The origin of the Mexican hairless dog, the standard of the exterior, the character of the Xoloitzcuintle, health, care and training, interesting facts. Purchase price. The Hairless Mexican Dog is a remarkably friendly, affectionate creature that has faithfully served people for centuries both in sorrow and in joy. Since immemorial pre-Columbian times, these amazing creatures have received another name - Xoloitzcuintli. Undoubtedly, not every person can even correctly pronounce such a name the first time. Unless, of course, he is Mexican. Indeed, for any true Mexican, Xoloitzcuintle dogs are not just dogs, but the national treasure of their country; the legacy of a lost great civilization; sacred, almost mystical beasts-servants of the ancient gods, healing from ailments with their magical hot skin.
History of the origin of the hairless Mexican dog
We find the first documentary information about these animals in the works on ethnography of the Franciscan missionary monk, naturalist, linguist and historian Bernardino de Sahagun.
Being one of the very first researchers of the civilization of the Indians of the pre-Columbian era, he thoroughly described their life, religion, the surrounding fauna and flora. Among the dogs of the ancient Aztecs described and sketched as illustrations (and there were not so few native species - the dogs Xoloitzcuintl, Tletamin, Techichi, Teitzotl and others), the Xoloitzcuintle dogs were first described.
Naturally, not possessing the baggage of modern knowledge of biology, zoology, genetics and other sciences, the medieval monk could not correctly explain the mechanism of the appearance of hairless dogs. Therefore, in his writings, you can find many retellings of erroneous other people's opinions, supplemented by his own imagination. For example, this is how he explains the phenomenon of the hairlessness of the Xoloitzcuintle: “This is a dog that has no hair at all; he walks completely naked. Sleeps, covered with a cloak. They produce Xoloitzcuintle in this way: when he is still a puppy, he is covered with turpentine ointment, and his hair falls out completely everywhere. In this way, the body becomes naked."
The origin of the name of the breed "Xoloitzcuintle" is also quite mysterious and has several explanations, decryptions. One of them is associated with the name of the Indian god of lightning and death Xolotl, which in combination with the word "itzcuintli" (in the Aztec language - "dog") and gave the name of the breed - "Xoloitzcuintli". It was believed that these naked dogs, being servants of the god of death and lightning, accompany the deceased owner to the kingdom of the dead, helping to find the right path. That is why, on the territory of modern Mexico and Central America, numerous burials of xolo dogs were found, buried with their owners. The largest joint burial was found in 1960 at the site of the ancient Indian city of Tenayuca.
The special respect of the ancient Aztecs for the xolo dogs is also evidenced by the numerous clay figurines of these animals, found by archaeologists at the sites of ancient Aztec temples and burials. Mexican farmers, on whose lands they find such figurines, call them "tlalcoyot" ", which in the Aztec language means" a coyote that lives inside the earth."
Other variants of the origin of the name of the species are directly associated with the linguistic nuances of the translation. Here are both "god" and "slave" and "guide to the underworld." And even more literal version - "he-who-grabs-his-food-with-sharp-like-obsidian-teeth-and-is-the-servant-of-god-Xolotl”. But the meaning, in principle, remains the same. It is likely that the connection with the god Xolotl is not groundless, as in the Mayan calendar one of the months of the year Xul (Xul) is ruled by this dog (the Xul symbol means "Xolotl's dog").
The Indians not only deified these dogs, but endowed them with mystical healing properties, believing that the hot skin of naked xolo can have a beneficial effect on the human body. And even heal from many serious diseases. But, as often happens, such worship for these dogs was not so cloudless. There have been cases when they were simply eaten, probably to obtain a better therapeutic effect. Unfortunately, not all missionaries were like the explorer monk Bernardino de Sahagun. The religious fervor and intolerance of the 16th century conquistadors left no room for religious discussions and religious tolerance. Missionary priests, by all means, sought to lead the Indian tribes to the true God, in every possible way uprooting traditions, beliefs and customs. The connection of naked dogs with other "wrong gods" was also noted by them. And, of course, it was outlawed, and the dogs themselves were subject to widespread extermination. How this species managed to survive in such conditions is anyone's guess.
