November-December 2011 by Giovanna Suedan

Xoloitzcuintle

November-December 2011

For Xolos and the people who love them

The magazine… XOLOitzcuintle, a free online magazine, was created to share our love for the Xoloitzcuintle with other Xolo lovers in the world. This magazine for Xolo lovers, made by Xolo lovers. Not only you can share your love for the breed, but also you can share pictures of your Xolo to illustrate the pages or cover of this magazine, or even advertise a kennel, dog, rescue or handler.

The ads are completely free for those who support this magazine by submiting an article, otherwise the ads have a cost of 10 USD, which will be donated to help take care of xolos in need.

~Giovanna Suedán~

Warner Bros Milla Luz de Luna Bred by Ase & Janne Persson Owned by Daniela Anderhub ©Marcos Lurati 2

The magazine… Feel free to join our Facebook group “XOLOitzcuintle”, submit an article about any topic related to the breed or share pictures of your Xolos to illustrate the next issues of XOLOitzcuintle! This issue wouldn’t have been possible without the help of: Alberto Campos, Ase Persson, Anna Weterlöw, Andrea Remarque, Anita Larsson, Angel Garcia, Carles Toldrà, Daniela Anderhub, Dina Limankina, Emy Lya Elbereth, Francisco Trujillo, Ia Bäckström, Into Blinov, Janne Persson, Jewel Waldrip, July Karyakina, Kay Lawson, Kennel Coeus des Ténèbres, Lala Fischl, Mallin Kallunki, Marco Hernandez, Maria Negga, Marta Cagiao, Matt Fuller, Michelle Jensen, Mirka Rautio, Nigeli Villalva, Odessa Maxwell, Peggy Gutierrez-Otero, Penelope C. Inan, Russian National Xolo Club, Sian Gordon, Stephanie Mazzarella, Tania Blinov, Tasha Zimmermann Wolfe, and Terri Reindl. All the articles are the responsability of the author and reflect their own opinion. All articles and pictures were published with the authors’ or owners’ permission. 3

On the cover… Ch. Maya Tikal (Quintero) Maya, is a Miniature female with lots of personality! She has been shown a few times, but with great success. She is Pan American, Mexican and Swedish Champion, and last year got Reserve Best in Specialty Show at the Urcanis Specialty Show in Sweden. Besides her show career Maya has appeared in magazines, postcards, flyers, and briefly on tv due to her great personality and for being very photogenic. She loves people, specially if they give her attention. She’s simply, a hairless diva!

BISS Ch. Maya Tikal (Quintero) Mex. Bred and owned by Monica Quintero & Giovanna Suedan ©Danielsen Photo

Table of contents The magazine On the cover Table of Contents Pieces of Stars The Xolo Times From our readers Judging the Xoloitzcuintle FOXI3 semidominance and teeth in the Xolo The Xolo in the United Kingdom History of the Xolo in Sweden People of Xolos

page

2 4 5 7 8 13 18 23 31 37 43 5

Xolos are like a piece of stars. Free from all the common things of life, unknown by the knowledgeable. Apart from everything, a mysterious mind, a marvelous body, sparkling eyes. At first sight they offer you an open door to the history and culture.

-Kennel Le coeur des ténèbres ©Courtesy of Angel García

Qurra Tul Ain Atotoztli Miniature Xoloitzcuintle

Daughter of MultiCh. Abu Sha vom Martin’s Thal and Jr Ch. Piocha (Alvarado)Mex. Bred by Ute Schörnig Proudly owned by Andrea Remarque, Germany xolonews.blogspot.com/p/home.html

The Junior Champion of Lithuania

On November 12, at the show held in the city of Kaunas in Lithuania, Harmeks Viktorian, a hairless Miniature male bred by Helena Kharitonova and owned by Kristina Gervinskaite, got Junior Best of Breed and obtained his Lithuanian Youth Championship.

Times Best progeny group of the year!

Ch. Tlacatl (Retana) Mex. a Standard male bred by Miguel Angel Retana and owned by Ia Bäckström won Best progeny group of the year (all breeds) in Denmark with his offspring! With 9 Progeny BIS-1! A first for our breed!

New Champions at Amoroso Xolos

Amoroso Xolos has now the following AKC Champions: Amoroso’s Ayati, Amoroso’s Fiora, Amoroso’s Neina, Amororo’s Nakai, Amoroso’s Bindi the Jungle Girl and Papalote (Retana) Mex.FCI Our Chabella (Mazzarella) is the 1st Female to become AKC Champion and Grand Champion. Following her steps her son Amoroso’s Basilio also become Grand Champion.

