BESITO is the word that means “little kiss” in Spanish. The first interaction that our puppies have with humans happens at about three days of age. They are held and feel the first touch of the human hand. At this stage of life they have some sense of smell and taste but cannot see or hear. They are handled gently by humans every day from this point on. As they learn to hear and see and smell and taste, their first response to humans is then their little tongue comes out to begin exploring their world. Even before they can hear and see they are giving little ‘besitos.’
Xolo puppies are very wrinkly and fat. Their ears are usually down until they are a couple of months old. Some puppy ears go up nice and straight by three or four months without help and some need a little encouragement with tape or moleskin. Generally the ears should be up and well-shaped by the time the puppies have their adult teeth at six months. Ears not up at one year are a fault in the show ring.
We live on a farm in the high desert of Eastern Washington State, in the eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains. This was originally a cattle ranch. We have remodeled the buildings and landscape to accommodate the Xolos, and added several new buildings. We now have a very modern facility which includes an indoor arena. All areas where the dogs live are heated for winter comfort, and have ventilation and windows to provide fresh air and sunshine year around.
We put a great deal of effort into breeding quality Xolos. We have the best Mexican bloodlines available. It is our goal to produce beautiful, sound, healthy and well adjusted companions for both show and fellowship in the lives of their owners.
Each puppy is treated as an individual, depending upon it’s potential and it’s needs. We are not interested in placing large numbers of Xolos, but only in very limited breeding.
The Xolo is devoted and caring, an extremely attentive dog to live with. Xolos are alarm dogs, not attack dogs, but have been known to bite when in great fear. It is unusual for Xolos to bite humans and they will not do it without good reason. They usually place themselves between master and stranger and insist on remaining there. They are still ‘primitive’ in some of their behaviors and reactions and require respect and structure in their daily routine. They are extremely smart and respond very well to obedience training. Consistency is very important when training the Xolo, as it is in training all dogs.
The xolo pictured below is MEXICO (HOOVER) Mex.FCI. He won Best of Breed at the World Show in Sweden and went on to win a very prestigious Group 3. Bred by Patty Hoover, Handled by Maureen Pinto and owned by Mona Ebbestad.
Xolos are a very strong and athletic dog. Some are especially good at scaling fences, especially the intermediate sized ones. I have three that think nothing of going over a six foot fence if they want to go ‘bye-bye’ in the car. Sharing your life with a Xoloitzcuintle is an incredible experience — only for the very special people who are willing to offer them the security and care that they require.
I seek to establish and maintain communication with Xolo breeders worldwide. We can learn from each other and share concepts, although I expect that we will not always agree. Respect for others and their opinions is important and opens the door for exchange of ideas. Together we can share a common goal of good ethical breeding and promote responsible ownership of Xolos and education of the public.
BesitoXolo Kennel 