Xoloitzcuintli - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Ancient History

Skulls of dogs similar to the Xoloitzcuintli dating back more than 3000 years were found in Mexico. It is believed, that when the people first crossed the Bering Strait, Xoloitzcuintlies were there with them. And according to the skulls and some old paintings, it seems that Xolos did not change much from the ancient times.

2) Healing Powers

Many ancient cultures believed, that hairless dogs have some sort of superpowers and the xoloitzcuintli was no exception. The people believed that Xolos have healing powers and that they can cure health problems like insomnia, asthma or rheumatism and that they can ward of evil spirits from their home.

3) God Name

The name xoloitzcuintli is not a coincidence. The word itzcuintli means a dog in Aztec language and the Xolotl was Aztec god of death and lightning. Xoloitzcuintlis probably had high status in ancient times and they were buried in the tombs with many Indians. It is because they were sacrificied when their owner died. The ancient people believed, that if they are buried with their owners, the dog to human companionship will continue in the afterlife.

4) Coat

You might be surprised that we are talking about coat in a video about Mexican hariless dogs, but it is true, there is a coated version of Xoloitzcuintli. A coated Xolo is completely covered with short, smooth, close-fitting hair. And even the hairless version can have some fur on top of their head, on the feet and on the tail. The most common coat colors are black, gray-black, slate, red, liver or bronze

5) Christopher Columbus

Mexican Hariless dogs probably got into europe with Christopher Columbus. When Columbus arrived in the Caribbean in 1492, his crew spotted hairless dogs, which turn out to be Xolos. They liked the dogs so they transported them back to the Europe with them.

6) Football Mascot

Xoloitzcuintlis are quite popular in Mexico. And guess what is also popular in Mexico – the football, or soccer if you wish. So its no wonder, that there is a football team named the Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente. And the Xolo dogs are an official mascots of this team.

7) Not a Chinese Crested

A lot of time, the Xoloitzcuintli is mistaken, with the probably most famous hairless dog of all – the chinese crested dog. But Except for the hairlessness, these two breeds are quite distinct.

8) Size

There is a Xolo size for everyone. It is because they come in three different varieties – the standard, miniature and toy. That is why the size can range from tiny 10 inches up to large 23 inches. Which is 25-58 cm.

9) Pronounciation

When you see this word for the first time, it might look like its created by random letter generator. It is easier to call them Mexican Hairless dogs, but i like the name Xoloitzcuintli better. And if you try it, its actually not that hard to say it – Just read these few words, and you got it - show-low-eats-KWEEN-tlee. Or you can just call them Xolos.

10) Children

Xolos are good family companions and they can easily live in a family with kids. But as with all dogs, it is important to not keep the kid and the dog unsupervised, especially if its very young child. But Xolos are overall patient, affectionate and playful dogs, which is great combination to become the best older child companion.