The Xoloitzcuintli: The Beloved Dog of Mexican Culture

A true travel companion bridging the past and present

Embark on a journey through time to pre-Hispanic Mexico and uncover the fascinating story of the Xoloitzcuintli, a unique wrinkly-skinned dog that has held a fundamental place in Mexican culture and traditions.

The Xoloitzcuintli, or Xolo for short, is more than just a pet; it is a cultural icon deeply embedded in the history and heritage of Mexico. With their distinctive hairless appearance and enigmatic presence, Xolos have captivated hearts and left an indelible mark on the nation's story.

Their cultural significance stems from the ancient belief that they possessed the ability to safeguard souls on their journey to the afterlife. Revered as spiritual guides, Xolos were believed to accompany individuals on their passage to Mictlán, the realm of the dead.

In this blog, we'll delve into the fascinating world of the Xoloitzcuintli. We'll explore their historical significance in Mexican culture, delve into the essentials of their care, see how they're represented in popular culture today, and discover the efforts underway to preserve this unique breed.

History and cultural meaning

The term Xoloitzcuintle originates from the Nahuatl: xólotl, meaning “monster” or “god”, in reference to the Mexica god Xólotl, deity of fire, death and transformation, and from the word Itzcuintli, meaning “dog”.

It is believed to have originated 3,500 years ago in pre-Hispanic times as mythological animals, linked to water and fertility, according to the Mexica culture.

Their mission was to guide their humans through the underworld, helping them to cross different obstacles and difficult paths before reaching eternal rest.

Dogs were also sacrificed and buried with their owners to accompany them to the other world.

The Xoloitzcuintle appears in burials, codices, sculptures, architecture and paintings: “the bond between dogs and humans is ancestral and permanent; it won our hearts in human history”. Carmen Rojas, Archaeologist and researcher at the INAH Quintana Roo Center.

Xolos shared a common cultural meaning in Mesoamerica, their appearance and functions could vary slightly between different regions and cultures.

For the Maya, the Xoloitzcuintle also had a spiritual significance. It was considered a protector against evil spirits and an intermediary between the physical and spiritual worlds.

Characteristics of the Xoloitzcuintle

Now that we know a little more about their history, let's review their physical characteristics, behaviors and care.

• They have different sizes: Not all Xoloitzcuintles are the same size. Some are small, while others are larger, like a Dalmatian.

• Distinctive head and ears: Its head is slender and has large, erect, triangular-shaped ears.  

• Wrinkled skin: One of the most common characteristics. Its skin is soft and warm, with some wrinkles, which makes it a very sensitive animal to changes in temperature, exposure to the sun, etc. It is a breed that requires care to avoid reactions or affections in its body. Oils and moisturizers are essential to take care of their skin and to keep it soft and healthy.   

• Alert eyes: Their dark eyes are always attentive to everything that happens around them. 

• Slender and athletic body: It is an agile and muscular dog, with a long neck and strong legs.

His behavior is friendly, cheerful and very playful. He can be a bit shy with strangers, but he will always be willing to play and of course... to eat.

The closeness they have had to humans for centuries has made them enjoy feeling loved and getting lots of attention.

They are especially affectionate and easy to train, intelligent and very loyal dogs. For this reason, they are the perfect family pet.

He is Boiko, a Xoloitzcuintle puppy from a family in Playa del Carmen, he has heterochromia, which means he has one eye of each color. He is butterfly style because of his spots.  He has a Tiktok account and without a doubt, he is the darling of the house.

What is their diet?

Just like any other dog, their diet is based on kibble and wet food. They are big eaters!   

A nutrient-rich diet with quality ingredients is necessary to maintain healthy skin.     

Here are some recommendations based on expert advice:     

• High protein diet: Protein is essential for the development and maintenance of muscle, skin and coat. Ideally, the food should contain at least 25% protein from high quality sources, such as chicken, turkey, lamb or fish.     
• Low in carbohydrates: Xoloitzcuintles are active dogs that do not need a lot of carbohydrates in their diet.      
• Rich in vitamins and minerals: Vitamins and minerals are essential for the overall health of any puppy. Foods fortified with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus are recommended.

Special care for Xolos

In addition to regular check-ups with the veterinarian, it is important to pay attention to the Xoloitzcuintles' skin to keep it healthy and free of imperfections. Age, stress, environment, poor diet and lack of proper care are the main causes of skin problems.

Xolos are heat-seeking dogs, so it is essential to pay attention to their skin and protect it from the sun.  

Some of the most important recommendations are:

• Check their skin regularly  
• Bathe them only when necessary, so as not to dry out their skin.  
• Moisturize their skin constantly with alcohol-free creams.  
• Protect them from the sun, avoid long walks and use canine sunscreen.  
• Maintain a balanced diet.

