Meet the Dogs of Mexico!

Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, we’re celebrating two unique dog breeds that hail from Mexico! Put on your party hat – your sombrero – and meet the Chihuahua and the Xoloitzcuintli (or just Xolo for short!)

Chihuahua

Commonly referred to as New Yorker by the Mexicans, this popular breed originated in Mexico. The breed is considered to be the smallest kind of dog. It belongs to the toy breed group that is generally adored for their tiny size and endearing expressions. Chihuahuas, like the other breeds that fit in the toy category, are bred for companionship as they embody sheer delight. Their coats may be smooth or long-haired, and it may come in many colors such as black, white, tan, and many other shades.

Xoloitzcuintli

Also referred to as the Mexican Hairless Dog or simply Xolo (show-low), Xoloitzcuintli is a breed of robust dog that also originated in Mexico. It belongs to the Non-Sporting group. Xoloitzcuintli have been bred as hunting dogs as well as family companions. It is one of the oldest and rarest breeds; having been around for not less than 3,000 years. The breed comes in three types: toy, miniature, and standard variants. Xolos could either be coated or hairless, with the latter being the more popular kind. Their skin is soft and smooth, but well tolerant to the outside elements. The breed comes in various colors such as black, slate, bronze, gray, red, brindle, fawn; whether solid or somewhat spotted.

If you’re lucky enough to have one of these special breeds in your family, take a few moments this Saturday to give your four-legged “el perro” a big scratch behind the ears for Cinco de Mayo!