable breeders.
Here are some reputable breeders that specialize in the production of the Xoloitzcuintli:
Jato Xolos – Jato Xolos is run by two sisters in Georgia. They have been showing dogs as a hobby for almost 40 years, and the Xolo is the most recent addition to their portfolio. Their aim is to do all they can to preserve the breed standard of the Xolo. They raise all their pups as family pets, with basic obedience, crate, and housebreaking training.
Sambuca Xoloitzcuintli – This Tenessee-based breeder of standard and toy Xolos is an AKC Breeder of Merit. They are also a member of the Xoloitzcuintli Club of America, Inc. Their breeding stock is mostly composed of champions and grand champions, ensuring high-quality bloodlines in their puppies.
Amayla Kennels – Amayla Kennels is a Texas-based breeder that has been breeding Xolos for over ten years. Their Xolo parents have champion bloodlines and are completely health-tested, while their puppies undergo leash, crate, and basic obedience training as they reach 8 to 12 weeks old.
If you wish to discover more reputable breeders of Xoloitzcuintlis, you can search for them in the AKC marketplace. You are assured that these breeders comply with the AKC standards of the breed.
Meanwhile, if budget is a challenge and you are leaning towards adoption over buying from breeders, you should read our ultimate adoption guide to familiarize yourself with the process and have a higher chance for approval.
Below are some rescue organizations to consider when searching for a Xolo:
Xoloitzcuintli Primitive Breed Rescue (XPBR) – Established in 2013, XPBR is the only nationwide volunteer-based rescue organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of Xolos and its mixes. They help Xolos needing rescue through foster, adoption, education, spaying or neutering, and community outreach.
Bald is Beautiful Hairless and Small Breed Rescue, Inc. (BisB) – BisB is a non-profit organization that focuses on rescuing small and hairless dogs, including the Xoloitzcuintli. Since its inception in September 2010, it has already successfully rehomed over 800 dogs. Their adoption fee ranges from $285 to $385, depending on the dog’s age.
Bare Paws Rescue, Inc. – Bare Paws Rescue is a non-profit organization that was established in 2008. They are focused on the rescue of Chinese Cresteds and other hairless breeds in need, like Xolos and its mixes. They also provide veterinary care, vaccinations, health testing, spaying and neutering, and other necessary surgeries to their rescues.
If you want to search for a Xolo that is near your area, you can also consult your local veterinarians. They are definitely aware of responsible breeders within the vicinity and can direct you accordingly to them.
Further, our guide on finding free puppies in your area can help you look for a Xolo without you needing to travel too far and without hurting your budget as well.
Money-Saving Tips for Xoloitzcuintli Owners
Providing the best possible care for your Xolo requires a serious financial commitment. However, it doesn’t need to be expensive all the time. There are ways to cut costs without sacrificing your dog’s quality of life.
Here are some strategies to stay economical while taking care of your Mexican Hairless:
Invest in high-quality items. The Xolo can live for as long as 18 years. Hence, it would be so impractical if you keep repurchasing items that can be easily destroyed by your pet. Buying essentials made up of top-quality materials may be more pricey initially, but you save money in the long run since they would last the entire lifetime of your Xolo.
Groom your Xoloitzcuintli at home. Grooming a Xolo is easier compared to other breeds, given its hairless nature. Further, there are a lot of materials online to guide you on proper nail trimming, ear cleaning, tooth brushing, and even bathing your dogs.
Train your Xoloitzcuintli yourself. The Mexican Hairless dog may have a lot of training requirements for it to get along well with other people and animals. However, you can save on professional training costs if you are consistent and patient enough to handle your own pup’s training using positive reinforcement.
Make your own dog toys and puzzles. Toys and puzzles for your dog are important for its mental stimulation. You can save a lot of money by making your own homemade toys and puzzles that your Xolo can enjoy, especially if you use recycled materials.
These are just a few examples of how you can use your creativity to be more practical in saving money as a Xolo owner. With enough research and imagination, you can definitely figure out more ways to be cost-effective.
Final Thoughts
With the small number of Xoloitzcuinlis in the United States, as soon as you get your hands on one, you would definitely be urged to treat it with the best possible care to preserve its life and keep it happy.
The financial aspect of owning a Mexican Hairless dog may be daunting at first, but being aware and preparing early for these obligations should help you manage your budget better without sacrificing its needs and wants.
As this article assisted you in determining the price of a Xoloitzcuintli and the associated costs involved in owning one, let us know what other thoughts or questions you may have by dropping a comment below.
Yorumlar