Undoubtedly, like any other puppy at home, Xolos need the full attention, love and care necessary to keep them healthy.

The Xoloitzcuintle in Popular Culture

If you've made it to this part of the blog, you'll know that the Xolos are furry little guys that have left quite a legacy.  

Due to their origin, mythology and significance, they have been a true celebrity in popular culture. Their image has transcended from Mesoamerican cultures to the present day.

An ancestral symbol in art

Let's remember that being a guide through the underworld, its mysticism is reflected in the art of the time where the Xoloitzcuintles are represented in clay sculptures, painted vessels and ancient codices.

Fun fact: Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo collaborated in the rescue of the race that was on the verge of extinction. The couple undertook its rescue and reincorporation into Mexican culture. They also decided to keep several dogs as pets, so several dogs of this breed adorned the corridors and patios of the famous Casa Azul, where Diego and Frida lived for several years.

“Frida” was the name of the dog that appears in some of her paintings and has become a symbol of the artist's life and work.

Likewise, painter Rufino Tamayo and singer Chavela Vargas were considered fans of this breed and had them as pets.

Xolos in literature

In literature they have also had different appearances such as in the novel “Pedro Páramo” by Juan Rulfo, where a Xolo accompanies the protagonist in the search for his father.

In the works of Octavio Paz, this mystical dog symbolizes the duality of life and death.  

More recently, author Brenda Medina has published the children's novel “Xolo”, which narrates the adventures of a Xoloitzcuintle in Mexico City.  

More than a dog, a cultural symbol

From ancient times to the present day, the Xolos remain a symbol and a very important icon within Mexican culture. They are a reference of identity, unconditional love and loyalty.

His unique image and charming personality have made him the star of movies that you have surely seen, among them, the most popular: “Coco (2017).”

The role of Xolo (Dante) is to be a companion of the protagonist, Miguel, through the underworld in search of his musician great-great-grandfather.

Undoubtedly, he is a beloved character; he represents being a spiritual guide, a companion of mischief and a protective guardian.

Another of his film appearances is in “El Camino de Xico (2020).”

An evil corporation, in search of gold, intends to destroy the mountain that shelters and protects the inhabitants of a village. However, a little girl named Copi and her dog, Xico, go deep into the mountain to prevent their world from disappearing.

Conservation efforts

According to the National Canine Census, it is estimated that in Mexico there are around 5,000 xoloitzcuintles registered in kennels and homes.

Fortunately, there are several organizations and initiatives committed to the conservation of the Xoloitzcuintle, among them:

Xolos Ramirez: This Mexican organization promotes responsible breeding, public education and research on the breed.  

Federación Canófila Mexicana: Officially recognizes the Xoloitzcuintle and establishes breed standards to guarantee its purity and health.  

Currently there is a private non-profit organization called Xolos Tarango, which has the objective of rescuing, studying, reproducing and disseminating the Xoloitzcuintle canine breed in its two varieties, with and without hair.

How can you support the conservation of the Xoloitzcuintle?

You can contribute in several ways:

Adopt a Xoloitzcuintle: Providing a home to a rescued Xoloitzcuintle or from a responsible breeder is a fundamental action for the preservation of the breed.  

Donate to conservation organizations: Your financial support helps fund breeding, education and research programs.  

Promote the breed: Share information about the Xoloitzcuintle with your friends and family to raise awareness.  

Volunteer: Dedicate your time to help rescue or shelter organizations that care for Xoloitzcuintles. Everything helps!

The Xoloitzcuintles of Xcaret

Their names are Xóchitl, Nextix and Centli. Their routine includes playing in the mornings, training and even refreshing themselves on the beach.  All under the care of a professional conservation team.

In their training they learn to stay off leash to go out to the most famous show in the country: Xcaret México Espectacular. They always get all the applause!

At the end of Ulama's game, three iconic characters appear. The Red Goddess who is in charge of recognizing the winners of the encounter and Death who gives the players a Xoloitzcuintle dog to guide them on their journey to the underworld.

As we learned, this breed is a very important legacy for our Mexican culture.

The Xoloitzcuintle, more than just a dog breed, represents a priceless cultural treasure in Mexico. Its deep connection to ancestral traditions and its role as a symbol of national identity make it a guardian of the country's historical heritage.

The future of the Xoloitzcuintle depends not only on its physical preservation, but also on keeping its cultural value alive. We must continue to honor its symbolism in traditions, arts and daily life.

Since ancient times, humans have made a great bond with dogs, they have been our faithful guardians and to this day continue to play an important role in our lives, so much so that they are part of our family.

Learn, adopt and protect. 

  Let's take care of the Xolos and our pets! 

See you in the next blog 😊