Pet Lovers

[Foxxee]

The 3,000-year-old Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced "show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee"), the ancient Aztec dog of the gods, is today a companion and  watchdog.

The alert and loyal Xolo comes in three sizes, and in either hairless or coated varieties.

The Xolo comes in three sizes (toy, miniature, and standard), and two varieties (hairless and coated).

The hairless has tough, smooth, close-fitting skin. The coated variety is covered by a short, flat coat. Both varieties come in dark colors, ranging from black, gray-black, slate, to red, liver, or bronze.

The face is thoughtful and intelligent, and a Xolo's forehead will wrinkle when he's deep in thought. The Xolo's graceful, elegant body is surprisingly strong and rugged.

Mentions of these “strange hairless dogs” appear in the journals of Columbus and other European explorers. Ancient Aztecs named the breed for their dog-headed god Xolotl. Xolos were considered sacred by the Aztecs.

Source:  American Kennel Club

[candyagain]

Very interesting! Thanks.

[On It]

The Xolo is tied to the Chupacabra myth.  Skeletal findings and occasional sightings are thought to be this type of dog. (The Chupacabra stories circulate in South Texas and Mexico. It is supposedly a blood-sucking, goat-killing creature.)  Fact is dogs do kill goats and sheep.