The Nordic Winners 2011 at Warner Bros

Times Costume contest Winners

Nante’s International Show

Hedehuset’s India Chala

On December 10th the Nordic Winner Show was held in the city of Stockholm, were MultiCh.Warner Bros Belize got Best of Breed and Ch. Warner Bros Güero the Best Opposite Sex, both Miniatures bred and owned by Kennel Warner Bros, therefore obtaining the Nordic Winner title. “Güero” also obtained the title of Nordic Junior Winner and MultiCh. Hedehuset’s India Chala, another miniature owned by Kennel Warner Bros and bred by Kennel Hedehuset’s become Nordic Veteran Winner.

1st place

Last Halloween and Dia de Muertos we had a Fun Photo Costume Contest at our Facebook group, were the miniature female, Qurra Tul Ain Atotoztli, bred by Ute Schörnig and owned by Andrea Remarque won the 1st place! Followed by the Fauxlo “Changuito” in 2nd place and “Luna” in 3th place, both of them rescues and owned by Jewel Waldrip.

At the International Show in Nantes, Fortune Cookie du Coeur des Tenebres, a Miniature coated Xolo, got Best Junior of the Breed and Best of Breed and Guadalajara du Coeur des Tenebres, a hairless Intermediate, Best Puppy, both females bred by Kennel Le Coeur des Tenebres. 9

The

Times

Eukanuba National Championship On December 17 and 18, the AKC Eukanuba National Championship was held in the city of Orlando, Florida. The Xolo was judged by Mr. Francisco Chapa, who gave the Best of Breed to MultiCh. MultiBIS Tecoman (Avalos) Mex.FCI, owned and bred by Mr. Hugo Avalos, the Best opposite sex to Ch. Blanch-O’s Rosita Fernandez, owned and bred by John & Debbie Caponetto and coowned by Anna-Maria Barfoot, both of Standard size.

Bayshore’s Mole, another Standard Xolo, owned and bred by Frank Baylis, and co-owned by Richard Yenchesky got the 1st Award of Excellence; Besitos Mintsitani, a Standard bred by Patty Hoover and owned by Ian Little & Lesa Little-Manoskey got the 2nd Award of Excellence; and last but not least Amoroso’s Basilio, an Intermediate bred and owned by Stephanie Mazzarella the 3rd Award of Excellence. If it wasn’t enough for the Xolos, Tecoman got 2nd Best in Group!

©American Kennel Club

The Junior Champion of Estonia and Lithuania

Fernando du Coeur des Tenebres, an Intermediate male bred by Siegfried Jacques and owned by Dina Limankina, was shown an International Dog Show in Estonia where he got Best of Breed both days, 3th Best in Group and become Junior Champion of Estonia, he was also shown Lithuania, where he won BOB both days and become Junior Champion of Lithuania

Times Champion of Luxembourg

On November 5, at the International Dog Show in Luxembourg, WWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;11 Ch. Comte des Tenebres de Xoconochco, got Best of Breed and become Champion of Luxembourg under judge Rui Olivera.

Best wishes from Evie

Ch. Shida Forever Young, a Miniature female bred by Jennifer Young-Johnson, owned and love by Jewel Waldrip and Diana Weeger from Tucson Arizona, wants to congratulate her Xolo friends worldwide for a great year, especially those who completed their AKC Championship during 2011, and all who have qualified for the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. Best wishes to 1 everyone for the coming year! 1

From our readers

By Odessa Maxwell

Aloof and Suspicious versus Timid Definition of TIMID[1] 1: lacking in courage or self-confidence <a timid person> 2: lacking in boldness or determination <a timid policy> Definition of ALOOF[1] 1: removed or distant either physically or emotionally <he stood aloof from worldly success â&#x20AC;&#x201D; John Buchan> Definition of SUSPICIOUS[1] 1: tending to arouse suspicion : questionable <suspicious characters> 2: disposed to suspect : distrustful <suspicious of strangers> 3: expressing or indicative of suspicion <a suspicious glance> SUSPICION[1] 1 : the act or an instance of suspecting something wrong without proof or on slight evidence : mistrust b : a state of mental uneasiness and uncertainty : doubt ÂŠCourtesy of July Karyakina [1] www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary

As breeders and judges try to better the breeding stock of the Xoloitzcuintle, there is a factor that they must consider beyond structure. That one major component is temperament. One can have a beautiful representation of the breed in body, head piece, and movement; however, if the temperament is lacking, you are stuck with other issues stemming from fear or aggression. In the Xoloitzcuintle breed standard, the ―[t]ypical Xolo temperament is calm, tranquil, aloof and attentive‖ (AKC Breed Standard). Another description is that ―[t]he Xoloitzcuintle is a silent and calm dog, cheerful, alert and intelligent, suspicious toward strangers, a good watchdog and an excellent companion. It is never aggressive‖ (FCI Breed Standard). Consequently, no part of the definitions of aloof or suspicion mirrors the definition of timid. Given the factor that the standard-sized Xoloitzcuintle is a guardian watchdog, breeders and judges must seriously fault a timid dog. A timid dog would be described as a dog that jumps away from the judge when being examined or tries to whip around as the judge approaches it from the side or rear. A timid dog will constantly shake until it seems that it cannot stand without assistance. An aloof dog, on the other hand, may lean away or slightly bow or tremble at a judges’ touch but will stand its ground. An aloof dog will not jump or move quickly away from a judge either. A Xoloitzcuintle will be watchful and observant as well as indifferent to the attention lavished by people other than its owner or significant person(s).

