Unusual Breeds: The Xoloitzcuintle

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はアステカと他の先住民族の文化によって神聖と考えられており、多くの人工物がその品種を描いて生き残っています。アステカの神話では、Xoloは神Xolotlによって作成されました。彼は人が人生で犬を守るように指示しました。代わりに、犬は地底の危険から天の御霊を守るでしょう。 

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は健全な犬である傾向があり、知能で有名です。初期の根からほとんど変わらない古代の品種として、多くのより一般的な犬の品種で失われた多くの「原始的な」特性を持っています。彼らは好奇心が強い、高いエネルギーを持っていて、狩猟や守備の本能が強い。 

Xoloはメキシコの全国犬であり、人気のあるメキシコのサッカークラブClub Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Calienteのシンボルです。

フィーチャーイメージ提供： Jacqi Dinis