Dog breed

Xoloitzcuintle

Origin: Mexico

Also known as: Xolo, Mexican Hairless Dog, Xoloitzquintle

The Xoloitzcuintle is one of several breeds of hairless dog. It is found in standard, intermediate, and miniature sizes. The Xolo has both hairless and coated types, with the latter fully furred. Coated and hairless can be born in the same litter as a result of the same combination of genes. The hairless variant is known as the perro pelón mexicano or Mexican hairless dog. It is characterized by its wrinkles and dental abnormalities. In Nahuatl, from which its name originates, it is xōlōitzcuintli (singular) and xōlōitzcuintin (plural). The name comes from the Aztec god of fire and lightning Xolotl that, according to ancient narratives, is its creator and itzcuīntli, meaning 'dog' in the Nahuatl language.