Slightly Soiled Bred by Jazmin Carino Owned by Tasha Zimmermann Wolfe

Coyolli with her puppies Owned by Francisco Trujillo ÂŠCourtesy of Francisco Trujillo

Breeders must consider various factors when breeding a timid canine into their lines. Timid females may pass these traits onto the puppies through anxiety, over-protectiveness, and nervous tendencies which may seem to be masked by periods of inattentiveness to the puppies. The puppies will mimic what they are imprinted with by the dam. If one parent is timid, then all the puppies should be normal or may have minor quirks like constant submission/rolling over or a tail that is always held down. However, these puppies will be carriers of the genetic patterning and should be carefully bred to parentage with minimum timidity. If both parents are carriers or have parentage that has carriers, then about one out of four puppies will be timid. If one parent is timid and the other is a carrier, then roughly half of the litter will be timid or having major quirks like an inability to be housebroken or separation anxiety. 15

Standard puppy bred by Terri Reindl ÂŠCourtesy of Terri Reindl

Consequently, breeders and owners have reasons why the dog may be timid. This is understandable because of a bad experience or a lack of socialization. Yet there are many dogs that have gone through the exact same experience and are resilient. Some dogs lack adaptability to various stimuli or situations and therefore do not have the mental capability to reset and overcome the bad experience. These dogs would be labeled as carriers of timidity if all other factors of the temperament displays as normal. However, dogs that have no pinpoint experiences to explain the behaviors are identified as genetic timidness. Breeders and judges must be able to decipher the difference between timidness, suspicious, and aloof. There are various tools like the Canine Good Citizen Test and Therapy or Assistance dog work that can be used to evaluate a dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s temperament. A canine that is flexible and adaptable is a canine that will contribute an amicable genetic makeup for future generations of the domesticated dog. For the Xoloitzcuintle, it is very important to preserve the beauty of this ancient breed through 16 structure and good temperaments.

Xibalbaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Top quality Standard Xoloitzcuintles

Breeding top quality Standard Xoloitzcuintles in Sweden since 1996, we are the proud home of Multi champions, including World Winners! Anita Larsson & GĂśran Granlund Sweden http://user.tninet.se/~kmr888m/

Judging the Xoloitzcuintli In the United States As a new convert to this ancient breed (I got my bitch in January of 2010), I am understandably quite excited about their entrance into the AKC Non-Sporting Group. As an AKC judge myself, I am aware of the difficulties in judging such a rare breed - especially since there is not a great deal of educational material available. Many U.S. judges have done an excellent job in Mexico with this breed - but there are some changes to address since the AKC standard is different in a number of areas. The primary difference is quite large - we allow coated Xolos and as yet FCI does not. Coated dogs should not look substantially different from the hairless - since the coat is required to be short, smooth and close fitting. From a distance, the dog may even appear to be hairless.

By Mrs. Penelope C. Inan

Azuwynâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bronze Guardian Bred and owned by Kay Lawson Co-owned by Sandra Bridges ÂŠCourtesy of Kay Lawson

Another area of concern is in the question of size. The AKC size ranges are as follows: •Toy - 10‖ up to and including 14‖ (25.4cm – 35.6cm) •Miniature - Over 14‖ up to and including 18‖ (35.6cm -45.7cm) •Standard - Over 18‖ up to and including 23‖ (45.7cm -58.4cm) Dogs less than 10 inches or over 24‖ are disqualified.

The FCI standard range uses different designations as well as a different size range: •Miniature - 9.75‖ to 13.75‖ (25cm – 35cm) •Intermediate - 14.25‖ to 17.75‖ (36cm – 45cm) •Standard - 21.5‖ up to 23.5‖ (46cm – 60cm) Dogs less than 9.75‖ or over 23.5‖ are disqualified.

