Correct name: Xoloitzcuintle (Sho-lo-eets-queen-tlee), Xoloitzcuintli or Tepeizeuintli

Common name: Mexican Hairless or Xolo

Name Origin

Xolo: from Xolotl (Aztec god of the darkness)

Itzcuintle: Aztec for Dog

Xoloitzcuintle meaning: son of the god Xolotl

History

Xoloitzcuintles is the National Dog of Mexico and is one of the most ancient breeds of dogs on this earth. It is believe that the breed could be as old as 3500 years. These dogs were originally a part of the Aztec civilization. Anthropologists had identified in the Aztec ruins Xoloitzcuintles remains and Xolo clay sculptures dated 3,000 years ago. 

There is lot mysticism about these dogs.  Myth and legends are plenty that involve the Xoloitzcuintles, for centuries; people have attributed mystical abilities to these dogs. Xolos were considered the earthly representation of the god "Xolotl". The Aztecs believed that Xolos would protect them from evil sprits and evil people.  In Aztec mythology, the Xolos were known as a dog-god that accompanied the souls to their way to paradise. Xolos helped them and guided them to their eternal resting place.

Prior to 1956 the Xolos were considered nearly extinct, it is assumed that they are numbering approximately 4000 in the world today. The Xoloitzcuintles is a rare breed it is not common even in Mexico. The great deal about Xoloitzcuintles is that it is a natural breed. They have been molded by environment and natural selection and not human hand. . The result of this thousands years of natural selection is a dog of exceptional intelligence, intuition and mostly devotion.

Xoloitzcuintles skin is a product of thousands of years of evolutionary progress. The skin is fine and soothing to the touch.  Thousands of years before Americas discovery, in pre-Columbian societies Xolos had the role of healers and firmly believed that they radiate healing heat to sore aches and pains. People perceived that Xolos had the ability to draw disease from the body.