Xolo the Dog October 11, 2026

 I visit the Museum of the Dog whenever they have a new exhibition. Their newest exhibit is simply beautiful. I enjoyed a long visit as I admired every piece of art devoted to this ancient breed. Truth be told, many of the pieces reminded me of my dog, Mr. Pepe, who crossed that Rainbow Bridge last April. For more than 3,000 years, the Xoloitzcuintle (pronounced show-low-eats-QUEENT-lee) Mexico’s ancient hairless dog, was believed to accompany souls on their final journey, guiding them safely through the nine levels of Mictlán, the underworld of Mesoamerican belief. Revered as guardian, healer, companion, and spiritual guide, the Xolo has inspired artists for centuries, becoming one of the most enduring symbols of Mexican culture and humanity’s remarkable relationship with dogs. The AKC Museum of the Dog presents a rare exhibition drawn from the extraordinary private Hoover/Moore Xoloitzcuintle Collection. Featuring more than thirty paintings, prints, sculptures, ceramics, and folk artworks, the exhibition traces the Xolo’s journey from ancient mythology to contemporary artistic expression. This exhibit is on through January 11, 2027.