Gr.Ch. Azuwyn’s Hells a Poppin’ Bred and owned by Kay Lawson

Ch. Azuwyn’s Aint Miss “B” Havin’ Bred by Kay Lawson Owned by Kay Lawson, Penny Inan and Sandra Bridges

The size ranges are not the same - and the wording may be a bit confusing. An ―intermediate‖ dog in the FCI would be a ―miniature‖ in the AKC - and the FCI designation of ―miniature‖ corresponds to the AKC ―toy‖. Fortunately, there are no disqualifications for size in either standard other than the minimum and maximum heights allowed. In AKC, all three sizes will be shown together - although the Open classes may be divided 19

GrCh. Azuwyn’s Ix Chel Bred by Kay Lawson Owned by Terri Reindl ©Courtesy of Kay Lawson

The topline is described differently in the two standards, with FCI requiring ―Torso: straight; the upper line of the back should be perfectly straight. Dogs with arched or sunken backs as well as long backs with short legs are not desirable.‖ The AKC standard states ―Topline is level with slight arch over loin.‖ Both statements are subject to interpretation, especially since ―back‖ is not synonymous with ―topline‖. There is quite a bit of emphasis on muscling in the FCI standard, while the AKC standard seems to continually refer to ―moderate‖ and also states ―equally combining elegance and strength‖. As a long-time student of ―natural‖ and ―pariah‖ breeds, the Xolo seems to me to be another version of the ―natural‖ dog - shaped by circumstance and surroundings, rather than by man’s hand for a particular purpose. 20

Xolo tail carriage again may be interpreted somewhat differently between the two. FCI states ―In movement it is happily held up in a curve, never drooping over the back. When resting it should hang with a hook at the end.‖ The tail carriage is described in the AKC standard as ―When the dog is moving, the tail is carried in a graceful curve, but not over the back‖ - with no mention of a ―hook at the end.‖ Another part of these two standards that are specifically different is in the matter of dewclaws. They MUST be removed from all four limbs in the FCI standard, while the AKC simply states MAY be removed.

Neither standard accepts long, soft or wavy hair but in the FCI it is a disqualification, while in the AKC it is simply delineated as a serious fault.

Azuwyn’s Bronze Guardian Bred and owned by Kay Lawson ©Courtesy of Kay Lawson

There are other minor differences, but these were the ones that stood out when I compared the two standards as being especially noticeable. I’m sure that with time, judging Xolos will seem quite ordinary - but in January of 2011, it will be a new and hopefully thrilling time for both judges and exhibitors of this wonderfully primitive and captivating breed. 21

Multi Ch. Apancingo at

Ammexbiche

Cingo is Top Utility Import for 2011, Amsterdam Winner 2011, Mexican Champion Cuban and Grand Cuban Champion BISS winner at the FIRST Mexican Hairless Fun Day & Show in the UK, and multi BOB winner

Bred by Rafael Gimenez-Valdes And proudly owned by Sian Gordon www.xolowales.co.uk

ÂŠAlan Walker

FOXI3 Semidominance and Teeth in the Xoloitzcuintle Breed By Marco Hernandez

In 1974 Guillermo Schnaas established that the hairless trait inheritance in dogs follows a typical Mendelian pattern. He also proposed that the dominant hairless gene was a semiletal one, making impossible to get a line of hairless dogs only. However, in 2008 the hairless gene was finally identified and properly described as FOXI3 by DrĂśgemuller and colleagues. Therefore, in the present a subtle, yet very relevant new concept is that FOXI3 is a semidominant gene, not simply dominant. Inheritance pattern remains exactly the same, but the action of the gene is different.

Fame Factoryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brown Sugar Bred by Emma Hansson Owned by Michelle Jensen ÂŠCourtesy of Michelle Jensen

The new proposal of a semidominant gene explains why hairless dog can exist as heterozygous. If the hairless gene were totally dominant, there would be no difference between homozygous and heterozygous because, in both cases, the gene would express itself totally and the embryos would die. FOXI3 acts stopping the creation of a protein which forms part of the proper development of the ectodermus and that is why its expression implies the death of the embryo in homozygous.

Fullibus Thank you for the Music Bred by Lisbeth Kallunki Owned by Malin Kallunki

The reason why the heterozygous can actually live is that FOXI3 as semidominant gene cannot totally stop the expression of the normal, not mutated gene. This way some protein is built and the embryo can develop. If we make a comparison with hypothetical flowers we could have a species with white (W, dominant) and red (r, recessive) colors. This way, (W,W) would be white, (W,r) also would be white since there is total dominance of ―W‖ over ―r ―and only (r,r) would be red. However, if now we think about ―W‖ as semidominant, then (W,r) would be pink, because ―r‖ can express partially even when ―W‖ is semidominant. 24

The interesting point is that we could have many shades of pink, implying that in semidominance there are many degrees of expression of the recessive gene. Actually, more than variations in semidominance itself, this might be due to the additive properties of other genes, sometimes conceived as modifiers. Going back to xolos, this means that ectodermical structures like skin, hair, teeth and some glands can develop and function in degrees, depending on how semidominant the FOXI3 related gene system is acting in each individual. This is why even siblings can have more or less hair or teeth. But also, those with more teeth and hair tend to be more vital due to their better protein building. Generally, Mexican village xolos have a well developed cap of hair, as well as some hair in tail and feet . These traits have been present in the breed standard since the beginning.

