People around the world know Mexico for its rich culture, gorgeous landscapes, beautiful beaches, and cuisine that tickles the palate. It's a popular tourist destination year-round, and the universal legacy of its culture continues to influence people from all backgrounds. But one of the most interesting contributions to the world to come from Mexico is its dogs!
Mexican dog breeds come in all shapes and sizes, and they're often available the world over. While Mexico hasn't produced as many dogs as Germany, the United Kingdom, or France, canines native to the North American nation are some of the most recognizable and loved.
Whether you want a pint-sized lap dog or an intimidating guard dog, here's a list of dogs native to Mexico that can make excellent canine companions.
1. Chihuahua
One of the most iconic dogs from Mexico is the Chihuahua. These dogs are known for their small stature and big personalities. They're sassy, full of life, and will protect owners with their lives!
Don't let the small size of the Chihuahua fool you. They have the grit of a dog several times their size, and most Chihuahuas aren't afraid to show it. They're intensely loyal and loving to family members. But if someone they don't know or like comes around, be prepared for the barking!
Chihuahuas are known for being one of the "yappiest" dog breeds, but their vocalizations come from a good place. They're protective and want to alert you to potential danger. Oddly enough, these small dogs make great guard dogs. Having one in your home is like having a breathing alarm. If someone tries to break into your house, you'll know it!
Appearance
Chihuahuas are a small breed. Adults typically weigh six pounds at most, standing six to nine inches tall. The dog has a signature apple-shaped head, pointed deer-like ears, and large beady eyes.
The great thing about this breed is that there's tons of variety in color and coat style. Most Chihuahuas have a smooth and short coats, but long-haired types also exist.
Regarding color, you can find Chihuahuas in fawn, black, gold, cream and more. Mixed-color dogs are also available.
Temperament
Fortunately, Chihuahuas are very loving when surrounded by people they love. They can be testy around children who poke and prod too much. But for the most part, Chihuahuas make great family pets. They're eager to play but won't hesitate to snuggle up on the couch for relaxation.
Compared to other dog breeds, Chihuahuas are quite smart. The problem is that they're also stubborn. Training can be challenging, but the dog's eagerness to please makes them more trainable for first-time dog owners than other breeds. All it takes is some vigilance.
Chihuahuas are notorious for their mischievous nature and pride. Many say they bark to compensate for their lack of height. You can work with behavioralists to minimize barking, but the vocalizations come with owning a Chihuahua. Providing plenty of attention and play is the best thing to keep these dogs happy and calm.
2. Xoloitzcuintli - Mexican Hairless Dog
Also known as a "Xolo" or "Mexican Hairless Dog," the Xoloitzcuintli is a fascinating dog breed with much to offer. It has a distinct look. Most Xolos are primarily hairless!
The hairless dogs usually have some hair on top of the head or throughout the body, but smooth skin is standard. There are pros and cons to having a hairless Xolo.
On the one hand, they're considered hypoallergenic. You don't have to worry about picking up clumps of fur, and people with allergies usually do well with a Xolo in their life.
But on the other hand, the dog's hairless nature can present additional challenges. For example, they can experience skin irritation. If you live in a part of the world that gets a ton of sun, applying sunscreen to a Xolo before outdoor play is also a good idea!
Appearance
Xolos have a lean and athletic build. They're slim and can become muscular. However, they won't develop ultra-intimidating muscles like a Pit Bull.
There are three different Xolo sizes. Toy Xolos are only 10 to 14 inches tall and weigh around 10 to 15 pounds. Miniature Xolos stand tall at 14 to 18 inches, weighing 15 to 30 pounds.
Finally, there's the Standard Xolo. This variety is the most common. They can weigh 30 to 55 pounds and reach heights of 18 to 23 inches.
While most people know Xolos to be primarily hairless, there are "haired" dogs, too. The dogs with fur sport short hair that lies flat. Therefore, they have a similarly smooth appearance to their hairless counterparts.
