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 …read more

I had never actually heard of this breed before doing a little bit of research for this week’s What Is It!
This rare working breed can be either hairless or coated (with hairless being dominant) and usually weigh between 12 and 45 pounds. They were considered sacred and revered by the ancient Aztecs who believed the dogs helped guide individuals through the underworld after their death.
Do you know what it is?
[update: here's the answer!]
[image: wikipedia]