Standard puppy Bred by Mirka Rautio

Kennel WarnerBros Breeders of Xoloitzcuintle

Introducing the New Generation Warner Bros Milla Luz de Luna 01.09.2010

Ă&#x2026;se + Jan-Ă&#x2026;ke Persson www.kennelwarnerbros.se

Warner Bros Colima 07.05.2011

SV-11 Warner Bros Guero 01.09.2010

Warner Bros Chata Tributo a Gio 25.03.2011

Warner Bros Colama 07.05.2011

Warner Bros Conexion Galesa 25.03.2011

Warner Bros Merida desde Le Coeur des Tenebres 25.03.2011

Warner Bros La Casa del Tequilero 25.03.2011

Giuliah de Korrantoh Bred by Estelle Antoni-koch Owned by Marta Cagiao‫‏‬

It hasn´t been established what gene modifiers act over FOXI3 semidominance. However, empirically, it is possible to state that there is some form of additive property. This is why when we mate hairless to hairless repeatedly we will get less hair and teeth. If we mate with coateds, then both dentition and hair might reappear, and if we mate with another breed, a full or almost full dentition could exist. This is a good reason to introduce coateds into the breeding program. Even when full dentition is not possible in pure breed xolos, better teeth tend to relate with physiological vitality, which can be expressed in fertility and also in longer span of life. In general, semidominance implies that a xolo with a cap is more apt biologically than a totally hairless one. However, it is well known that there is a tendency to prefer totally hairless dogs for shows and that ―cleanless‖ is considered a virtue. Maybe it is time to reassess this and keep close to the original presence of some hair in head, tail and feet. Potentially, the extreme hairlessness can lead to a weak population. Of course, hair should be absent in the body. What happened in the Chinese Crested breed was that the semidominance of FOXI3 was weakened too much through selection for long hair, which might have been a modifier selection.

Hairless puppies from Coated X Hairless matings tend to have more and better developed teeth. A dentition consistent of 6 upper incisives, 6 lower incisive and 0 to 4 canines can exist through this mating. Also, the presence of some premolars or the retention of milk teeth is often. A 4-4 incisive and 0 canines can lead to a further loss of pieces in generations. Some adult dogs become totally toothless when still young. It is equally true that matings of hairless X hairless can keep good teeth if the parents have good dentition and therefore, less semidominance degree, and usually, cap of hair. All generalizations expressed in this text are tendencies and there might be some exceptions.

In archaeological terms, it is very interesting to know that most xolos have a dentition suggesting a coated parent. This seems very logical since coated X hairless can lead to more numerous litters (they needed them as food) and more vital offspring. Maybe the ancient people, without knowing about FOXI3 gene, somehow figured out the benefits of breeding in this way. In the present, some persons have proposed that pureness can be inferred through dental condition. It is true that hairless X hairless eventually reduces dentition in number and also simplifies the shape of the teeth, but teeth as pureness index can only suggest frequency of hairless X hairless vs. coated X hairless matings. Since coateds belong to the same breed, the argument cannot be sustained. Also, such proposals are based on the ancient belief of hairless purification and index establishment itself is difficult due to the impossibility to make perfect generalizations.

Maya Owned by Nigeli Villalva ÂŠCourtesy of Nigeli Villalva

Acknowledgments: To our dear friend and Biologist Piotr Piliczewski from Poland, for revising the text and making some genetical precissions.

Ch. Tzinacantli (Hernandez) Mex.FCI Bred by Marco Hernandez Owned by Mirka Rautio

References: Drögemüller, C. et al. 2008. A mutation in Hairless Dogs Implicates FOXI3 in Ectodermal Development. Science 321 (5895): 1462 Schnaas, Guillermo. 1974. El perro pelón: mito fantasia y biología, Gaceta América de México, 108 (6): 393-400. Valadez, Raúl. 1995. Anatomía dental del perro pelón mexicano. Veterinaria México, 26 (4): 317 – 331. Valadez, Raúl y Gabriel Mestre. 2007. Xoloitzcuintle del enigma al siglo XXI. Artenación Ediciones, México. 29

Azuwyn Quality Xoloitzcuintlis in their 3 sizes and both varieties

Kay Lawson United States www.azuwynxolos.com

The Xolo in the UK The story of the first Multi Champion Xolo in the UK On the 22nd of October 2011 Mexican Ch. Cuban Ch. & Grand Cuban Ch. Apancingo will have been on British or should I say Welsh soil for one year and what a busy year it has been! I can clearly remember sitting in a room at the Reading Travel Lodge watching the progress of his 12 hour flight from Mexico to Huston and Huston to Heathrow on Cathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iPhone and the first glimpse of him as he came through the doors at the Animal Centre. I am the first to admit that I had reservations which caused me many sleepless nights - did I do the right thing in buying him, what would his temperament be like, would he fit in with my other dogs, how would I manage the hairlessness - but now when I look at him I smile because he is just perfect.

