The first thing you should know is that in Mexican mythology dogs were much more than man’s best friend. They were valued as unconditional companions of life but also of death. So much so, that they were sacrificed to guide and accompany souls in the underworld. He knows the xoloitzcuintles dogs, a unique ancient dog breed, with a very interesting history.
What are xoloitzcuintles dogs like?
Xoloitzcuintles dogs are an endemic species native to Mexico, characterized by being thin, without fur and for wearing a wrinkled and velvety skin. Its population is quite small compared to other canine breeds, therefore each one receives a special appreciation. In addition to the historical and cultural value of the Mexican hairless dog, also known as the bald dog, Aztec dog or xolo, they are also deserving of the title of cultural heritage and symbol of Mexico City.
The origin of xoloitzcuintles dogs is very old. In fact, some specialists estimate that they have existed for three thousand years. Others say that this species, considered one of the rarest breeds in the world, was preserved for 7 thousand years ago without man having intervened in any way in its generation.
The name of the Mexican hairless dog comes from the Nahuatl ‘Xólotl’, after the god Xólotl, and Itzcuintli which means ‘dog’. Legend has it that the Mexican god Xólotl, god of transformation, spirits and darkness, twin brother of Quetzalcóatl, the feathered serpent that represents knowledge, life and light, he sent the xoloitzcuintle to the world of men as a gift that would protect them until the end of their days and a little further.
A gift from Xólotl, created from the splinter of the bone of life, the bone with which all living beings were conceived, should be worthy of admiration and respect for the Aztecs. For this reason, since their arrival in the world, xoloitzcuintles dogs they became faithful companions of their masters, even beyond life, since it was believed that these animals guided their souls to Mictlán, the underworld of Aztec mythology. To that end, they were sacrificed and buried together with their owners to travel together the path to eternal rest.
The spiritual symbology of the Mexican hairless dog
Xoloitzcuintle dogs are one of the most valuable and revered creatures in Aztec mythology. And it is that the lanky Mexican hairless dog had the task of being a companion and guardian of the human being, both in life and in death. When the person died, his dog was also sacrificed. Although cruel, this act hides a powerful symbolism. The xoloitzcuintle was the one who had to guide the soul of his master through the difficult and very long road to Mictlán, the city of the dead
On this journey, the peak of the work of the dogs was to help the souls to cross a mighty and deep river, which crosses the land of the dead. And here is a vital point in history. If the person had been good with dogs during his life, the dog would help the soul to climb on its back and thus carry it safely to the other side.. But if it was not like that, if the person was bad or cruel, the dog would refuse to help him through, so the soul would be condemned to a shore for all eternity.
Being the hairless Mexican dog associated with death and Xolotl, the god that represents it, in life they had to be very well treated. This was considered a good omen, to reach a grateful death without suffering. The tradition in the color of the dog was also taken into account. The legend of the xoloitzcuintles dogs says that if the dog is spotted black, it will not be able to carry the souls from the other side of the river, since its color indicates that it has already submerged in the river and has already guided enough souls to their destination. . In the same way, if the Xolo is white or very light in color, it could not cross the river either, because that means that it is very young and has not yet been able to reach the maturity to do so.
According to the tradition, In order for the xoloitzcuintles dogs to lead souls to Mictlán, they had to be completely black, because otherwise, if they wore spots, it would mean that they would have served to guide the souls of other dead. Also in the Mexica towns they attributed to these enigmatic animals the ability to scare away evil spirits and protect them from any type of disease, especially those that produced physical deformities.
But almost the image of these dogs would only remain in the historical imagination. With the arrival of the Spanish in America, the xoloitzcuintle dogs were on the verge of extinction. European settlers turned the sacred animal into a food source, which they considered a delicious delicacy. At the same time, they intended to put an end to religious customs that involved the animal.
Today the Xoloitzcuintles, despite not being the most coveted breed by man due to the genotype responsible for their lack of fur, they are affectionate, loyal and territorial pets, part of a fascinating cultural heritage.
What do you think about the history of this mythical breed of pre-Hispanic dogs? Did you know the spiritual symbology of the Mexican hairless dog? Go ahead and leave us all your opinions in a comment. If you are super curious like us, we invite you to learn a little more about the fascinating Mexican culture. And if you’re more of an animal lover, don’t miss out on this selection of ugliest dogs in the world Until next time!