5 Mexican Dog Breeds
Andrea Powell
In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, we compiled a list of Mexico's five native dog breeds and interesting facts about each. Four of the five breeds start with the letter "C" and the other one is a tongue-twister.
The Chihuahua, Xoloitzcuintli, Chinese Crested, Chamuco, and the Calupoh are the five dog breeds originating in Mexico and are as unique as their names. Learn more about each breed below.
Chihuahua
The most well-known breed is the Chihuahua named after a state in Mexico. The small but mighty dogs are fiercely loyal and form close connections with their humans. They are one of the smallest dog breeds, typically weighing under six pounds, but don't let their size fool you. If not properly trained, they may try to be the boss.
They are spirited, athletic, and absolutely adorable. Their coats can be short or long and come in a variety of colors. While their exact origin date is unclear, Chihuahua-like images have been spotted on artifacts from ancient civilizations.
Xoloitzcuintli
The pronunciation of this breed is "show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee" and they are considered national treasures in Mexico. Their origins date back 3,000 years ago. According to American Kennel Club, the name comes from Xoloti, an Aztec dog-headed god, and “itzcuintli,” the Aztec word for dog.
They are also known as Xolo, Mexican Hairless, and Tepezcuintli. The typical hairless dog breed actually comes in three sizes and can have a coat.
The ancient dogs are now kept as watchdogs and loving companions. The affectionate dogs are a great choice for people with allergies.
Chinese Crested
What?! Yes, the Chinese Crested is believed to be native to Mexico. Just like several other dog breeds, their exact origin is unclear, but the ancient dogs have been around for a long time. The breed was found by Spanish explorers in Mexico and other parts of Central and South America as early as the 1500s.
There is no mistaking a Crested for another breed with its spotty skin and tufts of hair, but did you know there is a coated variety? Powderpuffs, as they are called, are covered in soft, silky hair. The hairless dogs do require sunscreen on their sensitive skin in the summer and sweaters in the winter to keep warm.
Their personalities are just as wild as they look. These exuberant and quirky dogs can become tyrants if spoiled. Well-trained Cresteds make great pets and will never leave your side.
Chamuco
This dog breed is more commonly known as the "Mexican Pitbull". The breed originated in the center of Mexico in 1970 and could have been deliberate or a coincidence. The stout and muscular dogs are a cross between several different pit bull-type breeds. They are devoted dogs who are playful and loving.
Sadly, many are bred as fighting dogs. These dogs who closely resemble the American pit bull face many of the same problems. When properly trained and handled, they are the most loyal companions.
Calupoh
Considered sacred to the Aztecs, these Mexican wolf dogs are a hybrid between dog and wolf dating back to the 15th century. They are large dogs and resemble German shepherds with mesmerizing yellow eyes. Recognized as one of Mexico's indigenous dogs, these gentle dogs are great companions and love their family.
If you are interested in one of the above dog breeds, please visit one of the animal rescues below that work to help abandoned and stray dogs in Mexico find homes. According to Born Again Pit Bull Rescue, "It’s estimated that 70% of Mexico’s 18 million dogs live on the street, either born as strays or abandoned by their owners, the largest number of street dogs in Latin America."
Born Again Pit Bull Rescue -The MexiMutt Project
Adopt don't shop!
