Joy Wescott 

Clinton SC 

864-682-9704

Welcome to Alegria (Joyful) Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo for short) 

take a look around.

"A uniquely New World breed, the Xoloitzcuintli stands out for being hairless, although there is a coated variety. The Xoloitzcuintli was one of the earliest breeds to be added to the American Kennel Club studbook – in 1887 under the name “Mexican Hairless”.  This is a robust and healthy breed that evolved in the primitive jungles of Colima, Mexico.  Archaeological evidence has been found in the tombs of the Colima, Mayan, Toltec, Zapoteca, and Aztec Indians dating the breed to over 3500 years ago.  Long regarded as guardians and protectors, the indigenous peoples believed that the Xolo would safeguard the home from evil spirits as well as intruders.  In ancient times the Xolos were often sacrificed and then buried with their owners to act as guide to the soul on its journey to the underworld.  These dogs were considered a great delicacy, and were consumed for sacrificial ceremonies – including marriages and funerals.  

 The name Xoloitzcuintli (pronounced “sho-low-itz-queent-li”) is derived from the name of the Aztec god Xolotl and Itzcuintli, the Aztec word for dog. (Xolo owners are frequently stopped and find themselves explaining not just the breed – but teaching people how to pronounce the name!)  Indigenous peoples believed them to have healing powers and they were thought to bring relief from a vast variety of ailments.  That belief still survives today in the rural parts of Mexico. One of the reasons being that they feel warm to the touch – and can actually act as a “hot water bottle”.

Xoloitzcuintli Club of America, Inc