Standard Xoloitzcuintli

Clean, fresh water should remain available to a Standard Xoloitzcuintli. Its meals should use high-quality food chosen for puppy, adult, or senior needs. The food may be commercially made, while a home-prepared option needs a veterinarian's supervision and approval.

Calorie intake and body weight require regular attention. Treats may assist training, but they add to the dog's intake and can cause obesity when given in excess. Human foods should be withheld until their safety for dogs is known. A veterinarian should address concerns about the dog's diet or weight.

A Standard Xoloitzcuintli's nails need regular trimming, since excessive length can cause discomfort. Teeth also require regular brushing at home or periodic cleaning by a veterinarian.

Coated dogs need only occasional brushing, while hairless dogs require regular baths and can be wiped down with a damp cloth. The bare skin needs extra care because it lacks natural protection from sun and adverse weather. For extended time outdoors, dog-specific sunscreen can protect a hairless Xolo's exposed skin. Human sunscreen is unsuitable; appropriate dog formulas exclude zinc oxide and para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), because either ingredient is toxic when ingested. Although hairless adults generally need little grooming, younger dogs may need special skin care if adolescent acne develops.

Obedience and agility are two activity options for a Standard Xoloitzcuintli. Long walks and lively play offer further ways to exercise. Structured play should accompany plenty of movement while the dog is young.

The general guideline for daily exercise is up to one hour. City streets, sidewalks, and unfenced yards call for a leash, while a securely fenced yard can accommodate off-leash activity.

Basic obedience helps a Standard Xoloitzcuintli understand household rules and communicate during training. Those rules should remain consistent within a stable daily routine.

Puppy training classes are important at the outset. Socialization should begin while the dog is young, then continue for the rest of its life. At the appropriate age, it should encounter many kinds of people, animals, places, objects, and sounds.