Page 39 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

Xoloitzcuintli

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Red
Miniature: 10–14in (25–35cm) Miniature: 5–15lb (2–7kg) Over 10 years Liver or Bronze (right)
Intermediate: 14–18in (36–45cm) Intermediate: 15–31lb (7–14kg)
Standard: 18–24in (46–60cm) Standard: 24–40lb (11–18kg) MINIATURE (PUPPY)

This calm-natured, alert dog is easy to care for and
USEFUL COMPANION
makes a delightful and entertaining companion
Mexican Hairless dogs feel warm to the touch
because, lacking fur, they radiate their body heat.
Also known as the Mexican Hairless or Three sizes are now recognized: miniature,
In the past this attribute was appreciated by
Xolo (pronounced sholo), hairless dogs have intermediate, and standard. Like all hairless farmers who used the dogs as bed-warmers.
featured in ceramic paintings and figurines dogs, this breed has limited general appeal The practice supposedly gave rise to the phrase
dating from over 3,000 years ago and been and remains a rarity. Nonetheless, the “three dog nights” for very cold
found in the tombs of Aztec, Mayan, and Mexican Hairless is good-tempered, evenings. The dog’s body heat
was also thought to have healing
other Central American peoples. affectionate, and highly intelligent. The
properties and it would be held
In pre-Conquest Mexico hairless dogs dogs are good companions and watchdogs, against painful areas of the body
were valued companions and bed-warmers. and are starting to be used as service dogs to provide a warm compress.
In addition, the dogs had sacred significance. to provide relief for chronic pain—an echo
The animals were used as guard dogs to of their traditional role. In addition,
protect the home from evil spirits as well being hairless makes them good pets
as intruders, and they were thought to for allergy sufferers.
guide the soul through the underworld. MEXICAN
EARTHENWARE DOG
Some dogs were sacrificed or ritually eaten 100BCE–300CE
Tufts of
in religious ceremonies; because of these hair on
practices, hairless dogs barely escaped forehead
Large, long ears,
extinction. It was not until the mid-20th erect when alert
century that breeders began to work
toward the dog’s recovery.

Dark gray Head has slight stop
and tapering muzzle
Traces of dark
hair on tail

Firm, slender neck

Black

INTERMEDIATE STANDARD

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