특이한 유형 : Xoloitzcuintle

danielle, 2014 년 4 월 28 일 |

Otherwise known as the Mexican Hairless or Xolo, the Xoloitzcuintle has existed in South America for over 3000 years but is now one of the rarest breeds in the world. The breed’s unusual hairlessness is thought to have originated due to a mutation of dogs in the region. These dogs may have had a survival advantage in the hot, tropical environment causing the mutation to spread.

이미지 크레딧

Xolos는 아즈텍 인과 다른 원주민 문화에 의해 신성한 것으로 여겨졌 고 많은 인공물은 그 품종을 묘사하면서 생존합니다. 아즈텍 신화에서 Xolo는 신 Xolotl에 의해 만들어졌습니다. 그는 사람이 개를 그의 삶과 함께 지키도록 지시했습니다. 답례로, 개들은 언더 월드의 위험성을 통해 주인의 영혼을 천국으로 보호 할 것입니다.

Skin colours in the Xolo range from black, to blue, to red. Occasionally, Xolos with a coat are born amongst a litter of hairless siblings.

Image courtesy of Jacqi Dinis

For many years, the Xolo remained largely ignored by dog breed authorities, only sporadically making appearances in Mexican dog shows of the 1940s. By the 1950s interest had increased at it was realised, unless drastic action was taken, the breed would go instinct.

In 1954 the FCI (the World Canine Association) began the ‘Xolo Expedition’. Mexican and British dog enthusiasts set off to the remote regions of Mexico to discover and preserve purebred members of the breed. Ten were found and formed the foundation of Mexico’s program targeted at a Xolo revival.

Image courtesy of Diana Andersen - AnimalImages

Interestingly, Xolos were one of the very first dogs recognised by the American Kennel Club. In 1887, ‘Mee Too’ was registered and in 1940, ‘Chinito Junior’ owned by a Mrs Radtke of New York became the breeds first, and only, American Kennel Club champion. As of 2012, the Xolo has been included in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Image courtesy of Jacqi Dinis