Temperament
Xolos love people, but they can be suspicious of strangers. They bark when strangers come around, alerting you to potential visitors. But unlike a Chihuahua, the barking isn't incessant.
Despite the intimidating look of a Xolo, these dogs are big softies! They don't make great guard dogs because they're more likely to hide when strangers come around.
When surrounded by family, Xolos are highly affectionate. Many Xolos will latch onto one person, but their love extends to the entire family. The breed is playful, athletic, and generally good with kids.
3. Calupoh
The Calupoh, or Mexican Wolfdog, is a beauty. This breed is one of the rarer Mexican dogs available. They can be hard to find and adopt. But if you're lucky enough to discover a reputable breeder, they're worth bringing into your family.
These dogs are hybrid wolfdogs. They first came to be around the 1990s when breeders mixed the genetics of various dog breeds with wild wolves. The result is this amazing working dog.
Calupohs are strong workers serving many different roles. Throughout Mexico, you can find these pups guarding cattle. They're great sheepdogs. Thanks to their territorial nature, Calupohs are more than ready to protect a herd.
Of course, the breed also serves as a companion to loving families.
Appearance
At first glance, you can easily mistake a Calupoh for a German Shepherd or spitz-like dog. They have a thick coat of black fur, triangular heads, and perky ears. Most Calupohs have deep amber eyes and bushy tails. It's not hard to see the wolf genetics at play in a Calupoh.
Like German Shepherds, Calupohs have elongated legs that help them run at impressive speeds. They're also muscular and have strong necks. As a result, these dogs are both powerful and agile.
Regarding height and weight, these dogs from Mexico are between 22 and 29 inches tall at the withers. They can weigh anywhere between 60 and 120 pounds fully grown. Typically, males are bigger and stronger than females.
Temperament
Calupohs aren't for first-time dog owners. They require a good amount of training. Remember: They share genetics with wolves. As a result, they can be a handful.
The good news is that many Calupohs develop stable and predictable temperaments. They're very loyal and do well in family settings. They require early socialization and good obedience training to thrive.
With training, these dogs can live with other pets and become playful with humans.
4. Chamuco
Next up, we have the Chamuco! This breed is one of the more intimidating Mexican dog breeds around. It also goes by the name of "Mexican Pit Bull." In Spanish, the language of Mexico, their name literally translates to "devil!"
Take one look at these pups, and it's not hard to see why they have that moniker. Like other Pit Bull variants, the Chamuco is strong and muscular. It looks strikingly similar to the American Pit Bull Terrier, sporting that same big head and strong jaw.
The exact origins of this breed are hazy, but many believe it's a byproduct of crossbreeding the American Bulldog, the Mexican Bulldog, the Staffy, and the American Bull Terrier.
Unfortunately, the Chamuco is also difficult to adopt. They're nearly extinct, making them a rarity even in Mexico. A big reason for their near-extinct status is their presence in illegal dogfighting.
Appearance
Chamucos are on the smaller side of the weight and height spectrum. They're balls of muscle, but they're significantly smaller compared to breeds like the American Bulldog.
A full-grown Chamuco stands tall at only 14 inches at the withers. They tip the scales at 25 to 40 pounds.
Of course, where the Chamuco lacks height and weight, it makes up for its muscles. These dogs from Mexico are well-built. They're sporting muscular hind legs; most pups develop well-defined muscles around the arms and shoulders.
Their necks are thick, too. It perfectly complements their muscular head and jaws. Like Pit Bulls, the Chamuco has a strong bite force. They do that iconic "Pit smile" and are fully capable of fighting if they need to.
Temperament
It's unfortunate that these dogs are going extinct due to illegal dog fighting because they can make excellent pets. They have a somewhat negative reputation, and many people fear them. But in reality, they can be surprisingly loving.
When surrounded by family, the Chamuco is affectionate and playful. They're even said to enjoy being around kids. While you should always watch kids around dogs like this, Chamucos have a reputation for being playful and docile.
