What Was It? A Xoloitzcuintle!
September 19, 2008 by Heather R.
Filed under Pets
Reader Laney guessed this week’s “What Is It” from yesterday. The mystery dog breed is called Xoloitzcuintle (show-low-eats-quint-lee), also known as a Xolo or Mexican Hairless.
Xolos are native to Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean and evidence shows they’ve been around the area for over 3,500 years! Their likeness has appeared in ancient artifacts produced by the Colima, Aztec and Toltec civilizations in Mexico.
When Columbus arrived in 1492 he made notes in journal entries about the dogs, and subsequently the breed was transported back to Europe.
Xolos are now known for their calm demeanor, but they still require extensive social training for the first year of their lives. Their guardian nature makes them great guard dogs though obedience training is usually strongly encouraged!
[image: wikipedia]