By Sian Gordon

ÂŠCourtesy of Sian Gordon

At Crufts in March Cath and Cingo did a day on the Discover Dogs stand with Gina Rymer and the incredible Mr. Mango. Cath still laughs when she relates the tale of the toddler that walked up to Mango and started sucking his ear. Dom Santoriello also competently handled Cingo in the Young Kennel Club Handling Competition and from 17 competitors they were shortlisted to the final 7.

©Courtesy of Sian Gordon

In July having been spurred on by my two very good friends Cath and Monica Martinez from Spain we attended the World Dog Show in Paris, France – I just can’t put into words what an awesome experience the whole event was. In the French Speciality, under judge Mr. M. Norman Deschuymere, he was graded Excellent and awarded 3rd place and in the World Dog Show, under judge Mr. M. Daniel Arnoult, he was again graded Excellent but this time he was awarded 2nd place and received the Reserve C.A.C.S. and a World Dog Show Medal.

We were competing against beautiful Xoloitzcuintle from Russia, Mexico, Sweden and France we were the Welsh representative akin to the Eurovision Song Contest haha. Needless to say I was absolutely delighted with our achievements. The Ibis Hotel, where we stayed, was in walking distance of the train station so we took the train to the Eiffel Tower, what a magnificent structure, if I hadn’t seen it I wouldn’t have felt that I had been to Paris and as a reminder of the occasion Cingo had his portrait drawn by a Street Artist. It was the first time that I have ever attended a dog show outside of the U.K. and the first time I have ever shown a Xoloitzcuintle against other Xoloitzcuintle a truly memorable experience.

On the 5th August 2011 Dom Santoriello was invited by Marina Scott/Dog World to take part in the production of a Junior Handling DVD. The filming was held at the Kennel Club Building in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire with an 8.30am start. I found the day fascinating the children were so professional in their approach a real credit to their parents/teachers and Apancingo behaved beautifully. Marina ably assisted by Helena Hutchings chose different children with their dogs to demonstrate the various aspects of the handling i.e. patterns, table work, what to wear/what not to wear and even how to collect their numbers on the way into the ring. My very talented friend Mr. Gene Caron who lives in the USA compiled this montage as a reminder of the day. Not everyone who attended would be featured as the footage had to be shortened and Marina’s commentary had to be added so we had to wait patiently for the DVD to come out on sale. Much to our absolute delight Dom and Cingo are featured quite a few times - another small piece of breed history for the Xoloitzcuintle 33 here in the U.K.

On 29th August 2011 the Mexican Hairless (Xoloitzcuintle) Club U.K. (Proposed) held the FIRST Mexican Hairless Fun Day and Show at The Griffin’s Head, Papplewick, Nottingham. All the hard work planning and organising carried out by Donna Cawley and the Committe really paid off because the show was a resounding success. The entries were excellent and there were very proud owners/co-owners picking up prize cards, rosettes and trophies. I was thrilled and very honoured to be awarded the ―Chandlimore‖ Best In Show Challenge Bowl by Mr. Tan Nagretcha (Chandlimore), Vice Chairman of the Club. Xolo’s showing against other Xolo’s here in the U.K. another, this time, BIG piece of history for the breed in the U.K. and I am very pleased that Apancingo played a small part in it!

He is EVERYTHING I could wish for in a dog and more and I am greatly indebted to the late Rafael Gimenez-Valdes for letting him join our family and to Catherine Davies for talking me into having one.

At the time of writing I am informed by Dom that Cingo is the ― Dog World‖ Top Utility but with three more championship shows to go that may well change but in any event I have had a wonderful year living with and showing a XOLOITZCUINTLE. 35 Sian Gordon & Apancingo

History of Xoloitzcuintle in Sweden and Breed specific breeding strategy by Anita Larsson

For less then 27 years, the Xoloitzcuintle has been in Sweden. The first xolos came to Sweden in 1983! The first dog came from Mr Hugo Hernandez, kennel Xochitlalpan in Holland, it was Azteca De Xochitlalpan, imported by Ingemar Johansson of Kennel Christ-Ings, who had their first and only litter of xoloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in 1985. In the litter there was born 5 puppies, of which only one was in future breeding Christ-Ings King Of Itzcahuacan. Three more xolos from kennel Xochitlalpan were imported between 1984 to 1985. Christ-Ings King of Itzcahuacan ÂŠCourtesy of Anita Larsson 37

King Of Itzcahuacan was owned by Norwegian Svend Ovind Olsen, who also had a female, Maya Premio Real Dom, together they got four litters and almost all the offspring went to Sweden. The most famous of them was probably Atemoztli which later was sold to Jennifer Gielisse, from Holland, and became a Mexican Champion as a veteran. Atemoztli was over 15 years old and I met him last time at the World Dog Show in Amsterdam in 2001, and in very good condition. Atemoztli had several siblings in Sweden, of which three were used for breeding.

