You have decided that you want to live with a dog.
But then comes the difficult part:
Which breed is right for you?
There are hundreds of recognized dog breeds, and they can be completely different in size, appearance, temperament, energy level, coat, working abilities and everyday needs.
So how do you choose?
The color?
The size?
Long hair or short hair?
Perhaps no hair at all?
A small companion or a large working dog?
The answer is simple:
Start with yourself, not with the breed.
Take a piece of paper and a pen and honestly answer a few questions.
Before looking at breeds, think about your own lifestyle.
Are you active?
Do you enjoy long walks, hiking, running or travelling?
Do you prefer quiet evenings at home?
Do you work from home?
Do you spend most of your time outdoors?
Do you want a dog that can accompany you almost everywhere, or are you looking for a calm companion for your home?
Your dog will become part of this lifestyle.
The best breed is not necessarily the most beautiful one.
It is the one whose natural needs fit your everyday life.
This is one of the most important questions.
Write down what you imagine doing together.
Long walks?
Hiking in the mountains?
Dog sports?
Training?
Travelling?
Running?
Going to shows?
Or simply walking in the park and relaxing together at home?
Different breeds were developed for different purposes.
Some were bred to herd livestock. Others to hunt, guard, retrieve, pull, work independently or stay close to people as companions.
Those original purposes still influence many breeds today.
That is why two dogs of exactly the same size can have completely different needs.
The FCI organizes recognized breeds into 10 groups, including Sheepdogs and Cattledogs, Pinschers and Schnauzers/Molossoids, Terriers, Dachshunds, Spitz and Primitive Types, Scent Hounds, Pointing Dogs, Retrievers/Flushing Dogs/Water Dogs, Companion and Toy Dogs, and Sighthounds.
These groups are not simply about appearance.
They reflect the history, structure and original purpose of the breeds.
Understanding this can make choosing a dog much easier.
These breeds were developed to work with livestock and people.
Examples include Border Collies, Australian Shepherds and various shepherd breeds.
They are often intelligent, active and highly responsive to their owners.
If you want a dog that enjoys learning, working and having a job, this group may be interesting.
But if you are looking for a dog that is happy with a short walk and a quiet life, some working shepherd breeds may be too demanding.
Terriers were developed primarily for hunting and controlling vermin.
They are often small or medium-sized, but don't let their size fool you.
Many terriers are energetic, confident, determined and independent.
A small dog does not automatically mean an easy dog.
Dachshunds were developed for hunting, particularly working underground.
Their unique body structure was created for a purpose.
Today they are popular companions, but their original instincts and character still matter when choosing one.
This is a particularly interesting group for anyone considering breeds such as the Xoloitzcuintli.
The FCI Group 5 includes Nordic Spitz, Asian Spitz, European Spitz and primitive-type dogs. Xoloitzcuintli is classified in Section 6 — Primitive Type.
This group contains breeds with very different appearances and histories, from northern Spitz breeds to ancient primitive breeds.
The Xoloitzcuintli belongs here because of its ancient primitive breed type and history rather than because it looks like a typical fluffy Spitz.
These dogs were developed primarily to follow scent.
Their incredible sense of smell and hunting instincts are part of what makes them special.
But those same qualities may influence everyday life.
A dog bred to follow a scent may be much more interested in the world around it than in staying perfectly focused on its owner.
Breeds in this group were developed to locate and indicate game.
They are often athletic, energetic and strongly connected with outdoor activity.
They can be wonderful companions for people who enjoy an active lifestyle.
These breeds were developed to work with hunters, often retrieving game or working in and around water.
Labradors, Golden Retrievers and many spaniels belong to this broad working tradition.
They can be excellent family dogs, but they still need appropriate activity and interaction.
These breeds were primarily developed to live closely with people.
Many are small, portable and highly people-oriented.
They can be particularly suitable for people who want a close household companion.
But again, small does not automatically mean low-maintenance.
Greyhounds, Whippets, Salukis and related breeds were developed for speed and visual hunting.
Their bodies tell the story.
They are often extremely elegant and lightly built, with long limbs, deep chests and a comparatively light frame.
This is a good example of how a dog's structure reflects its original purpose.
A sighthound does not have the same body as a powerful molosser because they were not created to do the same job.
When choosing a breed, size should be one of your first considerations.
Not because one size is better than another.
Because you need to choose the size that is comfortable for your life.
Small breeds can be convenient for people who travel frequently, live in smaller homes or simply feel more comfortable handling a small dog.
They are often easier to take with you in everyday situations.
But remember:
small does not mean effortless.
A small dog can still be energetic, intelligent, stubborn, athletic or demanding.
