The Xoloitzcuintle (pronounced show-low-eats-queen-tlee) ranks among the world's oldest breeds. The unique name is derived from a combination of the Aztec deity Xolo and itzcuintle, the Aztec word for dog. The Xolo is often referred to as "The First Dog of the Americas" and traces back 3,500 years.
Xolos were believed to ward off and cure disease. Sleeping with a hairless dog was supposed to relieve pain from a variety of ailments within four days. According to legend, after four nights of sleeping with a Xolo the pain and disease would be transferred from the patient into the dog. They were recommended to ease the paid of asthma, toothache, colic, rheumatism, arthritis, back pain and broken bones. No doubt the comforting warmth that radiated from a sleeping Xolo provided some relief to the sufferer.
The Xolo's notable reputation as a healer may have been the basis of its significance in many religious rituals. They were highly prized for their medicinal properties but this was far surpassed by their religious value. Xolos were sacrificed to alter fate during desperate times, to celebrate momentous events and to insure protection from evil. Most commonly, they were sacrificed during burial rituals to serve as guides in the underworld. Different coloured Xolos had special significance for particular rituals and ceremonies.
Xolos were also used as a food source throughout Mexico, Central and South America. This was by far the most common use of hairless dogs throughout pre-Columbian America. Eating the meat of a Xolo was believed to offer a form of spiritual protection. They were considered a great delicacy and consumed for religious festivals, marriage ceremonies and funerals.
Consistent descriptions from a variety of European eyewitnesses ranging from Christopher Columbus , James Cook and Charles Darwin confirm that Xolos have changed very little over the centuries. During his second voyage, Columbus discovered Xolos on the Island of Santa Cruz. Then as now the Xolo was described as robust, resistant to fleas and suspicious of strangers. They came in different sizes and were hairless except for a bit of coarse hair on the head and tail tip. The skin was described as smooth, tough and distinctly warm, ranging in colour from black to grey to red, sometimes mottled with pink. Almost all descriptions noted very large erect ears, almond shaped eyes, long "whip like" tails and lack of premolars. It is this unique feature of hairlessness and dentition that has made the breed identifiable at archeological sites.
Although most of the world's Xolo breeding stock derived from Mexican bloodlines, the breed teetered on the brink of extinction in its native land for nearly 500 years.
The first Mexican Xolo breed standard was written in 1956 based on ancient descriptions of the breed. After 3,000 years of waiting the Xolo was officially recognised in its native land on May 1st 1956.
A pair of Xolos sent to England in 1957 served out their six month quarantine as exhibits at London Zoo. Hilary Harmar wife of a British diplomat posted to Mexico during the 1950's brought these dogs to England.
A 2,000 year old Xolo
XOLOITZCUINTLE WRITINGS
The legend of the butterfly xolo...
The antique mexicans believed xoloitzcuintles where the only ones that knew the path to go to the Mictlan (heaven), therefore the only way to enter the Mictlan was with the guide and help of a xolo. Red colored xolos were the favorite to guide the souls to the Mictlan for their color, not too dark nor too light, and when someone died a xolo was sacrificed and tied to the diseased with a red ribbon. The xolo would help the diseased to cross 7 levels in order to reach the Mictlan, the last one was a river named Chiconahuapan, whose water cleaned the sins of the diseased but stained the skin of the xolo turning it dark. When they arrived in Mictlan the xolo could chose between staying in Mictlan or returning to earth; those who chose to return to earth had to cross the river again, but this time the water cleaned all the dirt they got from the first time they passed through it turning some parts white. The white spots are located on belly, legs and chest mostly, but sometimes the water splashed and cleaned their face or tail. When a butterfly xolo is born, it is actually a xolo that just returned from Mictlan (heaven).
He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds, my other ears that hear above the winds. He has told me over a thousand times that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows he is hurt when I leave without taking him (I think it makes him sick, with worry when he is not along to care for me). When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another human. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever - in case I need him, and I expect I will - as I always have. He is just my Xolo. Giovanna Suedan
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History Of The Breed & Writings
History Of The Breed 
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