Breed Standard & History
The Xoloitzcuintli should sport a natural appearance with a clean, graceful outline. The breed may be hairless or coated. The hairless Xolo is bald with hair allowed atop the head and tail, while the coated variety has a short, flat coat. The Xolo is rectangular, and taller than she is long. She bears a thoughtful expression, with wrinkles allowed on the head. Her body should be muscular, with a rounded rib shape. The low-set tail may be carried in a curve while in action, but never over the back. Hairlessness often means missing teeth or improper bites, while coated Xolos will usually have a full set of teeth. The ears should be high set and bat-like, never dropped. Three sizes—toy, miniature, and standard—are all included in this breed standard. – AKC Breed Standards
An ancient breed, the Xoloitzcuintli developed 3,500 years or more ago—without the selective breeding that guides most breed development. The Xolo is named for the ancient Aztec god Xolotl, who was associated with fire, lightning, and death. Dogs were said to accompany the dog-headed Xolotl nightly to protect the sun on its journey through Mictlán, the underworld.
Because of the strong connection with the god of death, ancient civilizations regarded the Xolo as a sacred companion who would lead loved ones through the underworld and into the next world. The Xolo was considered to have healing powers as well.
Christopher Columbus wrote of these hairless dogs in the 15th century, and may have brought some back to Europe. And Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera kept Xolos and featured them often in their art.
The American Kennel Club first recognized the type as the Mexican Hairless Dog in 1887, but due to the scarcity of the breed removed it from the stud book in 1959. After an effort to revive the Xoloitzcuintli, the AKC readmitted it into the Miscellaneous Group in 2010, then into the Non-Sporting Group in 2011.
Dante the Xoloitzcuintli accompanied Miguel during his journey through the underworld in the 2017 movie Coco.
AKC Breed Category
Non-Sporting Group