Xoloitzcuintli

The Xoloitzcuintli, often called the Xolo, is an ancient Mexican breed that comes hairless or coated and in toy, miniature and standard sizes. It is calm, alert and loyal to its family, and it can be reserved with strangers. Xolos are quiet indoors, enjoy long walks and need early socialisation. They are rare, so be ready to wait.

The hairless type has exposed skin that needs care. In the UAE sun it can burn, so walk early or late, use a pet-safe sunscreen as your vet advises and never leave the dog in a car. It can also feel cold in strong air conditioning, so offer a blanket or a thin coat. Bathe it gently and moisturise only when needed. Hairless dogs often have missing or fragile teeth, so for skin and dental care, ask your vet.

See the puppy in person (and its mother, if you buy from a breeder) and check the vaccination card and microchip number. Your dog should be microchipped, have its rabies and core vaccinations and be registered with your municipality or emirate. A dog brought from abroad needs an import permit and health certificate, so check the current rules with MOCCAE or your municipality. On AnimalMarket24, prices vary a lot, so compare a few ads before you decide. Adoption is also an option, and adoption fees should be modest.