I’m counting down the days until I get to visit one of my favorite all-inclusive resorts in the Riviera Maya. Though maybe not for the reasons you’re thinking. Sure, sun…sand…beach…I’ll be enjoying all of them. But…I’m most excited about the dogs.
Dogs at an all inclusive? Yes. Dogs.
But not just any dogs. Xoloitzcuintli. Or Xolo for short.
If you’ve watched any AKC dog shows in the past several years, you may have noticed this recent…and unique addition to the lineup.
An ancient breed, the Xolo originated in current day Mexico among the Aztec and Maya where it was believed to fulfill the important role of helping departed human souls on their way to the underworld. In fact, their name is a combination of the god Xolotl, who served as the guide for the dead, and the Aztec word for dog, ‘itzcuintli.’
Unfortunately, after the arrival of the conquistadors, these dark skinned, predominately hairless (and toothless!) dogs faced near extinction from being hunted for food and interbreeding with other newly introduced dogs. Their popularity increased in the mid-1900s, in part due to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo’s love for the breed, which started an organized effort to preserve the breed and its history.
I was lucky enough to be introduced to these special dogs early in my career. One of my first clients after I left vet school were an active part of the preservation effort and owned a breeding pair of Xolos. And they patiently taught me to pronounce the breed name (show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee).
When I left that job…I had no idea it would be nearly 10 years before I saw another one! This time in its ancestral home. The Yucatan peninsula. I was staying a few days at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort in Playa del Carmen when I came across these fantastic dogs once again. As part of their effort to preserve the culture and history of the area…as well as to encourage guests not to partake in unregulated animal photos on the beach (a serious animal welfare issue)…the resort keeps a pair of Xolos on site that enjoy interacting with guests.
So yes, I’ll be enjoying all the benefits of the beach during my visit. But I’m also looking forward to getting to spend a little time with one of my favorite dog breeds!
