Xoloitzcuintli vs Pekingese
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Xoloitzcuintli
Non-Sporting Group
Pekingese
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Xoloitzcuintli Overview
Majestic and ancient, the Xoloitzcuintli features distinctive hairless skin or a short coat, with an elegant and athletic build. Their alert, intelligent expression and graceful movement reflect their noble Mexican heritage. Standing 10-23 inches tall with lean muscling, they display remarkable physical diversity across three size varieties while maintaining their characteristic dignified demeanor.
Pekingese Overview
Pekingese dogs feature a distinctive lion-like mane, flat facial profile, and compact body structure. Their long, flowing double coat comes in various colors, complementing their dignified bearing and regal demeanor. Standing 6-9 inches tall with a sturdy build, these ancient companions combine an independent spirit with devoted loyalty to their families.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Xoloitzcuintlis are more energetic than Pekingeses, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Xoloitzcuintlis require less grooming attention compared to Pekingeses.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Xoloitzcuintlis tend to be more reserved with strangers than Pekingeses.
- Trainability: Pekingeses may be slightly easier to train due to their Pekingese's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Pekingeses adapt better to apartment living, while Xoloitzcuintlis typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Xoloitzcuintli and Pekingese, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Xoloitzcuintli | Pekingese |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 13-18 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Xoloitzcuintli | Pekingese |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-23 inches 25-58 cm | 6-9 inches 15-23 cm |
| Weight | 10-55 lbs 5-25 kg | 14-14 lbs 6-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Xoloitzcuintli | Pekingese |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Loyal, Alert, Calm | Affectionate, Loyal, Regal in Manner |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Xoloitzcuintli | Pekingese |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Xoloitzcuintli Temperament
The Xoloitzcuintli is known for being loyal, alert, calm, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Pekingese Temperament
The Pekingese is characterized by being affectionate, loyal, regal in manner, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Xoloitzcuintli and Pekingese, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Xoloitzcuintli
Rating: 3/5
Pekingese
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Xoloitzcuintli
Rating: 3/5
Pekingese
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Xoloitzcuintli
Rating: 4/5
Pekingese
Rating: 2/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Xoloitzcuintli
Rating: 2/5
Pekingese
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Xoloitzcuintli
Rating: 2/5
Pekingese
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Xoloitzcuintli Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Xoloitzcuintlis require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Xoloitzcuintlis require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Pekingese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Pekingeses need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Pekingeses require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Xoloitzcuintli Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Dental issues
- Skin sensitivity
- Joint problems
- Eye conditions
- Allergies
Pekingese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Brachycephalic syndrome
- Patellar luxation
- Heart murmurs
- Eye problems
- Spinal disc issues
Pros & Cons
Xoloitzcuintli
Pros
- Low grooming needs
- Minimal shedding
- Excellent watchdog
- Highly adaptable
Cons
- Sensitive skin requires care
- Needs sun protection
- Can be aloof with strangers
- Temperature sensitive
Pekingese
Pros
- Excellent apartment dogs
- Loyal and devoted
- Low exercise needs
- Independent nature
Cons
- Stubborn and challenging to train
- Regular grooming required
- Heat sensitive
- Can be aloof with strangers
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Xoloitzcuintli and Pekingese, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.