By Tara A. Spears
With the celebration for Day of the Dead fast approaching, I unpacked my home altar ceramics which include several Itzcuintli. (the skeleton puppy) As a dog lover, I am drawn to the representations of Itzcuintli symbolism during Day of the Dead remembrances. The DoD puppy is based on the real animal, the Mexican Hairless Dog, known as Xolo. While most people are unfamiliar with the name, Xoloitzcuintli, often shortened to Xolo many people will recognize the Mexican hairless dog without knowing its name.
Ancient Mexica (Aztec) belief held that Xolos guided human souls on their journey to the realm of the dead. The Xolo is believed to help souls cross difficult paths and obstacles, including the dangerous Apanohuacalhuia River. Only people who treated dogs kindly in life received this help from a Xolo in death. A person’s dogs were sometimes sacrificed and buried with their owners to accompany them to the other world, explains Xcaret.com.
In Día de los Muertos celebrations, the Xoloitzcuintli represents a spiritual guide and protector of souls. Families place figurines or images of Xolos on ofrendas to honor the connection between the living and the dead. Some traditions hold that the Xolo's spirit helps loved ones return during the festival which is why the Itzcuintli puppy is an important element of the altar. This belief reflects the breed's ancient ties to mythology and the spiritual world.
According to Unanswered, Xolo has a broader cultural importance today. The Xoloitzcuintli stands as a symbol of loyalty, protection, and Mexico's pre-Hispanic heritage. Artists such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera kept Xolos and featured them in their work. The breed appears in the Pixar film Coco as Dante, a loyal guide through the Land of the Dead.
For the first time, from October 26 to November 1, 2026, the Historic Center of Mexico City will host a very special celebration: it will be transformed into “Itzcuintlán,” a space dedicated to the Xoloitzcuintle dog. The event coincides with the Day of the Dead and aims to promote the recognition of the Xolo as part of Mexico’s biocultural heritage. the breed has spent decades on the verge of extinction due to a lack of responsible breeding and a general lack of awareness. In this sense, the ‘Campo de Xolos’ festival is also an act of cultural revitalization. During the festival, the participation of art, science, history, and music is expected, all centered around one of the most representative animals of Mexico's indigenous cultures.
Hairless dog breeds are fairly rare and people tend to look at these dogs and only see their odd lack of fur, but they’re more than meets the eye. Xolos are a unique, loyal, and active breed with a very rich history.
Like many wilder dog breeds, the Xolo is inclined to be a pack animal and will naturally carve out a little niche for themselves in your home after figuring out a loose hierarchy. They bond with the whole family, love to give affection, and their wariness toward strangers makes them fine watchdogs who aren’t afraid to bark at intruders. Xolos have a serious nature, but they’re softies at heart.
In addition, Xolos come in three sizes. Yes, like the Poodle, Xolos come in toy, miniature, and standard sizes to suit nearly any household. The majority of Xolos are a variation of solid deep brown. The ancient people believed that the Xolo have healing powers. Along with their association with the god of death, Xolos were believed to be infused with a healing energy they could pass to humans. Popular speculation posits this is because hairless dogs like Xolos emit more body heat than dogs with fur, and this warmth could seem like magic on a very cold night. This is also why Xolos and other hairless dogs are known as great space heaters.
Local Day of the Dead activities
Don’t miss out on the exciting local Day of the Dead themed activities. La Varas has a fabulous festival that is well worth the taxi ride. La Penita has several interesting events, including a parade down main street November 1 and two cemetery-based evenings, note the illustrations above. You can also use the DoD holiday as a reason to make a donation in memory of your deceased fur baby to the area’s animal groups, JEEP and JBARS. Remember, those that love dogs will have the Xolo to guide you to the afterlife.
Also published by our sister publication, Drive Mexico Magazine.