Street dogs often known as “stray dogs”, are either abandoned by the owner or never adopted by anyone. In lack of adoption and indifference, they can be frequently seen on the streets and in cities and are generally not socialized dogs.
But there is something special about a Mexican street dog breed which is considered intelligent and compassionate comparatively. This article will explain everything about common Mexican street dogs and what does Mexican street dog look like, their lifeline, and a special bonus with chihuahua.
Why Does Mexico Have So Many Street Dogs?
India and Mexico are two countries with massive numbers of street dogs and the reason is simple: uncontrolled breeding and no regulations to manage stray dogs.
According to the data presented by the State of Pet Homelessness, out of 88 million cats and dogs, 28 million are homeless in Mexico alone. If narrowed down further, 18.8 Million dogs are on the streets in Mexico.
Indeed, uncontrolled breeding is the primary concern, the other bigger problem is the reluctance of Mexican people to adopt street dogs. It is likely that you may come across Mexican street dogs on several occasions when visiting Mexican streets.
The third common reason why Mexico has so many street dogs, I have seen recently, is the perspective. Yes, this is a general perception that street dogs are not clean, they aren’t social, they don’t have manners but do so-called high-breed dogs have all these traits by birth? I proceed to the topic by leaving this question to you.
What are the Characteristics of a Mexican Street Dog?
As I discussed above, a common Mexican street dog has some special traits compared to the other street dogs. They are friendly, intelligent, and even adaptable.
You will find Mexican hairless street dogs very cute and a Mexican street dog chihuahua could be your best friend. Let’s explore some basic information first before diving more into the topic.
| Aspect | Details |
| Name | Mexican Chihuahua |
| Breed Group | Terrier |
| Known As | Village Dogs, Callejeros |
| Physical Appearance | Typically Small, Diverse in Size, Shape, and Color Patterns |
| History | Street dogs, according to scholars, are essentially independent scavengers who are strongly linked to dogs that first showed up thousands of years ago. |
| Weight | Variable, Commonly 2-66lbs |
| Height | 6-24 inch |
| Lifespan | 8-18 Years |
| Coat and Coloring | Short hair and tan coloring, curled coating, diverse color due to diverse habitat |
| Cultural History | An essential aspect of Mexican culture that is frequently depicted in artistic works, literature, and film |
| Temperament | Intelligent, adaptable, friendly, and highly food-motivated |
| Living Conditions | Homeless, often get shelter in parks, markets, under the tree, in backyards, streets, etc |
Read More: Explore Impressive Dog Breeds Similar to German Shepherds
What Does a Mexican Street Dog Look Like
A common Mexican street dog looks like a chihuahua dog breed which is small in size, has short hair, and is somewhat sluggish. You can find these dogs sleeping in the Mexico streets most of the time. These street dogs are most active in the evening or at night.
When you look at the bigger picture, you will find that chihuahua street dogs are frail, ill, and susceptible to many illnesses.
This is the typical cause of the reluctance of many Mexicans to adopt them, or alternatively, the irreversible lack of adoption led to their current state.
Common Mexican Street Dogs Breed
This is an interesting fact that Mexican stray dogs have some unique traits as discussed above. Furthermore, they have some recognizable dog breeds including Chihuahua, Xoloitzcuintli, Mexican Greyhound, Mexican hairless street dogs, etc. Let’s discuss them in detail.
Chihuahua Street Dog
Mexican street dog chihuahua is the most commonly found and cutest street dog breed in Mexico. The name looks strange but it was given after the Mexican state of Chihuahua and this breed is among the smallest dog breed in the world.
It has a tiny body and weight is not more than 6 pounds but is smart, sassy, and quick. If this breed seems to be capturing your heart at first sight, you have no reason to be astonished.
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Xoloitzcuintli Stray Dogs
The second most widely popular and hairless Mexican street dog breed in Mexico, often referred to as Xolo, is Xoloitzcuintli which is generally a hairless dog breed in Mexico.
This breed comes in three popular sizes; toy, miniature, and standard as well as known as a family-devoted pet. Having black, grey, and red coating, Xoloitzcuintli has a lifespan of 12-15 years.
Mexican Greyhound
Greyhound dogs are slightly bigger, more athletic, and of reserved temperament compared to typical street dogs in Mexico.
They are considered hunting dogs and often part of racing dogs in the 20th century. Later, due to regular ignorance and non-adoption, they are generally found on the streets.
Should I Adopt Mexican Street Dogs?
Though it is an individual decision, I highly recommend adopting one as you are giving these dogs a new life. When you take a street dog home, it has its own benefits; they are very sensitive to various objects as they continuously wander in the street, so they don’t require any special training.
Second, they are not meant for the consumption of costly products that burn a hole in the owner’s wallet. You can share your food with them.
All you need to do is ensure their health and develop positive behaviors, such as avoiding sleeping in mud or giving them thorough grooming on a regular basis.
Finally, remember that not all street dogs are hostile or ugly—all of them have wonderful hearts—it just depends on how you choose to treat them.
You can make a significant difference in someone’s life by bringing a street dog into your home instead of spending a lot of money on fancy pups.
Conclusion
In this article, you have learned what is a Mexican street dog and what does Mexican street dog looks like. We have discussed why Mexico has so many street dogs along with the characteristics, types of Mexican dogs, and appearance of Mexican street dogs.
I hope you like this article and you have so many thoughts to share, so don’t hesitate and drop your comments.