Medium-sized dogs can be a wonderful compromise.
They offer a balance between portability and physical presence.
For many people, this is the most universal size.
Large breeds can be wonderful companions, but their size affects almost everything:
food consumption, transportation, equipment, space, physical handling and travel.
You should think about these practical aspects before choosing a large dog simply because you love its appearance.
One of the wonderful things about the Xoloitzcuintli is that you can choose between three sizes.
According to the FCI standard, Xoloitzcuintli comes in:
The FCI standard also gives these varieties different traditional functions: the Miniature is designated as a companion dog, while the Intermediate and Standard varieties are described as watchdogs.
For someone who loves the breed but has a very different lifestyle from another Xolo owner, this can be a significant advantage.
And for people who travel frequently, the Miniature Xoloitzcuintli can be particularly practical because of its compact size.
Another major question is grooming.
Think honestly about how you feel about dog hair.
Some people love brushing and maintaining a beautiful coat.
Others simply do not want hair on their clothes, furniture and floors.
Dog coats can be:
There is no universally “best” coat.
There is only the coat that fits your preferences and your willingness to care for it.
And hairless breeds have their own type of care.
With a Xoloitzcuintli, you exchange regular coat grooming for attention to the skin, weather protection and appropriate clothing when necessary.
Look at the dog's body, not only its face.
Why is one dog tall and extremely light?
Why is another compact and powerful?
Why does one have a deep chest and long legs?
Why does another have a heavy bone structure?
These differences are not accidental.
A breed's body developed according to what it was expected to do.
Sighthounds were built for speed.
Powerful working breeds needed strength and substance.
Herding dogs needed athleticism and endurance.
Small companion breeds were developed for close human companionship.
When you understand why a dog looks the way it does, you begin to understand the breed itself.
This is where many future owners make a mistake.
They see a beautiful dog and immediately fall in love.
But living with a dog is much more than looking at it.
Ask yourself:
Do I want an independent dog or a very people-oriented one?
Do I enjoy training?
Do I want a calm dog or an active dog?
Can I handle a strong hunting instinct?
Do I want a dog that follows me everywhere?
How much mental stimulation am I prepared to provide?
Your perfect dog should not only look right.
Its personality should fit yours.
This is an extremely important question.
How much time are you prepared to spend every week caring for your dog?
Depending on the breed, this may include:
For example, a long-haired breed may require regular professional grooming.
A hairless Xolo has no coat to brush, but its skin and seasonal needs require attention.
Every breed has maintenance.
The question is whether you enjoy the type of care that your chosen breed requires.
The purchase price is only the beginning.
Before choosing a breed, consider the ongoing cost of living with the dog.
Think about:
And remember: a bigger dog generally requires more food and larger equipment, but size alone does not determine the total cost of ownership.
This can also be part of your decision, but it should not be the first thing you consider.
Temperament, breeding line, individual personality, upbringing and your compatibility with the dog are often much more important than simply choosing “male” or “female.”
Instead of asking only:
“Which sex should I choose?”
ask:
“Which individual dog is the right match for my family and lifestyle?”
After answering all these questions, you should have a much clearer picture.
You can write down your ideal dog:
Size: small / medium / large
Activity: low / moderate / high
Coat: hairless / short / long / wire / curly
Grooming: minimal / moderate / intensive
Temperament: calm / active / independent / people-oriented
Lifestyle: home / city / outdoors / travelling
Purpose: companion / sport / work / hunting / showing
Training: beginner-friendly / experienced owner preferred
Budget: realistic monthly and emergency budget
Now start comparing breeds.
This is much more useful than simply scrolling through photographs and choosing the dog you find the cutest.
There are hundreds of breeds, and every one of them was shaped by people for a reason.
Some were created to work.
Some to hunt.
Some to guard.
Some to herd.
Some to run.
And some simply to live closely with people.
Understanding that history helps you understand what the breed may need from you today.
So don't start with:
“Which dog do I like?”
Start with:
“What kind of life can I offer a dog?”
Then ask:
“Which breed can be happy living that life with me?”
That is how responsible owners choose a breed.
And sometimes, after answering all these questions, you may discover that the breed you were looking for was not the one you initially expected.
That is perfectly fine.
The goal is not to find the most beautiful dog.
The goal is to find the right dog for your life.
Is a mono-breed Miniature Xolo kennel.
We know everything about the Xolo breeding and even more.
We choose only the best Xolo bloodlines in the world for the breeding purpose in our kennel.
Our graduates live in more than 15 countries in Europe, the USA and Canada.
All our breeding dogs get tested for genetic diseases and are in excellent health condition.
