Otherwise known as the Mexican Hairless or Xolo, the Xoloitzcuintle has existed in South America for over 3000 years but is now one of the rarest breeds in the world. The breed’s unusual hairlessness is thought to have originated due to a mutation of dogs in the region. These dogs may have had a survival advantage in the hot, tropical environment causing the mutation to spread. 

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Xolos fueron considerados sagrados por los aztecas y otras culturas indígenas y muchos artefactos sobreviven representando la raza. En la mitología azteca, el Xolo fue creado por el dios Xolotl. Él instruyó que el hombre guardara al perro con su vida. A cambio, los perros guardaban las almas de su amo a través de los peligros del inframundo a los cielos. 

Skin colours in the Xolo range from black, to blue, to red. Occasionally, Xolos with a coat are born amongst a litter of hairless siblings. 

Image courtesy of Jacqi Dinis

For many years, the Xolo remained largely ignored by dog breed authorities, only sporadically making appearances in Mexican dog shows of the 1940s. By the 1950s interest had increased at it was realised, unless drastic action was taken, the breed would go instinct.

In 1954 the FCI (the World Canine Association) began the ‘Xolo Expedition’. Mexican and British dog enthusiasts set off to the remote regions of Mexico to discover and preserve purebred members of the breed. Ten were found and formed the foundation of Mexico’s program targeted at a Xolo revival. 

Image courtesy of Diana Andersen - AnimalImages

Interestingly, Xolos were one of the very first dogs recognised by the American Kennel Club. In 1887, ‘Mee Too’ was registered and in 1940, ‘Chinito Junior’ owned by a Mrs Radtke of New York became the breeds first, and only, American Kennel Club champion. As of 2012, the Xolo has been included in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. 

Image courtesy of Jacqi Dinis

Xolos tienden a ser perros saludables y son bien conocidos por su inteligencia. Como una raza antigua en gran parte sin cambios desde sus raíces tempranas, tiene muchas características "primitivas" que se han perdido en muchas variedades de perro más populares. Son inquisitivos, de alta energía y tienen agudos instintos de caza y vigilancia. 

El Xolo es el perro nacional de México y el símbolo del popular club de fútbol mexicano Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente.

Imagen cortesía de la imagen Jacqi Dinis