Guardians of the Spirit World: Xoloitzcuintli and Day of the Dead

Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a Mexican festival celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November every year and is dedicated to honouring deceased loved ones. Combining pre-Hispanic traditions and Catholic influences, the festival embraces both life and death, acknowledging that death is merely a part of the natural cycle of existence.

During the Day of the Dead celebrations, families create ofrendas (altars) adorned with marigolds, candles, food and personal items to welcome the spirits of the departed back to the realm of the living for a night of remembrance and celebration.

Animals, particularly dogs, play a significant role in this tradition. In many indigenous cultures, dogs are seen as guides for souls on their journey to the afterlife. Among these, the Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo, pronounced ‘Show low’) dog, an ancient breed with deep cultural roots in Mexico, is particularly revered. In Aztec mythology, Xolos were believed to protect and guide souls through the underworld, linking them intimately with both life and death.

In this blog post, we’re taking a closer look at the importance of Xolo dogs, their history and their deep cultural and historical connections to the Day of the Dead celebrations.

Dia de los Muertos can be traced back to pre-Hispanic traditions of both the Aztec and Mayan civilisations, where death was not so much feared but rather seen as a natural part of life. For people of these cultures, death did not represent an end but instead a transition into another aspect of existence.

Celebrations for the dead were common, with offerings made to assist their loved ones in navigating the challenges of the afterlife. The Mayans also held similar beliefs, honouring ancestors through ceremonies and rituals.

With the arrival of the Spanish in Mexico in the 16th century, Catholicism merged with indigenous beliefs, creating the Día de los Muertos festival as it’s known today. Catholic holidays like All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day influenced the timing of the celebration, while indigenous rituals remained central, particularly the use of altars (ofrendas) and offerings to honour the deceased.

To this day, the festival continues to reflect a profound respect for the cycle of life and death, focussing on celebrating the lives of deceased loved ones. Rather than fearing death, Día de los Muertos embraces it as a continuation of life, honouring the memory of the deceased and maintaining a connection between the living and the dead.

Xolos are one of the oldest dog breeds, with a vast and rich history spanning over 3,500 years. Known for their distinct, hairless appearance, Xolos were not only just companion dogs to the ancient Aztecs but also held with great respect and deep spiritual significance.

The Xolo was believed to be a sacred animal gifted to humans by the gods for guidance and protection. In Aztec society, Xolos were considered to have healing powers and were involved in many rituals. However, their spiritual importance reigned supreme as they were thought to accompany the souls of the deceased on their journey to the afterlife.

According to Aztec mythology, when someone died, their soul embarked on a journey to Mictlán, the underworld. This journey was not an easy one, and the soul was required to cross nine rivers before reaching eternal rest. Because of their divine connection to the gods, Xolos helped these souls cross the rivers and protected them from harm on the way. It was thought that only those kind to dogs in life would receive assistance from a Xolo in death.

In modern Día de los Muertos celebrations, the Xoloitzcuintli continues to symbolise the connection between life, death and the afterlife. Though the breed’s original spiritual role has evolved, their presence in the festival remains strong.

Xolos are often represented in altars (ofrendas) dedicated to the deceased, either in the form of figurines or images. In some regions, families still believe that the Xolo’s spirit accompanies their loved ones back to the world of the living during the festival, acting as a bridge between realms. This enduring symbolism reflects the Xolo’s sacred status in Mexican culture.

Xolos are especially honoured in rural or traditional communities where ancient customs are closely preserved. In states like Michoacán and Oaxaca, where Día de los Muertos is celebrated with immense reverence, the Xolo's imagery can be found in artwork, sculptures and ceremonial offerings. These communities recognise the Xolo as a spiritual protector, much like their ancestors did, and continue to include the dog in their observance of the Day of the Dead. The breed remains an enduring symbol of life, death and the journey between them, celebrated each year in this sacred tradition.

The Xoloitzcuintli breed, once on the brink of extinction, has experienced a significant revival in recent decades thanks to dedicated efforts to preserve its cultural and historical significance. In the mid-20th century, conservationists and breeders in Mexico worked to restore the population of the Xolo, recognising the breed's importance as a living link to the country’s pre-Columbian past. These efforts led to the official recognition of the breed by global organisations like the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in 1956 and the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 2011.

Beyond breeding programmes, cultural initiatives, including festivals, exhibitions and media campaigns, have aimed to protect and promote the Xolo’s heritage, positioning the breed as a symbol of Mexico’s ancient civilisations and indigenous traditions. Today, the Xoloitzcuintli is enjoying growing popularity, both within Mexico and internationally. The breed's unique appearance, combined with their deep spiritual roots, has made them a symbol of Mexican pride and identity.

As more people become aware of the Xolo’s historical and cultural significance, their presence in art, film and fashion has also grown. The Xolo has come to represent the resilience of indigenous culture, serving as a reminder of Mexico’s ancient history and its survival through centuries of change. The Xolo’s spiritual significance as a guide to the afterlife continues to resonate, making them a revered figure in both the past and present-day celebrations, especially during Día de los Muertos.

It’s clear to see the impact and importance of the Xolo breed and their connection to the spirit world and death. Their deep association through years of history exemplifies their enduring significance within Mexican culture, especially during Day of the Dead celebrations.

As sacred guides that support souls in their afterlife journey and pets that provide protection in life, Xolos are honoured as special dogs whose legacy has survived millennia. Their connection to the spiritual world and their part in indigenous history continue to survive and are honoured through their appearance on ofrendas and in modern-day rituals, showing that they continue to bridge the gap between the living and the dead.

Through modern celebrations of Día de los Muertos, the Xolo's ancient role is revived and respected, further showcasing their importance not just as a breed but as a cultural icon. Their breed legacy as a companion in life, a guide in death and a symbol of Mexican history ensures the Xoloitzcuintli remain more than just dogs; they are a living representation of the connection between the physical and spiritual realms, a protector whose presence continues to transcend time.