Mexican Hairless Dog

Frida Kahlo owned a Xoloitzcuintle or a Mexican Hairless as you can see on one of her self portraits in the picture. This breed was considered an earthly form of the god Xolotl, whose task it was to accompany souls to their final resting place. For this reason, the Aztecs would sacrifice a Xolo in order to be buried with it. Owners also slept with this breed for warmth. For a long time people thought the Xolo had a higher body temperature, however it only feels that way due to its hairlessness. This breed was also eaten due to the popular belief that it had curative powers for various physical problems such as arthritis. In addition, the Xoloitzcuintle was a convenient source of protein. The ancient people raised herds of this breed, fattened the young for the market which were sold for food. The Xolo remains a rare breed, even in Mexico.