Buyer’s Guide 101
Is a Xoloitzcuintli right for you?
The Xoloitzcuintli is a unique and highly intelligent breed that will be sure to add so much to their owner’s lives. If you’re thinking of adding a Xolo to your life, please take the time to consider all aspects of that decision.
Puppies and adults require a large time commitment and effort on their owner’s part as well as lots of patience. The Xolo is a dog that is sure to attract attention wherever it goes and requires proper socialization.
Socialization needs to be started young and continued throughout their lives. Every breed has its good and challenging aspects; there is no perfect breed.
You must pick the breed that has the right characteristics to fit your desires and lifestyle, then raise and train the dog correctly.
Dogs don’t just grow up to be great family companions — they require time, commitment and structure.
Basic obedience is important to establish communication with your Xolo and to establish household rules. Without structure and consistency the Xolo will make their own rules and try to run the show. If they are raised permissively they can become problem dogs.
Without attending to their mental and physical fitness they can become bored and destructive. They are athletic and can be high energy. A Xolo will require a fenced yard and benefits from daily outings and walks.
They are fantastic companions, are very loyal and loving, become very attached to their family but at the same time are independent problem solvers.
Understanding the primitive nature of the Xolo will help in preparing for the arrival of your new addition. Xolos are very alert and will alarm, as nothing escapes their attention. They will need to have boundaries, consistency and benefit from a daily routine.
Grooming is low but like all dogs the Xolo will need proper care of skin, coat, teeth and nails, the latter which grows fast on the hairless variety.
Photo Credit: Roxanne McHatten
Still Think a Xolo is Right for You?
Contacting Breeders
Don’t begin the inquiry with, “Do you have any puppies for sale? How much?” Instead, introduce yourself and where you live, explain how you found them (breeder referral, etc.), and ask if they have a few moments to talk to you about their Xolos. Puppies are not available “on demand”. It could take several months to find an available Xolo. Be patient.
Expect a Breeder to Ask You Questions
Breeders take placing their dogs very seriously and consider it an important responsibility. A prospective home will asked several questions about your lifestyle, living situation, expectations, experience with dogs and experience with Xolos specifically. Breeders may ask prospective homes to fill out a questionnaire to understand what you are looking for and if one of their Xolos would be a good fit. These questions may seem personal and detailed but they are necessary to ensure the Xolo they place will live a safe, healthy, happy life. Expect a breeder to ask for references.
Some Questions to Ask a Breeder:
Breeders put a lot of time and energy into their dogs and will be the best resource in finding the best fit for your lifestyle. However it is important to be able to recognize the qualities of a knowledgeable and dedicated breeder. Here are some questions, and an explanation of their importance, to ask breeders.
Why did you decide upon this particular breeding?
It is very important for a breeder to have a goal in mind when deciding to produce a litter. A good breeder is always trying to improve on his or her current generation or solidify and continue traits they already have. A reputable breeder will NOT be breeding just to have puppies to sell.
How old are the parents?
It is important to give a dog time to mature into young adulthood, both physically and mentally, in order to determine whether or not it should be part of a breeding program. Skeletal health test require maturity of 2 years to be accepted into the OFA database.
Are both dam and sire listed on Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)?
It is very important to breed dogs who are healthy and have been screened for recommended OFA health tests. Results can be viewed by anyone on the OFA website, a good breeder will be able to provide you with results of the health tests performed.
Do you participate in conformation/performance events? If not, why?
Stock for breeding should be a sound, stable and structurally correct representative of its breed, capable of easily being around strangers, noise, crowds and other dogs. Participating in AKC conformation or performance events is a way a dog will demonstrate it has these important qualities and may be considered for a breeding program. It is possible to have dogs without titles in a pedigree, a good breeder will be able to explain why an individual dog did not participate in events.
Will I receive a pedigree? Can you tell me a little about the ancestors?
A good breeder will have years of experience studying the pedigrees, caring for, showing and competing with their dogs. They will know the health and temperament history behind a puppy and will be able to share specific information about the generations that came before. A good breeder will be able and likely proud, to provide you with the pup’s pedigree or pedigrees of the parents.
How are your puppies raised? What kind of socialization have they had?
The importance of this question cannot be overstated. It is vital that a breeder introduce every pup to the world, many objects, sounds, people and places as well as other animals at the appropriate age. Once a litter is old enough, PROPER socialization is one of the most important responsibilities a breeder and new owner has. A good breeder will give you plenty of information on what a pup has experienced so far, and provide advice on how to continue a pup’s socialization. They will also be able to best match individual puppy personalities with the right home.
Are your puppies sold with a written contract?
A written contract serves to support and protect the buyer, the breeder, and most of all, the puppy. A good contract will affirm certain things like a health guarantee that states the puppy is healthy, free of communicable disease and current on immunization. The written contract may include spay/neuter requirements appropriate to your puppy as well as an agreement to provide appropriate care (good food, training, exercise and veterinarian care). A good breeder will always take back a dog if the buyer becomes unable to care for it. Here are some basics a buyer might expect in many AKC Breeder Contracts.
Can you provide references from previous puppy buyers?
Breeders should be able and willing to provide references. Most good breeders stay in touch with owners so they may continue to assist and support anyone who has one of their dogs.
Rev. 10/21/2020
Photo credit: Debra Partridge
