Xoloitzcuintli - Aztec Hairless Ancient Dog

Xoloitzcuintli: The Ancient Hairless Dogs That Guided The Dead Into The Underworld

This funny-looking, hairless breed was considered a gift from the gods. How much do you know about this Mexican hairless dog date back from the Aztec Empire?

In all probability, the most famous Xoloitzcuintli in recent times is the adorable Dante from Disney Pixar’s Coco. He's a faithful stray dog that follows young Miguel in his quest in the Land of the Dead and eventually turns into his spirit animal. Coco's producers spent about six years studying Mexican culture in order to create a realistic representation of Mexico, and one of the aspects that impressed them the most was the famous Xoloitzcuintli, also known as Xolo or Mexican hairless dog. Not only is this striking-looking breed one of the few remaining direct links to pre-Columbian times, but their history and their peculiar characteristics are also fascinating.

The Xolo is thought to be one of the first dog breeds of dogs in the world. Historians believe that they reached the American continent accompanying the first human beings who crossed the Bering Strait. Now, the most ancient archaeological evidence there is of the Xolo dates back three thousand years, which is why they played such a big role in these civilizations. In that way, although there’s no evidence why hairless dogs are some of the most ancient breeds. The Xolo is just one of the three known ones along with the Peruvian hairless dog, and the Chinese Crested Dog, all of them quite similar. According to a study by Elaine Ostrander and Heidi Parker (US National Institutes of Health), these breeds don’t share genes with any registered dogs, which only adds to the mythology and mystery that surround them. 

The Xolo, in particular, played a very important role in the main mythologies of the pre-Columbian civilizations, including the Aztecs and the Maya. For them, Xolos were created by Xolotl, the god of lightning and death, from a piece of the Bone of Life. Its purpose was to guard humanity in life and then guide them after death to reach Mictlan, the Underworld. Xolos were thought to have spiritual powers that kept bad spirits away. Little Xolo figurines have been found in many tombs, and in some excavations, the remains of these dogs also accompany their owners, which supports the theory that some dogs were sacrificed, so that they would accompany their owner to the Land of the Dead. 

To help illustrate how fascinating Aztec Xoloitzcuintli truly is, here is the most fascinating design you should take a look : 

Xólotl Mictlan God Aztec Maya Mexica

The Xoloitzcuintle's 'primitive' temperament (very high intelligence, sensitivity, high energy, inquisitiveness, strong hunting, and social instincts) is apparent because the breed's temperament was not modified overall by selective breeding in their native history in Mexico. 

Xólotl Mictlan God Aztec Maya Mexica 

Xólotl Mictlan Gods Aztec Maya Mexica

The Xolo has been developed by natural selection for thousands of years, and is therefore generally not prone to health and structure problems as other dog breeds more modified by human selection efforts. Xolos came from tropical climates and are not suited for outdoor life in colder temperate and northern climates; they should be considered an indoor dog breed.

Xólotl Mictlan Gods Aztec Maya Mexica 

Xólotl Mictlan Dog God Aztec Maya Mexica

In Aztec mythology, Xolotl was a god of fire and lightning. He was commonly depicted as a dog-headed man and was a soul-guide for the dead. He was also god of twins, monsters, misfortune, sickness, and deformities.

Xólotl Mictlan Dog God Aztec Maya Mexica 

Aztec Xolotl Maya Aztec Customized 3D All Over Printed Hoodie

The Xolo, specifically, assumed a vital part in the principle folklores of the pre-Columbian civilizations, including the Aztecs and the Maya.

Aztec Xolotl Maya Aztec Customized 3D All Over Printed Hoodie