“Clay statues of puppies similar to today’s Xoloitzcuintli had been interred in Mayan, Colima, and Aztec burial sites relationship lower back 3,000 years. These puppies had been believed to guide souls through the underworld. Aztec mythology asserted that Xolotl, the Aztec god of lightning and death, made the Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced show-low-meet-SQUINT-lee) from the “bone of life,” presenting physical and religious healing capacity to the dogs. The name combines Xolotl with “itzcuintli,” Aztec for “canine.” These dogs had been observed throughout Mexico and parts of Central and South America, safeguarding against spirits and intruders and healing people. Columbus had first defined the hairless puppies in his 1492 journal. After the Spanish Conquest, Xolos (their short name) had been nearly lost, mainly surviving in remote areas. In 1887, the AKC registered the breed as the Mexican Hairless; however, their numbers remained low, and they were dropped from the ranks in 1959—the only breed ever dropped from the roster.

Meanwhile, in 1953, numerous British and Mexican canine authorities, knowing the breed’s tenuous existence, searched remote Mexico and returned with ten Xoloitzcuintli. In 1956, the breed was named the official canine of Mexico. From there, this breed begins to become more well-known. In 2007, the Xoloitzcuintli was once more recognized, and they may be found in 3 distinct sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy. The gene that causes hairlessness in the Xoloitzcuintli is similar to that in Chinese Cresteds, and the Xoloitzcuintli may also descend from historic Asian hairless puppies. It is a single dominant gene, hence all hairless Xoloitzcuintli have one hairless gene and one coated gene. The identical gene causes a few dental anomalies. About one-third of Xoloitzcuintli have coats.”

Temperement

As a primitive breed, Xoloitzcuintli can be relatively independent natured. They do love to please; however, they’re also independent thinkers. They have a tendency to be calm, however inquisitive, committed but now no longer fawning, self-confident, not overly trusting of strangers. They get alongside pretty well with different puppies and pets. They are alert watchdogs in the domestic and could alert their family to visitors or strangers, but they may generally be not immoderate barkers. Some may be escape artists. Training is interesting.

Upkeep

All Xoloitzcuintli requires every day exercise. They usually want an extended stroll or jog. A coated Xoloitzcuintli requires an occasional brushing. A hairless Xoloitzcuintli needs no brushing. However, their skin needs to be wiped or bathed often to prevent acne or blackheads, particularly while they’re young. They may also want a dog sunscreen to protect their skin. Hairless puppies also want a sweater in cool weather. The skin of hairless puppies may be very thick, so it could also be quite challenging.

Health

“Major diagnosis: none
Minor diagnosis: acne
Occasionally seen: patellar luxation (toys)
Suggested tests: none
Life span: 11–14 years”

Disclaimer

Note: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.