Endangered Species: Xoloitzcuintle

Endangered Species: Xoloitzcuintle

The Xoloitzcuintle or Xoloitzcuintli– is also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog. This breed was considered an earthly form of the god Xolotl, whose task was toaccompany souls to their final resting place. For this reason, the Aztec people would sacrifice a Xolo in order to be buried with it. The Mexican hairless dog is one of the oldest breeds in the world,and in danger of becoming extinct. Rumor has it that these dogs are sometimes seen wandering along the waterfront in Hong Kong, and efforts are now being made to protect the breed in its nativeMexico. This breed was eaten due to the belief that it had curative powers over various physical problems such as arthritis. In addition, the Xoloitzcuintle was a convenient source of protein. The ancientpeople raised herds of this breed, fattened the young for the market, and sold as food. The Xolo is a rare breed, even in Mexico.

In 1956, members of the Federacion Canofila Mexicana began aregistration and breeding program for the dogs to counteract its near extinction. As Europeans brought the dogs to the New World, the breed was diluted, however the hairless gene was strong enough tomaintain the familiar look the Xolo. Prior to 1974, the Xoloitzcuintle was listed in the non-sporting group, but Mexicans believed that placing it in the working group would uphold its traditional image.More recently, the breed was moved to the spitz and primitive group.

Xolos come in 3 sizes, the toy, miniature, and standard, with the miniature being the most common. They have a pointed muzzle,reminiscent of a bottle; the tail is set low, and kept tucked in. The eyes are black and shaped like almonds. The delicate ears are large and stand upright; most have to be bandaged at a young age totrain them to stand correctly. These dogs are warm to the touch, leading many to believe their body temperature is higher than other dogs. In fact, the body temperature is exactly the same as any other...