Nevertheless, the Xolo survived, and the records of travelers of the later 17th and 18th centuries testify that the naked dogs of the New World were often exported from there and sold in the markets of Europe, Africa and even Asia. The famous Charles Darwin recorded them in 1868 in his book "Diversity of animals and plants during domestication", and Georges Louis Leclerc included xolo dogs in 1749 in his multivolume work "Natural Matter".
As this breed was not destroyed, but the legendary resilience of the Xolo allowed it to survive, surviving this catastrophic era. And only in the 50s of the twentieth century, the breed received official recognition. The first hairless dogs began to appear at the shows of Mexican dog clubs in the 40s. As a rule, these were the usual aboriginal dogs for Mexicans, and therefore the interest in them was minimal. Yes, and standards for assessing xolo did not exist yet.
It was only in 1954 that a group of fans of these animals, led by Norman Pelham Wright, took the necessary steps to revive the species. True, the enthusiasts did not experience any special illusions, 400 years of extinction and extermination could not pass in vain. Finding individuals suitable for further selection was not an easy task. But the efforts were crowned with success and on May 1, 1956, revived from the ashes, the breed was recognized by the FCM (Mexican Cynological Federation). Xolo standards were developed, and by 1965 the total population of these animals already totaled 70 thoroughbred individuals.
Currently, the indigenous animal of Mexico is gaining momentum in popularity in North America. In Mexico alone, about 2,000 copies of these dogs have been recorded. On other continents, this breed is still little known.
The first representatives of the hairless breed came to the USSR from Cuba in 1986.
Purpose and use of the Mexican dog
For the Indians, the naked Mexican dog was an object of deification and worship (even the culinary aspect of using the xolo was of a mystical-religious nature).
For the rest, these animals were intended to participate in important ceremonies of worshiping the god of lightning and death, to protect temples and sanctuaries (not to mention the posthumous escort of the owner to another world). The arrival of the conquistadors to the lands of the New World destroyed this canine idyll of existence.
The remnants of this dog species that survived the mass extermination during the conquest were used by the inhabitants of Mexico much more widely. They were hunted with them and kept as the most ordinary watchmen. However, they did not forget about the healing functions of hot naked skin.
Nowadays, the Mexican hairless dog is more often given as a pet, without any functional duties, as well as to participate in exhibition championships in Mexico. Sometimes this amazing animal with a strong positive energy is involved in projects for the rehabilitation of disabled and elderly people.
Xoloitzcuintle external standard
The Hairless Mexican Dog is the oldest native breed in Mexico. And although this breed is simply an unthinkable number of years, the exterior of the animal (judging by the ancient drawings of the Aztecs) has practically not changed over all these centuries. Xoloitzcuintles remained the same slender, fit, muscular and graceful animals that they were before the conquest of America. The breed comes in two varieties: naked and covered with hair.
Today, modern standards divide these unique dogs in terms of height and body weight into three categories:
- Miniature size - the growth of the animal ranges from 26 to 35 centimeters; weight 2, 5–5, 5 kg.
- Average size - the height at the withers is in the range from 37 to 45 centimeters; body weight 7-15 kg.
- Standard size (Standard) - the height of animals of both sexes reaches from 47 centimeters to 55 centimeters; the maximum height of the dog is allowed up to 60 centimeters, with a pronounced thoroughbred exterior; the weight of the animal is 16–34 kg. Xoloitzcuintle dogs under 25 or over 60 centimeters in height are not allowed to participate in the championships.
The appearance of a Mexican hairless dog is distinguished by the following features:
- Head medium size, elongated, "wolf" or "coyote" type. The stop is well defined. The occipital protuberance is barely marked. The profile of the skull is parallel to the profile of the muzzle. The muzzle is elongated, narrowed towards the nose. The bridge of the nose is wide and long. The nose is wide and distinct. The color of the nose depends on the general coat color of the animal. In golden-yellow and copper-colored dogs, the nose is brown or pink, in dark brown dogs it is brown or dark brown, in the spotted varieties, the color of the nose may be unpigmented or lighter in color. The lips are tight-fitting. The cheeks and flews are not developed. The jaws are elongated, parallel, strong. The number of teeth according to the standard scheme. Scissor bite, tight.
- Eyes beautiful almond shape, medium size, set wide apart. Eye color depends on the color of the skin. There are black, dark coffee, brown, amber honey, amber and yellow. The look of the Xoloitzcuintle is thoughtfully attentive, alert.
