The following letter came to us from Jacqi & Colin Dinis In Western Australia alerting us to their new Xoloitzcuintle (there’s a mouthful!!) breed dogs that they recently imported into Australia……
“My dogs are unique both in character and looks, in fact they are the only two in Australia, BUT, I have them both microchipped and registered with Central Animal Records. This is one of the most important and responsible actions that I as their owner can do to ensure they are safe if ever they become lost. I can rest easy knowing if my pets are ever lost or stolen and recovered that I can be contacted and my pets returned to me because I ensure that the microchip details are kept up to date as I mark it on my calendar to update every new season or every worming date.
My dogs are the first Xoloitzcuintle (pronounced show-low-eats-queent-lee) to arrive in Australia, they are considered rare and numbered at 4000 worldwide. They date back to over 3,000 years ago in the times of the Colima, Mayan, Toltec, Zapoteca, and Aztec Indians. The name Xoloitzcuintle is derived from the name of the Aztec Indian god Xolotl and Itzcuintli, the Aztec word for dog.
The Xolo is very loyal, intelligent, and alert. Xolos enjoy food, and are well known for the liking to chew on veggies and fruit. Because of the lack of hair, during cooler months the Xolo requires a coat, and during summer a sun coat and/or sun protection can be used. Weekly bathing and skin care is advised. On the whole as a breed they don’t seem to have any serious genetic problems. They are wonderful dogs but are not for everyone. The Xolo is in two varieties, hairless and coated, they come in three sizes, which are the standard, intermediate and miniature.
The Xolo’s legendary reputation as a healer persists even today in some countries. According to legend, sleeping with a hairless dog would bring relief from a variety of ailments within four days. Xolos were recommended for curing toothache, colic, rheumatism, arthritis, and back pain, just about everything from paralysis to broken bones. No doubt, the soothing warmth which radiated from a sleeping Xolo, provided some relief to the sufferer! The Xolo could well be described as the world’s most versatile dog as it has been used as a companion dog, bed warmer, food source, religious sacrifice and guard dog.
