Daniel Barraza Ortiz “Brazada,” 2018. Lithograph and watercolor on paper. On Loan from the Private Hoover/Moore Collection.

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.  

This fall, 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 by internationally recognized artists from Mexico, the United States, Canada, and Japan, the exhibition traces the Xolo’s journey from ancient mythology to contemporary artistic expression. Works by Brenda Barnum, Daniel Barraza Ortiz, Miriam Salas, Patricia Garcia, Abby Aceves, Mariela López, and others reveal the breed through themes of protection, memory, transformation, family, and identity.  

Visitors will encounter everything from vibrant contemporary paintings and master printmaking to historic pottery and traditional ceramic figures, discovering how one extraordinary breed continues to inspire artists across cultures and generations. 

During the exhibition, the Museum will once again present its annual ofrenda, inviting visitors to honor beloved dogs who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge while learning about the traditions surrounding Día de los Muertos. Together, the exhibition and ofrenda explore remembrance, companionship, and the belief that love endures beyond a lifetime.

Whether you’re discovering the Xoloitzcuintli for the first time or have admired the breed for years, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the world’s oldest dog breeds through the eyes of artists who continue to celebrate its enduring spirit. 

Make a financial gift to support this exhibition.