Celebrating Cinco de Mayo with Mexico’s Amazing Dog Breeds

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage, culture, and resilience—and here at J-B Pet Supplies, we’re putting a fun pet-friendly spin on the holiday by celebrating Mexico’s native dog breeds! From ancient civilizations to modern-day homes, dogs have played a big role in Mexican history—and we’re here to honor their legacy.

🐶 Did Pre-Columbian Peoples Keep Dogs?

Yes—they absolutely did! Long before European contact, Indigenous civilizations in what is now Mexico kept dogs for a variety of purposes. Archeological evidence shows that the Aztecs, Maya, Toltecs, and other Mesoamerican cultures raised dogs as:

🐕 Companions
🔥 Spiritual protectors and guides in the afterlife
🍲 Food sources (in some cases, though usually in ceremonial contexts)

Dogs were seen as important members of society, and many ancient burial sites include dog remains alongside humans—highlighting the bond between people and their canine companions that has lasted for thousands of years.

One of the most famous dogs of this era? The Xoloitzcuintli, or “Xolo” for short!

🇲🇽 Meet Mexico’s Native Dog Breeds

1. Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo) – The Mexican Hairless Dog

Pronounced show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee, this ancient breed dates back over 3,000 years. Revered by the Aztecs as sacred, Xolos were believed to guard souls in the afterlife and were often buried with their humans.

🖤 Unique Traits:
✨ Hairless or coated varieties
✨ Warm skin (nicknamed “hot water bottles” in ancient times!)
✨ Calm, loyal, and low-shedding
✨ Available in toy, miniature, and standard sizes

Today, the Xolo is Mexico’s national dog and a symbol of cultural pride—often appearing in Mexican art, folklore, and even Disney’s Coco!

2. Chihuahua – Small but Mighty

Although their exact origins are debated, most historians agree that the Chihuahua descended from the Techichi, a small, mute dog kept by the Toltecs and later the Aztecs. The breed as we know it today likely emerged in the Mexican state of Chihuahua in the 1800s.

🧠 Fun Facts:
💥 They have the biggest personality per pound of any breed!
🏡 Ideal for apartment living
👑 Loyal to their people, often forming a strong bond with one person

Despite their size, Chihuahuas are brave, sassy, and full of character—a true representation of Mexican spirit.

3. Calupoh – The Mexican Wolf-Dog

A lesser-known and recently developed breed, the Calupoh was created in the 1990s by breeding domestic dogs with Mexican wolves to preserve indigenous canine heritage. The result? A stunning black-coated dog with the looks of a wolf and the loyalty of a companion animal.

🌲 Known For:
🖤 Majestic, striking appearance
💪 Strength and athleticism
🧠 Intelligence and protectiveness

The Calupoh is recognized in Mexico and has cultural and historical importance, though it’s still quite rare outside the country.

🥳 Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Your Pup!

You don’t need to have a Xolo or Chihuahua to join in the fun. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with your dog by:

🌮 Treating them to a festive snack (check out our themed cookies and chews!)
📸 Snapping a cute photo in a sombrero or festive bandana
🧠 Learning about pet history and heritage
🏪 Visiting us at J-B Pet Supplies in Oakland or Hawthorne—we’ve got Cinco de Mayo goodies in stock and ready to go!

🐾 Wrap-Up

From ancient guardians of the afterlife to modern couch cuddlers, Mexico’s native dogs have left a lasting paw print on history. As we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, let’s also celebrate the incredible heritage and contributions of these amazing breeds.

Stop by www.jbpet.com or visit us in-store to grab some festive gear, treats, or even a new tag for your proud little Chihuahua or adventurous Xolo.

Viva los perros! 🐶🎉🇲🇽