Maya ÂŠCourtesy of Anita Larsson

When Sweden changed the rules for imports in the mid-90th century, several dogs were imported. Some dogs deserve to be mentioned, Cuahutemoc (Cortez-Rivera), Bachi Quetolli (Mestre) and Centli (Hoover). Centli didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had many puppies, but through one son he become grandfather to a lot of xolos.

Centli (Hoover) and Bachi Quetolli (Mestre) ÂŠCourtesy of Anita Larsson

When FCM revised the breed standard in 1999 and introduced the intermediate size, some Xolos were registered as an intermediate size, and in 2002 arrived the first Miniatures, and the first Miniature litter was born in 2004.

Nowadays, Sweden has internationally high quality Xolos and has until now the great honour of 13 World winners and nearly 40 swedish born champions. In total, since the Xolos introduction in Sweden, has had 542 Xolos been registered in all three sizes. 39

In Sweden, all the Kennel Club's activities, are controlled by the Swedish Kennel Club (SKK). The Swedish Kennel Club Central Board of Directors consists of representatives who are democratically elected at kennel council every two years. The delegates are included in the kennel club's various committees, including breeding committee. The responsability for the specific breeds lies in speciality clubs which in turn delegates the breed answer to the breed club, for Xolos that means Urcanis Club.

In the kennel council in 2001 were decided that all the breeds registered in Sweden would have a breed specific breeding strategy, ―RAS‖. Since I was part of several breeding committees, I also got up close experience when disagreements in the breed club were started, there was nothing that created so much controversy that when consensus in breeding would prevail. 40

Now for the document itself, RAS. The document is structured in several parts: History: Breed background and history of the country of origin and the breed's history in Sweden and if possible the dogs that have built up the breed in the country. Description of current situation: Population, registrations, relationships between dogs, litter size, grandchildren statistics and the use of dogs. Health: Breed Club is obliged to find out how healthy the breed is, for example, by including surveys and by information and statistics from insurance companies. The club use this information to make an approach to a specific issue / illness. Mentality: To present the breed mentality through such mental descriptions but also how the dog owners themselves perceive their dogs. Exterior: The breed standard and quality of the dogs according to breed standard, (It has been relatively easy to get the Swedish show champion, when a number of dogs assigned to CAC with disqualifying faults). RAS is constantly kept alive by breed club annually presents the development and possible changes. New issues will be addressed and dealt with on meeting with breeders and breeding conferences. Breeding strategies should be revised every five years.

People of Xolos ~Arq.Peggy Gutierrez-Otero~ An interview by Alberto Campos. Arq. Peggy Gutierrez-Otero recently judged the specialty of the Russian National Xolo Club and she tells us some of her impressions of her life as dog fancier.

I was born in a very dog fancy family. At the age of 5 years my parents took me to a show and from there I adopted the doggie hobby that last until nowadays.

Arq. Peggy Gutierrez-Otero with Briard puppy ÂŠCourtesy of Peggy Gutierrez-Otero

During the 70â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, at family level, we acquired our first Basset Hound, after owning for a long time Cocker Spaniel dogs, Wire Fox Terrier and Dalmatian.

I just lost my last Basset last year, but to me they represented a time in the breeding and handling that I enjoyed a lot. For 5 years or so, I own Miniature wire Dachshunds, breed to which I think I will devote to exhibit and breed. I started judging in 1986 nationally and in 1989 I attenden my first international event in Central America. I have judged in many countries of the world and in very important shows, among others, such as the Royal Melbourne, World Dog Show of Mexico 1999 and recently the Best in Show in the Derzhava show in Russia, which had the participation of more than 3,000 dogs.

Arq. Peggy Gutierrez-Otero with one of her Dachshunds ÂŠLala Fischl, 2011

It is noteworthy to say that in 1996 she judged the Specialty organized by the Club Canofilo Mexicano del Xoloitzciuntle at the Anahuacalli Museum. She considers her training as architect has helped her assessment when judging dogs, because her sight is trained to pursuit proportion. 44

Also, the judge kindly agreed to answer a few questions for our magazine. For an international jugde. How important is a speciality show? Mrs. Gutierrez-Otero: The clubs that organize events generally prefer breed specialists or judges of the country of origin to judge their shows, because they feel they have more knowledge than most judges. For the judge, judging a specialty is an important part of their resume, especially if its a breed in which they have experience or of which they are breeders. For those who do not know much about shows. Why are specialty or support shows done? Mrs. Gutierrez-Otero: For the exhibitors, obtain the qualified opinion of a judge is a guideline for their breeding program. After all, the shows were originated to select those dogs, that for their characteristics, should continue to be bred to mantain the breed purity. Also, with this type of events, it is intended the dissemination of the breed and that more people “discover” the characteristics of it. Many people, as happened in my family, who are fond of dogs, but never had a purebred, find this type of events what maybe, without knowing, they were looking for.

