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Xoloitzcuintli Information
The Xoloitzcuintle was used by the ancient people for many things: food, sacrifice, companionship, hunting, protection and also for medicinal and curative purposes. The Xolo was used as a sleeping companion for warmth and was believed to have curative powers for arthritis and other painful ailments. The flesh of the Xolo was consumed for food and also in the hope that it would aid in the cure of various physical problems. The Xolo provided the ancient people with a convenient source of protein and they raised them in large numbers much like we now raise cattle, sheep and goats. The young ones were fattened for market. The Aztec people held great faith in the ability of the Xolo to guide them to their "land of the dead," or "Mictlan", after their death. For this reason, many were buried with a Xolo, which of course was sacrificed for that purpose.
Because of its hairlessness, the Xolo feels very warm to the touch. Some people believe that the body temperature of the Xolo is higher than other dog breeds. This is not true. It's body temperature is within the same range as that of other dog breeds, but with other dogs their temperature is masked by their coat.
They do surprisingly well in cool weather but often need a sweater when the temperature is very cool or cold. In the winter in the northern hemisphere they are a house dog. The lighter colors may sometimes need protection from the sun. The Xolo skin darkens with exposure to the sun and in the winter they may grow very light if they are kept in the house most of the time. White areas or spots on their skin will continually burn from the sun. The Xolo is a very devoted dog and dislikes being apart from its human owner. They tend to bond primarily to one person but are devoted to the entire family. They make excellent watch dogs and do not bark without reason.
The standard Xoloitzcuintli should be 12-22 inches tall, the Toy should be up to 13 inches tall and the Miniature should be 13-18 inches tall. Health concerns with the breed are hypothermia, heatstroke, dental and eye problems.
By the 1800's, they were primarily replaced by liver and white, or black and white colored spaniels. The true Welsh Springer was still maintained in the region of South Wales. A trend of selective breeding, eventually brought back the red and white spaniel. Emphasis was put on breeding the dogs for color, and the popularity of the breed grew greatly. The Kennel Club was formed in 1873, and the red and white spaniel was shown at the clubs first competition, along with other spaniels. Both the Welsh Springer and the English Springer were judged together since the only difference at that time was color. The breeds were eventually separated in the class.
As the Welsh Springer gained popularity in the late 1800's in America, the AKC officially recognized them in 1906. Between 1926 and 1948 there were no Welsh Springers registered with the AKC. Many believe that by the time World War II had ended, no Welsh Springers were alive in the US. In 1949, eleven dogs were registered with the AKC, and the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America was founded in 1961.
Males should be 18 to 19 inches tall, females 17 to 18 inches. Their colors should be red and white only. Any pattern is acceptable as long as the colors are the same. They are active dogs, very loyal and affectionate. They are reserved with strangers but are devoted family member.
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