Portrait of a Calupoh, a large dog breed

Calupoh

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The Calupoh is a large Mexican breed descended from native dogs once held sacred in Pre-Hispanic times. Loyal and even-tempered, it pairs a noble, wolf-like look with an easygoing, adaptable, family-loving nature.

Height
24 to 29
inches at the shoulder
Weight
70 to 100
pounds, adult
Life expectancy
11 to 12
years, median 11.5
Senior from
8.6
years, about

Senior starts in the last quarter of a breed's expected lifespan, following the 2019 AAHA canine life stage guidelines. Individual dogs vary.

About the breed

Temperament
Loyal, Attentive, Even-Tempered
Coat
Double, medium
Origin
Mexico

The Calupoh comes from Pre-Hispanic Mexico, where the breed appeared around two thousand years ago and was held sacred. It originated as a cross between native Mexican dogs and the grey wolf, and its remains have been found at sites of importance, including the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Templo Mayor in Mexico-Tenochtitlan.

Modern Calupoh are no longer crossed with wolves, but they keep the noble bearing and strong character of those ancient ancestors. A medium-length black coat and striking yellow eyes give the breed a distinctive look. The build is balanced, with slightly long legs that echo the wolf and a strong head and skull.

This is a large dog, standing 24 to 29 inches and weighing 70 to 100 pounds. Bred to stay close to family, the Calupoh is loyal, attentive, and even-tempered. The breed standard describes it as a versatile companion that, through its tolerance and nobility, adapts to almost any activity.

Temperament and needs

Scored 1 to 5 for the breed overall. Individual dogs vary.

  • Affectionate with family5 out of 5
  • Good with young children5 out of 5
  • Good with other dogs5 out of 5
  • Openness to strangers1 out of 5
  • Playfulness3 out of 5
  • Watchdog and protective nature3 out of 5
  • Adaptability3 out of 5
  • Trainability3 out of 5
  • Energy level3 out of 5
  • Mental stimulation needs1 out of 5
  • Barking level3 out of 5
  • Shedding3 out of 5
  • Grooming frequency1 out of 5
  • Drooling1 out of 5

Care

The routines that matter most for this breed. Open one at a time.

Nutrition

A high-quality dog food matched to your dog's life stage (puppy, adult, or senior) supplies the nutrients this breed needs. Check with your vet if you have any questions about your dog's weight or diet.

Give table scraps sparingly, if at all, since they can cause digestive upset, and avoid cooked bones and high-fat foods. Small pieces of biscuit or your dog's own kibble work well as training treats.

If you feed a high-quality food, vitamin and mineral supplements should not be necessary. Small amounts of yogurt, cooked vegetables, or eggs added to the food can be a good extra. Learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not.

Grooming

The Calupoh is easy to maintain. A quick brushing every few days clears loose hair from the double coat and keeps it looking tidy. The breed needs only an occasional bath.

Shedding picks up once or twice a year. During those seasonal periods, daily brushing keeps the loose fur under control and off your furniture.

Trim or grind the nails about once a month if they do not wear down on their own, since overly long nails can cause pain and structural problems. Check the ears regularly and provide dental care.

Exercise

The Calupoh is active and athletic, and it needs plenty of exercise to stay physically and mentally well. A dog who does not get enough activity can grow frustrated and pick up unwanted behaviors.

With a puppy, start with short daily walks and play sessions in a safely fenced area. Keep your dog on leash in open spaces, since even a well-trained dog can get distracted and miss a command.

Daily brisk walks, long hikes, and canine sports such as agility, herding, tracking, and dock diving give the breed an outlet.

Training

Early socialization and puppy training classes are essential. Helping a puppy feel comfortable around different people and environments early on supports a well-adjusted adult, and continued obedience work helps the pup grow into an adaptable, well-mannered dog.

Calupoh are eager to please their people and respond well to consistent, positive, reward-based training. That patience and consistency produce strong, lasting results.

Sources

Longevity & Vitality soft chew

Longevity & Vitality is a daily chew built on five active ingredients. Each chew carries Turkey Tail at 600mg, Curcuvet® curcumin at 75mg, Quercefit® quercetin at 40mg, Fibalance® at 275mg and EpiCor® at 50mg. The daily serving follows your dog's weight, from half a chew to three.

Roots Pet Longevity & Vitality pouch of 60 soft chews, a daily multi-benefit supplement for adult dogs