Alice White
Xoloitzcuintle is among the most mysterious breeds. Its millennial existence is shrouded in legends. Ancient people considered these unusual animals as guides to the other world and treated them with due respect. According to another legend, the Xoloitzcuintles were considered four-legged healers who could take the disease with them overnight. History also mentions cruel moments: dogs were regularly sacrificed to the Aztec gods, and sometimes they even consumed their meat for food. Today, Xoloitzcuintles successfully cope with the role of loyal companions and friends. And hugging these warm and affectionate creatures is a pleasure!
#1 Mexican hairless dogs are unique in every way
They are among the lucky ones who have formed a separate breed due to a common genetic mutation - the lack of hair. In the case of the Xoloitzcuintle, this deviation stuck for generations and became a distinctive feature. The animals turned out to be more adapted to the climate of Mexico than their counterparts. In addition, ticks, fleas, and other parasites were not interested in dogs without hair and rarely bothered them with painful bites.
#2 The extravagant appearance of the animals attracted the attention of the Aztecs.
They also came up with the name "Xoloitzcuintle". It came from the name of the god of the underworld - Sholotl (Xolotl), who controlled thunderstorms and accompanied the daylight. The deity was depicted as a humanoid monster with the head of a dog.
#3 Xoloitzcuintles looked quite frightening in comparison with other animals, so they were mistaken for faithful companions of God and those who died on the way to Miktlan – the afterlife.
According to Aztec mythology, the human soul faced a number of obstacles that could not be overcome without a four-legged helper. The central role of the breed is evidenced by archaeological finds - clay figurines and mummies of dogs. The oldest date back to the 5th millennium BC. e. On some figurines, an imitation of a coat is visible: they probably embody representatives of other breeds.
