XOLOITZCUINTLIS

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Xoloitzcuintli
COUNTRY: Mexico
HEIGHT: 13-22 1/2 inches (Standard and Miniature)
COAT: Hairless, with a wisp of short, thin hair on head and nape, feet and tail tip; Powderpuff variety
COLOR: Skin can be dark solid charcoal, slate, reddish gray, liver or bronze preferred; pink or coffee colored spots are permissible
OTHER NAMES: Standard Mexican Hairless
REGISTRY: FCI
GROUP: Southern
Xoloitzcuintli, Toy
COUNTRY: Mexico
HEIGHT: 11-12 inches (size of small Fox Terrier)
COAT: Hairless, with a wisp of short, Thin hair on head and nape, feet and tail tip; Powderpuff variety
COLOR: Skin can be dark solid charcoal, slate, reddish gray, liver or bronze preferred; pink or coffee colored spots permissible
OTHER NAMES: Mexican Hairless, Tepeizeuintli
REGISTRY: CKC
GROUP: Southern

Ancestors of the Aztec Indians brought hairless dogs called Bicke, meaning naked, with them when they arrived in Mexico from Asia. The Aztecs enjoyed the hairless dogs as pets, but also found them useful as bedwanners and sacrificial offerings. The Mexican Hairless and the larger variety, Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced show-low-eats-QUEEN-tlee) wanned their stomachs inside and out. Clay figures and remains of these dogs, dating from 300 to 900 AD, have been found in burial sites, where the dogs guided the souls to a happy afterlife and furnished nourishment until it was reached.

After the Spanish conquest, the great Aztec society disappeared, and with it the pampered pet/culinary delicacy. Small numbers of Xolos survived in remote villages. They were not forgotten, however. Famed Mexican artist Diego Rivera captured them in his murals. In the 1950s, the Mexican Kennel Club made a concerted effort to re-establish this distinct national breed.

The toasty warm body heat of these hairless dogs made them in demand as ancient hot-water bottles, relieving stomach pains and rheumatic joints, or simply warming chill nights. Extreme cold made for a "Three Dog Night." The breed's palliative qualities magnified until its ' 'healing powers' became a panacea. The warmth from these dogs is still enjoyed today, particularly by the elderly.

The Xolo and Mexican Hairless are identical except for size. The Mexican KC feels that the size variation is acceptable and recognizes them as one breed, the Xolo. In the USA, however, the smaller variety has been renamed the Mexican Hairless. The ancient link of both varieties to the pariahs and sighthounds is evident in the racy, elegant body, streamlined head and lighter bone. Ears must be erect. Structurewise the Xolo is similar in appearance to the standard Manchester Terrier.

Their character is one of happy, though calm, temperament without fear. In fact, the Xolo makes a good alarm dog, noisy only when necessary. Considered totally hairless, he sometimes has a bit of fuzz on the top of the head and a hair or two on the tail. They are admired for their elegance, unique appearance, personality and hairlessness. The very fact that they have no hair makes them a choice for allergic owners, with the side benefits of cleanliness, no doggy odor and no fleas!

Time saved on coat grooming, however, is spent on skin care. The fragile skin is susceptible to sunburn, drying irritations and tears from other dogs and objects. All hairless breeds must be protected from the cold by providing the knit sweater or coat that Nature left off. Although powderpuff coats occur in about one of three, they are disqualified and may not be shown.

The Mexican Hairless was recognized by AKC until 1959, when a lack of registrations and show entries caused it to be dropped. The CKC still recognizes the breed, and a nucleus of dedicated fanciers in North America still promote the small Mexican.