10+ Things You Didn't Know About Xolos, The Funky Looking Dog Everyone Is Talking About From Pixar's Coco
The new Pixar animated film is stirring up all sorts of talk, even dog talk!
Pixar's animated films consistently bring us new characters to fall utterly in love with. Notorious for the amount of excruciating detail the artistic team puts into every character and every scene, the latest hit everyone is talking about, Coco, is no exception. Another thing the minds behind the magic excel at is making us view new animals in a totally new light, such as the case with the dog in Coco.
The fascinating "Xoloitzcuintli," or just "Xolo" for short, is a unique breed of dog, and since being featured in the hit animated movie, everyone wants to know more about these dogs. We are here to help! You won't believe all the fascinating facts about this curious breed of dog!
1. His name is Dante
Dante is the Xolo dog featured in Coco, and he's quite the fascinating breed.
Disney/Pixar2. Fascinating Name Origins
The breed's name "Xoloitzcuintli" is rooted in the Nahuatl, or more well-known Aztec, language: Xolotl is the Aztec god of life and death, and the term "itzcuintli" means "dog."
Instagram3. This breed of dog is quite ancient.
Literally, though. They date back more than a whopping 3,000 years.
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4. Their origins are rooted in Mexico!
So, appropriately, this breed became a national symbol and icon for the country.5. Their mythology
Aztec mythology states that Xoloitzcuintlis were companions to the dead as they embarked on their journey to the underworld, otherwise known as Mictlan.
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6. This lore was taken seriously
So seriously that the dogs were sacrificed and buried next to the dead to ensure they would have a guide to the underworld, able to embark on the spiritual journey together.
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7. Unique Features
One of the most noteworthy and unique features of the Xolo is the obvious missing doggo ingredient: fur or hair!
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8. It's a hereditary genetic malformation of the skin!
The gene is so dominant that if a Xolo crossbreeds with a heavily haired breed, the resulting puppies will probably still have little to no hair!
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9. But!
Some of the breed does have a little bit of fur, and that is still accepted by the American Kennel Club!
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10. My favorite fascinating fact!
The breed is really, really warm!
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11. Due to their lack of fur:
Xolos feel warm to the touch, warmer than other breeds of dogs. This was a useful factor throughout history; in ancient times, the breed was essentially treated like a heating pad for the sick or injured, and today they are still used as therapy dogs!
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12. All kinds of sizes!
Xolos are not the only breed to come in multiple sizes (poodles, for example). But it's pretty cool that you have three choices to choose from: toy Xolos, miniature Xolos, and standard Xolos.
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13. Speaking of Variety...
They also come in several different colors: blacks, greys, and even shades of red!
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14. Quirky
It also happens to be quite common for the breed to be missing teeth. Most commonly, they are absent of their premolars.
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15. In fact...
There's a common link between their hair and teeth: the less hair, the fewer teeth!
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16. Heightened Popularity
Back in the 30s and 40s in Mexico, they were extremely popular dogs. During that time period, there was a lot of "nationalist" sentiment.17. The Pre-Hispanic Art Revival
During this time, many famous Mexican artists kept Xolos, like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Xolos inspired photographers, painters, and authors alike, so they were often featured in the art of the time.
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18. Sadly, though...
Their popularity has decreased over the decades, even in Mexico.
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19. But, perhaps...
Perhaps their popularity will rise again with the success of Coco?
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20. Along with other COOL hairless breeds?
Like the Chinese Crested Dog? Though this interesting breed has blurrier origins than the Xolo.
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21. Or the Peruvian Hairless Dog
This breed is significant in Incan culture.
Ancient American Explorer
22. But, back to Xolos...
They are reported to be mellow, laid-back dogs while secretly alert. They will definitely notice if a stranger enters your home.
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23. Loyal Dogs
To a Xolo, their humans are very important to them. They are caring, helpful dogs, eager to please.
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24. Life Long Friend
They live between 13 and 18 years!
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25. Smart Doggo!
They are also intelligent dogs and easy to train!
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26. But most importantly:
Just like all doggos, they are good doggos! Such good, good doggos! Yes, they are!
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Xolos are good dogs, and we hope to see their popularity rise, with more of these dogs in loving homes. But always keep in mind that it's important to do your research and make sure you're properly prepared to adopt any dog. It can be tempting to rush and get the next big thing, but when it comes to pets, choose education before you follow rising trends. Xolos are awesome dogs!