From the recent Specialty national show organized by the National Xolo Club in Rusia. What is your general comment towards that specialty? Mrs. Gutierrez-Otero: In Russia nowadays there is a big enthusiasm for the Xoloitzcuintle, with all the difficulty that is presented during the cold winter months iin that country. I was told that they protect them with coats and boots, so they can stand the cold. They are a very enthusiast group but most of the exhibitors lack of the basic knowledge to present a dog. There are very few handlers in the russian media in general, so the presentation could be greatly improved if the owners, that are the ones that handle their own dogs, practice a little bit more and learn the basic techniques. Most of the animals, for being close to their owner, try not to allow to be touched or checked.

Ch. Gris Montenegro Esson Bred and owned by Eremina Oxana Winner of Best Miniature ÂŠCourtesy of the National Xolo Club, Russia

What will be awarded that in Rusia there is a great fondness for the Xoloitzcuintle breed? Mrs. Gutierrez-Otero: Maybe it is a challenge for them to have hairless dogs in a weather so harsh during big part of the year, but actually, I have no idea. 46

Have you judged coated Xoloitzcuintle (at a match perhaps) and what do you think about this dogs? Mrs. Gutierrez-Otero: I have more than 20 years of experience as an all breed judge and I have never judged coated Xoloitzcuintles because their exhibition is not permitted by the country of origin by the breed, which is Mexico. In Russia, I believe I have seen some outside the ring (since all of them are different, in fact it can not be said they are Xolos), but of course, they weren’t shown. Our country the breeding of hairless Xolos with coated animals is allowed, but not their exhibition in conformation rings. Since Xolos are not bred with the intention of showing those that are born with long coat, that in every litter they are, there is not a defined type in the coated Xolo. In all arise different characteristics of the dogs with or without breed that crossed with them in the past.

MultiCh. Fernando du Coeur des Ténèbres Winner of Best Intermediate Bred by Kennel Coeur des Ténèbres and owned by Dina Limankina ©Daria Artemieva

The quality of the three sizes was similar? Or was there one that outstanded for its quality? Mrs. Gutierrez-Otero: I found animals of quality in the three sizes, even though the generality of the dogs showed lack of handling, which prevented to highlight the qualities of the dog. If I must define which size had the greated number of dogs with quality, I could say that in the Standard. There was a little bit more uniformity than in the smaller sizes.

The quality of the hairless Xolos with respect to the coateds, how do you qualify it? Mrs. Gutierrez-Otero: I can not talk about the quality of the coated Xolos because I have never judged one. I do not think there is a type defined in these specimens, because for not being bald, the breeders do not bother to find recurrent features in them, nor encourage it. Most puppies born with coat, are eliminated.

Ch. Garambullo for Tecuani (Hernandez) Mex. Bred by Marco Hernandez and owned by July Karjakina Winner of Best Standard and Best in Specialty Show ÂŠCourtesy of the National Xolo Club, Russia

In Mexico, are we ready to see the coated Xolo officially? Mrs. Gutierrez-Otero: I do not think so. The coated variety will detract the essence of the Xolo, which is a hairless dogs since its origin. 48

What is missing in our country to have more relevance at a dog fancy level? Mrs. Gutierrez-Otero: The Xolos, as most of the breeds have had their moments of popularity. I believe, because I have never owned a Xolo, that their decline could be due to the problems that must be attended in a dog that has no natural protection of hair. Besides, many people feels, at first glance, a strong dislike when touching a skin without fur.

ÂŠLala Fischl, 2011

It was like this, how the judge Peggy Gutierrez-Otero shared some comments and experiences of the breed to the community. Thank you for your attention. -Mr. Alberto Campos

â&#x20AC;&#x153;For the exhibitors, obtain the qualified opinion of a judge is a guideline for their breeding program. After all, the shows were originated to select those dogs, that for their characteristics, should continue to be bred to mantain the breed purity. â&#x20AC;?

- Peggy Gutierrez-Otero 49

The year is almost over, and unfortunately this is the last issue of the XOLOitzcuintle magazine. It has been a great experience to work in this project with all of you, and I really hope you have enjoyed reading this magazine. The space is not enough to thank all those who have supported the magazine and also our Facebook group, but you know who you are, and for all you have done THANK YOU! Happy holidays! Sincerely,

-Giovanna Suedan ÂŠMichelle Jensen