Have you tried touching a hairless dog? Well, this dog doesn’t have any disease or skin problem whatsoever. I am referring to a type of dog known as the Xoloitzcuintli or Xolo for short. It would be an amazing feeling touching its soft, black and hot body yet so smooth to the skin. Their breeds have been the star of most dog shows and would sometimes be paraded by their proud owners while they follow behind, walking majestically. You would just admire its slim body walking gracefully with a white, paintbrush-like tip on the tail, a unique part contrasting its black and smooth body.
Sometimes, we would wonder where these dogs came from. Before the Spaniards arrived in Mesoamerica or the central to southern parts of America, dogs were already highly cherished as pets. In fact their high regard to dogs was so great that their pet dogs were usually buried with their owners to serve as their companions in the spirit realms. Xolos experienced a superior and unique place in the society. People have the impression that they had a medicinal value for humans. Because of their uniquely and naturally hot temperature compared to normal dogs, people who suffered from rheumatism who have physical contact with this hot little canine could benefit from its healing effect. But of course, aside from that, it is a good heater when you are cold at night.
Many people today had found the Xolo to be the perfect pet for them. Like most breeds of dogs, Xolos are highly trainable and come in different size packages which include the toy variety. And most importantly, because Xolos are hairless, that means no fleas. Moreover, this type of dog is ideal for people who are suffering from allergies to dog hairs.
Caring a Xolo is not difficult also. To maintain the dog skin’s softness, it is essential that once in a while owners should apply some skin creams or oil. Giving a Xolo a bath is not a problem also. In fact it takes only a minute to give them a bath and another minute to dry them. That is one of the advantages of a hairless dog. About its medicinal value, people who owned a Xolo have found relief from rheumatic discomfort by placing the dog against the affected part of the body. In short, Xolos are exactly just like a hot water bottle.
Just recently, the Xolo was thought to be an endangered specie until much effort was done to preserve and carry on the dog’s unique breed. Now, they are not only in Mexico. They have reached other countries like Peru and the United States. So, if you’ll ever meet a Xoloitzcuintli, it would be a fantastic and unforgettable encounter you’ll ever have with a dog.