- Ears very long, erect, rhomboid in shape, medium set, symmetrical. Cropped or hanging ears will result in disqualification.
- Neck rather long, graceful, but muscular, with a slight bend in the top line. The skin on the neck is smooth and tight. In puppies, the neck is covered with folds and wrinkles.
- Torso elongated but strong build, with a long and deep runner's rib cage (with prominent ribs). The back is rather broad. The back line is straight. The withers are almost not pronounced. The loin and croup of the dog are strong and muscular. The belly line is graceful, the belly is well tucked up.
- Tail thin, long (reaches the hock), may have some hair on the tip. Bending upward, it never twists "into a ring".
- Limbs absolutely straight, parallel, long, very muscular, medium or slightly longer in length. The toes are well arched and tight. The nails are black. In dogs of light shades, the nails can be of light colors. There should be no dewclaws.
- Wool. The complete absence of wool is a sign of the thoroughbredness of the Xoloitzcuintle. Small patches of coarse short hair on the neck and forehead of the dog are allowed. There may be some hairs on the tail and paws between the toes. There is a variety of the Mexican dog, covered with hair, which is also very attractive, harmoniously developed, and slender. Wool comes in any length, texture and color. Less popular with breed lovers.
- Color. A lot of color options are allowed by the standards. There are black, gray-black, graphite gray, dark gray, reddish brown, bronze, brownish red, golden yellow and copper colors. All types of spotted colors in a wide variety of combinations are also allowed. White spots are allowed in spotted dogs.
Mexican dog character
Mexican Hairless Dogs have a wonderful friendly disposition. They are intelligent and easy to learn the necessary skills animals with a balanced temperament and developed self-esteem.
Persecuted and exterminated for centuries, Xolo dogs gradually acquired qualities that were not originally characteristic of them. They have become cautious, attentive to the atmosphere around them and extremely distrustful of outsiders. These qualities made them excellent guards and watchmen.
Despite the general friendliness and calm temperament, defending their rights and territory, these hairless dogs can be very determined and fearless.
With other animals, Xolo is not too contact. They prefer communication with people, a master to whom they are truly loyal. However, they get along well with their own kind and can live in a large dog family. The graceful aristocratic exterior, excellent health, longevity, intelligence, obedience, loyalty and dedication of this dog have found many admirers among animal lovers. These dogs are really gradually conquering the world, reborn from oblivion.
Xoloitzcuintle health
The Xolo is an exceptionally healthy and hardy dog breed with a strong immune system and excellent resistance to infectious diseases. There were no breed diseases or specific predispositions for the Xoloitzcuintle.
The dog has a strong bioenergy that has a beneficial effect on humans.
Long life expectancy - 15–20 years.
Mexican Hairless Dog Care Tips
With excellent health and strong immunity to skin and infectious diseases, Xoloitzcuintles need the least amount of bare skin care that is standard for all hairless dogs.
Catering is also standard - only the best food.
The only thing these dogs cannot do without is full-fledged walking and the ability to feel freedom. Therefore, it is recommended to keep them in the yard of the house or in a spacious aviary.
Nuances of training a Mexican hairless dog
Mexican Xolo are very intelligent dogs. It is not difficult to train them in commands, home security or hunting skills. The use of any special training techniques is not required here.
However, these hairless dogs require early socialization and education of unquestioning obedience to humans. If this is not done at a young age, the animal becomes wild and capable of showing its rebellious inclinations.
Interesting facts about Xolo
Since ancient times, the main value of naked xolos has been their special healing power. Indeed, according to legend, close bodily communication with this animal for several days can heal many ailments. Sleeping with this dog was considered especially useful for curing rheumatism, joint and toothaches, stomach cramps and intestinal disorders. Jesuit priests who lived among the Indian tribes in the 17th-18th centuries noted in their diaries that among the Indians it was considered good form to offer a guest several hairless dogs in bed for medicinal purposes and to keep warm.
Price when buying a Xoloitzcuintle puppy
The first representatives of the breed were brought to Russia (then still the USSR) in 1986 from the island of Cuba. In the future, the breed was recognized, actively developed, spread throughout the territory of the former Soviet Union, increasing the population.
At this time, the Xoloitzcuintle breed in Russia is no longer rare. But finding a good thoroughbred puppy is still not so easy. The range of prices for the offered puppies is also quite large: from 8,000 rubles to 150,000 rubles.
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