Mexican Hairless Dog
The Mexican Hairless Dog is an ancient, hairless breed of dog, also known as the Xoloitzcuintli, or Xolo for short. It may have originated over 3,500 years ago in Pre-Hispanic Mexico, when the Aztecs ruled the land. The breed was sacred to the Aztecs because they were believed to guide their masters’ dead souls safely through the underworld. In accordance to an Aztec myth, their god Xolotl made the breed from a sliver of the Bone of Life from which men were made. The Aztecs also raised this breed to serve its meat at banquets, despite their honored place in mythology.
In today’s Mexico the breed is believed to have healing qualities, and it is often used for medicinal purposes. The breed is not currently recognized in the AKC but should be accepted as a rare breed in the next few years.
The Mexican Hairless can weigh anywhere from 10 to 50 pounds. It has a sleep, hairless body, almond-shaped eyes, a long neck, and very large pointy ears. Some particular dogs may have extremely short coats of hair. The skin of the breed is generally either black or slightly blue in color, but it can be light or pinkish. Many Mexican Hairless Dogs are missing some of their teeth.
The Mexican Hairless Dog is a very loyal and intelligent breed which bonds very tightly with its owner. It is important that every member of a Mexican Hairless owning family spends time with the dog otherwise it will bond only to one person in the family. The breed is alert and protective of those who care for it. The Mexican Hairless can tend to be dominant, so it needs an owner who assumes a leadership role with the dog. It generally excels at agility, obedience and therapy training. It can be a clingy breed; it tends to stay near its owner as often as possible.