The Xoloitzcuintli is not exactly a well known breed of dog. With such a weird name, some may even think that it is a cat or probably a horse. The Xolo is a rare breed and it is considered the oldest breed in America today. Because of its extensive history, there are many interesting facts about the Xoloitzcuintli.
Did you know that the Xoloitzcuintli is the official dog of Mexico? The Xoloitzcuintli has been in existence for thousands of years and it was regarded as a sacred dog during the times of the Aztec. It was registered in Mexico in the year 1955, and it is now regarded as the official dog of Mexico.
Did you know that Xoloitzcuintli is an Aztec name? The name Xoloitzcuintli is actually an Aztec name. Xoloitzcuintli comes from two Aztec words, "Xolotl" and "itzcuintli". The word "Xolotl" translates to "the god of extraordinary things" and the term "itzcuintli" means "dog". Xolotl was an Aztec god whose function was to make the sun rise in the morning and set at the end of the day.
Did you know that the Aztec believed that the Xoloitzcuintli has healing powers? The Xoloitzcuintli was more than just a dog to the Aztecs; it was a sacred being with mythical powers. It was regarded as the guardian of human souls in the underworld. Because of this belief, the Aztecs used the Xolo as a treatment for various ailments, including stomach pains and rheumatism.
Did you know that the Xoloitzcuintli has extraordinary body heat? The Xoloitzcuintli's body temperature actually measures 101 °F to 102 °F! The early Mexicans had used Xolos as living hot water bottles and for curing their body pains. Just press a Xoloitzcuintli over the aching part of your body and it will provide relief! Xolos were also used to cure serious diseases such as Malaria.
Did you know that the Xoloitzcuintli became a rare breed because of the Spaniards? Back in the 16th century, Mexico was invaded by the Spaniards. The Spaniards didn't understand the Xoloitzcuintlis and they couldn't even relate to them. At that time, it seemed that the Xolos were revolting and the Spaniards believed that it was a bad sign from the Aztecs. Since then, the Spanish conquerors banned the Xolos and even the mention of the breed's name. During the later part of the occupation, the Spaniards brought diseases to the Aztecs and this decreased the Aztec population dramatically, almost wiping out all the Xoloitzcuintlis at that time. The only Xolos left during that time were found in a few Indian villages in the remote areas of Mexico and South America. All the Xolos that exist today belong to the lineage of those Xolos.
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