Mexico is a popular place due to its delicious and spicy food. There are also many places you can visit here that are historical and majestic. The people in Mexico are also wonderful, and most of them happen to be dog-friendly. In fact, based on the Mexican Institute of National Geography, 89% of pets in Mexico are dogs. Therefore, if you are a dog lover, then Mexico is a good place for you to visit or live in.
To know more about the dogs being taken care of as pets by Mexicans, we are happy to give you a list of the most popular dog breeds in Mexico.
Xoloitzcuintli
The Xoloitzcuintli dog breed is very popular in Mexico, and it is a 100% native in the country. It is commonly called “Xolo” by its people. The origins of this breed can be traced as far back as 3300 years ago in Central America. This makes it sort of a living fossil today. Based on the archaeological discovery, the Aztecs consider this dog breed the living representation of the god “Xolotl”. They believed that this dog possessed healing powers and guided the dead through the afterlife.
This dog breed has a compact and muscular body. It is a perfect pet for families because it is naturally attentive and courageous. It is also a good watchdog. However, they are only suitable indoors, because they lack hair and can’t spend too much time outside. They are playful and good with kids. But you need to be careful because their skins can be easily injured.
Mexican Wolf-Dog
The Mexican Wolf-Dog, or also known as Calupoh, is a hybrid cross between the common dog and the Mexican gray wolf. Its reproduction was rescued because the remains of this dog breed were found in several ancient sacred temples. This showed that they had an important spiritual meaning during rituals. In 1999, the first Mexican wolf-dog was identified, which means that it’s rather young dog breed.
This dog is agile, large, and strong. Their eyes are usually dark brown or yellow. In the present time, Mexicans consider them as working dogs that can learn different activities. This dog breed is noble and caring for their family. However, they can be distrustful to strangers. It is a native dog in Mexico, and its wolf-like appearance can catch people’s attention and hearts.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is one of the most popular dog breeds, especially in Puebla, Guadalajara, and the city of Mexico. They are a native from the Mexican State of the same name. Based on a theory, Chihuahuas came from the Teichichis. It is a dog breed that was kept by the Toltec, a civilization that led the Aztecs. They also believed that these dogs guided the souls of diseased people through the afterlife.
Chihuahuas are fun dogs to have as pets because they love to have the company of their owners. They may be small, but they have big attitudes. They are playful and love to be the center of attention. It is also a loyal dog to its owners. However, they can be snappy to children and strangers. But positive social interactions and good training can remove their negative traits.
German Shepherd
Another popular dog breed in Mexico is the German Shepherd. They are police and guard dogs by natureand are famous in many parts of the world due to their innate abilities and skills. The German Shepherd originated in Southern Germany. It is a product of mixtures of dogs for grazing. But it was in 1899 when the breed to achieve the specimen of the German Shepherd was standardized to what is known today.
German Shepherds have a calm personality. It can provide your security, too, as it is distrustful of strangers. But no worries because it is not aggressive by nature. It is an alert dog, especially to threats, and it can act quickly. This is why it is usually requested as a watchdog and service dog. It is also a good playmate for kids, making them great family pets.
The Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested did not originate from China. In fact, its origins are still unclear until today. Based on theories, they descended from African hairless dogs that merchants took to China. There, their sized were reduced with crosses. Merchant ships from China traveled around the world with Chinese Crested dogs on board because they were useful for hunting mice and other pests on ships. The sailors then exchanged them in the ports, which was the reason why they arrived in different countries.
The Chinese Crested dog’s lack of fur makes it a warm lap mate that gives you warmth during cold days. This dog breed has a loving and cheerful personality, and they also don’t bark that much. They are great as pets at home, especially with kids.
Schnauzer
The Schnauzer is the third most popular dog breed in Puebla, Guadalajara, and Mexico City. It is believed that it originated in southern Germany between the 14th and 15th centuries. It was originally bred as a working dog to accompany farmers and traders, protecting their loads from mice and other pests. But over time, it proved its worth as a companion dog, making it one of the most popular pets in Mexican households.
It is an energetic dog that loves to run and play. It is also intelligent, and it likes solving puzzles. However, you cannot leave this dog alone for a long time, because when they get bored, they can get destructive.
English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is also among the most popular dog breeds in Mexico. It became the center of attention in 2017when Mexico hosted the English Bulldog World Championship. However, this dog breed had a dark past because it was used for a bloody sport. There’s evidence that suggests they originated in the 13th century for the sport of bull-baiting. It was where a bull was tied, and dogs were released to fiercely attack the bull. That sport was banned in 1835, and it brought the bulldog to very close extinction.
People who love this dog breed worked hard to recover and improve it, making it less aggressive and more attractive as a pet for families. Today, they are companions of a lot of families and even became the national symbol of England. They are friendly dogs who enjoy making their owners entertained. They are playful dogs that love to chew, so you need to give them chewy toys.
Pug
Another dog breed that many Mexicans feel more inclined to own is the Pug. This dog breed probably originated in China, and its roots go back to 400 B.C. Unlike other dog breeds, Pugs were not bred as working dogs. They were bred to be companion pets. Chinese emperors and royalty used them as company dogs and lapdogs. This means that this dog breed didn’t have a rough beginning.
One of the many reasons why families love to own Pugs is because they don’t need much exercise. They are more than willing to be lazy all day long. However, this can also make them suffer from obesity in the long run. Therefore, you still need to spend time playing with them outdoors.
Labrador Retriever
In the United States, the Labrador Retriever is a popular dog breed, and it is also one of the favorites in Mexico. The origins of the Labrador dates back to the early 1800s in Newfoundland, Canada, where they were used as companions of fishermen. Their job was to catch the stragglers that escaped from the fisherman’s nets. By the 19th century, breeders refined and standardized the breed.
Labrador Retrievers are known for being therapy and service dogs. They are devoted companions, and their friendly character is also great for children. This is the reason why they are one of the most popular dogs for families, not just in Mexico but all over the world.
Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is another favorite by Mexicans. In fact, they are very popular in Monterrey, Mexico. It is a small dog, which is a perfect pet for home. This breed was developed in Yorkshire Country in England in the 19th century. According to theories, they were originally developed to catch rats, fox burrows, and badgers. And even today, Yorkies have a strong hunting instinct.
Yorkshire Terriers have a coat of hair and not of fur. It means that their hair naturally grows much longer compared to other dog breeds. Therefore, it is a great dog for those who can give a lot of time in grooming, especially if you want your pet to have a catwalk-look.
These are the most popular dog breeds in Mexico. Their preferred dog breeds can be different or the same with other places and cultures. But one thing in common is that dogs are indeed great companions no matter where country you live. Among the dog breeds on this list, which one would you like to have as a pet?