Xoloitzcuintle: The Aztec Dog Who Guided Souls to the Underworld

  If you’ve seen the Disney movie, Coco you’ll no doubt remember the rather odd pet that accompanied Miguel. It was hairless, black, and somewhat strange-looking and was a Xoloitzcuintle or Aztec dog. It should be noted that this isn’t just any breed of dog. In fact, it’s endemic to Mexico and has its origins in pre-Hispanic times. This fascinating creature, domesticated more than 5,500 years ago, is one of the closest living relatives to the canines of antiquity. Indeed, its image instantly takes us back to another era, to another time deeply rooted in Mexican culture. It’s said that…