Xoloitzcuintli - I didn't fall and slip on the keyboard, I promise!

There are many rare and regional dog breeds, and even in this line of work, I still come across new ones. Like the Xoloitzcuintli. I didn't stumble and fall on the keyboard, or press random letters to come up with a cool word; Xoloitzcuintli is the name of the world's oldest and rarest dog breed.

Xoloitzcuintli image from akc.org

According to the AKC website, the Xolo is the first dog of the Americas, and came across the Bering Straits together with the first humans migrating over here some 3,000 years ago.

The exotic name comes from the Aztec God Xolotl, and their word for dog: Itzcuintli. They are also called "Mexican Hairless" and "Tepezcuintli."

The dogs are believed to safeguard a home from evil spirits and intruders, and have a reputation as healers. The Aztecs allegedly believed the Xolo helped guide souls to the afterlife.

There are three sizes: toy (10-14 inches at the shoulder), miniature (14-18 inches), and standard (18-23 inches tall). The breed is known to be calm, tranquil, loyal, and intelligent, and they make great companion dogs.