One of the oldest dog breeds and one of the most special. Indigenous to Mexico with origins dating back over 3,000 years, this breed has served the Aztec, Maya, and Toltec civilizations for centuries. The Xoloitzcuintli has a rich history intertwined with legends, worship, and healing. In this piece, we will cover Xoloitzcuintli's, history and origin, what its original function was, how it got its name, and even its influence on society.
A Split In Time: The Xoloitzcuintli
The earliest known ancestors of the Xoloitzcuintli are probably the first dogs who crossed the Bering Strait alongside humans to enter the Americas millennia ago. These primitive few adapted to their surrounding environments and then via selective breeding became different breeds of dog better suited to a variety of tasks and geographical/temporal urges. According to genetic studies, the Xoloitzcuintli shares ancestry with New World dogs rather than the European breeds that colonizers introduced. Animal/IntroUnlike most domesticated dogs, which have their roots in Europe, the Xolo is one of the few breeds to originate in the Americas. A lot of it had to do with the prehistoric environmental context
The Origin of the Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli has its roots in Mexico, awarded prestigious status by ancient groups in pre-Columbian times. In Veracruz, Colima, and Oaxaca, the warm, tropical and subtropical regions of the country allowed the breed to develop under great climatic conditions.
Impact of the Environment and Culture
- Holy Position: Central to the Aztec and Maya beliefs, the Xolo was viewed as an extra sacred friend that directed spirits into the beyond. Specified: But the Xolo also attracted increased interest from native peoples who believed the breed's warm, hairless body had healing properties and could alleviate ailments like arthritis and other joint maladies.
- Guard against Evil Spirits: This breed was often kept as a watchdog against evil and having one was thought to be good luck. The Xolo was not just your dog; it was a mythical symbol, protector, and divine messenger. It appears in many ceramic sculptures, murals and burial sites more than 3,000 years old.
The Role of Xoloitzcuintli in History
The Xoloitzcuintli, one of the first domesticated dogs found in the Americas, was not originally bred for hunting or herding, as many other ancient breeds had been trained to do. Instead, it had three major roles:
- Spiritual and Religious Significance – The Aztecs, Maya, and Toltecs believed that Xolos were spiritual guides for dead humans and would accompany souls into the afterlife.
- And Watchdog – The loyalty of the Xolo made it a trusted companion and protector of homes and families.
- Therapeutic and Medicinal Benefits – The Xolo’s natural warm skin was also said to relieve pain and discomfort in humans, acting as a living heating pad.
Importance in Social and Economic Contexts
- Burial Rituals: Ancient funeral traditions often included burying Xolos with their owners.
- Trade and Economy: Xolos were raised and traded by ancient civilizations, who traded them like commodities.
- Food Source: While this practice is controversial today, historical accounts suggest that the Xolo sometimes ended up in ceremonial feasts.
Why the Xoloitzcuintli Is Called What It Is
The name Xoloitzcuintli comes from the Nahuatl language, the language spoken by the Aztecs. It is made up of:
- “Xolotl” — The name of the Aztec god of lightning and death, who was thought to have created the breed.
- “Itzcuintli” – Nahuatl name for dog.
Due to its deep mythological significance, the Xoloitzcuintli was believed to have supernatural powers and is often depicted in ancient art and codices.
Naming Conventions and Different Variations
The breed goes by different names:
- In México, it is often called “Xolo.”
- They were also referred to by some early Spanish missionaries as “perros pelones” (hairless dogs).
- References to the breed declined during colonial days when European breeds gained favor.
This name and linguistic lineage highlight the breed's cultural depth and religious significance in Mesoamerican societies.
Recognition and Expansion Over the Years
Although the Xoloitzcuintli was prized in ancient civilizations, the population greatly declined during the Spanish colonization. Native breeds were replaced by European ones, while some Xolos were exterminated as they were associated with indigenous religions.
Key Historical Moments
- Rediscovery in the 20th Century – The breed teetered on the verge of extinction, but it was rescued by a collaboration of Mexican researchers and dog breeders.
- Kennel Club Recognition – The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the Xolo in 2011, granting it a place among the officially recognized breeds worldwide.
- Cultural Icon Status – Now, the Xolo is a national treasure of Mexico, appearing in festivals, ceremonies, movies, and most recently, Disney’s Coco.
Present-Day Importance
- Still venerated in native rituals
- Gaining popularity as a family pet
- Keeping its genome pristine via conservation programs
A Xoloitzcuintli walking in modern Mexico City, showing its timeless appeal.
How the Xoloitzcuintli Came to America
While the breed has been around in Mexico for thousands of years, it wasn't until the 20th century that it was recognized in the US and Europe. It was not until the late 19th and early 20th centuries that the Xoloitzcuintli came to America.
- 1800s-1900s: Rare specimens of the breed were brought to the United States and Europe by traveling merchants and explorers.
- 1940s-1950s: Greater breed preservation efforts helped ensure the Xolo would survive.
- 21st Century: The Xolo became popular as a beloved pet in North America thanks to its unique heritage and hypoallergenic nature.
A Lasting Legacy
The Xoloitzcuintli is one of the oldest and most culturally significant breeds in the world. The nature of its hairless look, profound spiritual connections, and position in ancient Mesoamerican civilizations make it an exceptional breed with a long-lasting legacy.
Xoloitzcuintli in Art and Mythology
The Xoloitzcuintli had a prominent place in Mesoamerican art and mythology, frequently appearing in sculptures, pottery, and codices. Xolos appear as spiritual guides in ancient artifacts from the Olmec, Toltec, and Aztec cultures. These artistic representations emphasize the breed’s position as a guardian of the dead and a holy entity.
Some of the most incredible historic art includes ceramic dog effigies from Colima, Mexico, made more than 2,000 years ago. These figures, placed around graves, symbolized protection and guidance for the dead on their journey to the afterlife.
Xoloitzcuintli in Contemporary Pop Culture
The Xoloitzcuintli is acknowledged as a national treasure of Mexico and has become well-known in recent media, literature, and cinema. They are represented in the animated film Coco, which brought their rich history to a worldwide audience. Famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) featured Xolos in her works, underscoring their cultural significance.
Conclusion
The Xoloitzcuintli is not just a rare and ancient breed; it is a living testament of Mesoamerican historical lineage, culture, and tradition. Venerated by ancient civilizations, including the Aztecs and Maya, the Xolo was believed to serve as a guardian, healer, and spiritual guide. Though the breed came close to extinction during colonial times, it has survived — and today is considered a national treasure of Mexico and a beloved pet across the globe.
From sacred burial rituals to modern-day households, the Xoloitzcuintli continues to captivate people with its unique appearance, resilience, and deep-rooted connection to history. Whether as a beloved companion or a mark of ancestral wisdom, the Xolo is an enduring part of the Americas and a captivating breed that embodies thousands of years of culture.
As interest in the Xoloitzcuintli continues to grow, its story serves as a reminder of the enduring bond between humans and dogs, and the cultural significance that breeds can carry across generations.