Of course, these dogs are capable of being aggressive. To combat that, you must provide great training and proper socialization. With a good foundation, they can be even-tempered and sweet.
5. Mestizo
Here's a lovable breed that many people in Mexico love to rescue. Many Mestizos are strays. You can find feral Mestizos roaming around many Mexico cities. Thanks to their lovable nature, many people bring them home, turning these pups into lovely companions!
The unique thing about Mestizos is that they're not an official breed. The literal definition of "mestizo" in Spanish is "a person of mixed race." When referring to a dog, Mexicans use the name "Mestizo" in the same way Americans use the word "mutt." It refers to a mixed-breed dog, often found living without a home.
Because Mestizos are hybrid breeds, their appearance can be unpredictable. These dogs are an amalgamation of genetics from different breeds, resulting in dogs with unique physical characteristics.
Mestizos come in all shapes, sizes, and coats. Some have the slim and slender build of Xolos mixed with the shaggy fur of a wolfdog. Others are small and multi-colored, making it nearly impossible to pinpoint what type of dog it is.
That's the beauty of a Mestizo. They come with many unknowns, and people choose to take them home based solely on temperament.
Because many Mestizos live part of their lives as strays, temperaments can be as unpredictable as appearances. Fortunately, many are just eager to escape the streets and get into a loving home. Of course, every dog's personality will differ, but many Mestizos are trainable because they spend their lives around people.
6. Chinese Crested
Last but not least, we have the Chinese Crested. Contrary to popular belief, Chinese Crested aren't from China. These dogs have a long and hazy history.
Some historians agree that the Chinese did own and revere these dogs. But more recent genetic studies show that breeders originally developed it from the Xoloitzcuintli.
Researchers believe that the earliest ancestors of the Chinese Crested underwent more refinement and breeding in China to create the dog we know today.
So, you could say that the Chinese Crested is both Chinese and Mexican.
These lovable dogs have a reputation for being one of the "ugliest" breeds in the world. They certainly look unique, but that only adds to their appeal. Like the Xolo, Chinese Crested are primarily hairless.
Most have hair on the top of their heads, and some have it on other parts of the body. But the hairless nature of this breed is its most defining feature.
Appearance
Chinese Crested are small dogs. Adults usually weigh between five and 12 pounds and stand tall at only 12 inches. They have a slender and athletic build.
As mentioned earlier, most Chinese Crested are largely hairless. It's common to see puffs of hair on the top of the head. The hair creates a mane-like look. The hair may also grow on the big, perky ears. The limited hair creates a distinct look.
You may also see fur growing at the tip of the tail and on the paws. Many Chinese Crested owners groom the fur for a cleaner look that complements the rest of the hairless body.
Another variant is available. It's called the Powderpuff Chinese Crested. These dogs aren't hairless. Instead, they have fine, fluffy fur covering the entire body. Powderpuffs require much more grooming. Without it, that fur will matt and tangle.
Temperament
Many people describe Chinese Cresteds as cats trapped in a dog's body. That's because they love to sit and lounge in high places!
They're not as skilled as cats when reaching those tall sitting spots, but they will try. If you own a Chinese Crested, giving them somewhere tall to sit is always a good idea. That could be a couch or a dedicated cat tree!
Chinese Cresteds are one of the laziest Mexican dog breeds. They're more inclined to sit around and lounge. Many aren't keen on going for long walks.
However, they love to play. They do well with obedience training and are incredibly loyal. They'll stick by your side, following you around your home, vying for your attention every step of the way!
Conclusion
There you have it! These dogs from Mexico are a joy to own. While most people are familiar with the Chihuahua, it's not the only pup native to Mexico. Whether you prefer the lapdog sensibilities of a Chinese Crested or the athleticism of a Calupoh, these canines have a lot to offer.
Each one is unique and plays a big part in Mexico's history. If you want a unique dog with distinct cultural relevance, any one of these breeds will make a great addition to your family.
Also read:
