Xoloitzcuintle Bebe: A Rare and Ancient Breed

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Posted Oct 13, 2024

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Portrait of a Dog
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The Xoloitzcuintle Bebe is a rare and ancient breed that's been around for thousands of years. It originated in Mexico and is also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog.

This breed is known for its unique appearance, with some varieties having a short, smooth coat and others being completely hairless. The Xoloitzcuintle Bebe comes in a range of sizes, from Toy to Standard.

One of the most distinctive features of the Xoloitzcuintle Bebe is its skull shape, which is described as "brachycephalic" in the article. This means that the dog has a short, broad skull with a flat face.

The Xoloitzcuintle Bebe is an alert and curious breed that's highly intelligent and active.

Expand your knowledge: Xoloitzcuintli Breed Standard

History

The history of the Xoloitzcuintle is a fascinating one. The breed has its roots in ancient Mexico, where ceramic sculptures of a hairless breed of dog have been found in burial sites dating back to the pre-Columbian era.

In ancient times, Xolos were often sacrificed and then buried with their owners to act as guides to the soul on its journey to the underworld. This practice was shared by both the Maya and the Toltec civilizations.

Credit: youtube.com, ALL ABOUT XOLOITZCUINTLI: THE MEXICAN HAIRLESS DOG

Sixteenth-century Spanish accounts tell of large numbers of dogs being served at banquets, with Aztec merchant feasts featuring 80-100 turkeys and 20-40 dogs as food. The dog meat was often placed at the bottom of the dish, possibly due to its lower status.

The Aztecs consumed few domesticated animals, with over 90% of the bones found at archeological sites belonging to deer.

Here's a brief timeline of the breed's official recognition:

  • 1887: The first AKC-registered Xolo, "Mee Too", was recorded.
  • 1940: "Chinito Junior" became the breed's only AKC champion.
  • 1954: The Xolo Expedition was launched to discover purebred Xolos in remote areas of Mexico.
  • 1956: The breed was officially recognized in its native land and worldwide.
  • 2008: The AKC voted to readmit the breed to its Miscellaneous Class.
  • 2011: The breed was eligible to be shown in the AKC Non-Sporting group.

Characteristics

The Xoloitzcuintle is a unique breed that originated in Mexico, and it's often referred to as a companion dog. They come in two varieties: hairless and coated.

This breed is known for its distinctive appearance, with a sleek body and large bat-like ears. The hairless variety is completely hairless on the body, with some dogs exhibiting a few short hairs on the top of the head, the toes, and the tip of the tail.

The Xoloitzcuintle's weight and height can vary, ranging from 10 to 55 pounds and 9 to 26 inches in height. The breed occurs naturally in two varieties, hairless and coated, and both can occur in a range of colors, including black, grey, bronze, yellowish-blonde, blue, and red.

Credit: youtube.com, Xoloitzcuintli Dog Breed Pros and Cons | xolo dog Advantages and Disadvantages #AnimalPlatoon

The hairless variety is dominant and results from the presence of the dominant allele at the FOXI3 locus. Coated Xolos, on the other hand, are the recessive expression and occur only when two coated alleles are present.

Here's a breakdown of the Xoloitzcuintle's size designations:

The Xoloitzcuintle's temperament is calm and attentive, making it a great companion dog for many families.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Xolo puppy cost?

A Xoloitzcuintli puppy from a responsible breeder typically costs between $2,500 and $4,000. If you're considering bringing one home, expect to invest in a loyal companion that's worth every penny.

What is the myth of the Xolo dog?

The Xolo dog is said to have originated from Aztec legend, where the god of death, Xolotl, created it from the Bone of Life to guide humans through the underworld. According to myth, the dog's creation was a gift to humanity, with the promise of protection and spiritual guidance.

Jenny Koss

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Jenny Koss is a seasoned writer with a passion for storytelling and a knack for uncovering unique tales. Her writing career has taken her from the rolling hills of the countryside to the bustling streets of the city, where she's covered a wide range of topics with curiosity and enthusiasm. With a keen eye for detail and a love of adventure, Jenny has tackled subjects as varied as truffle hunting, where she immersed herself in the ancient art of foraging for the world's most prized fungi.