FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 29, 2013
Contact: Jessica Rice
Phone: 212-696-8346
Email: jxr3@akc.org
Twitter: @akcdoglovers/@TICAcats
MARGARITAS, MARACAS, & MEXICAN DOGS! AKC HONORS
MEXICAN BREEDS IN SPIRIT OF CINCO DE MAYO
New York – From one of the most popular breeds to one of the rarest, the American
Kennel Club (AKC®) celebrates Mexico’s two native breeds in honor of Cinco de Mayo.
While neither will be shaking their maracas in celebration of their country’s heritage,
both have played integral parts in Mexico’s history, having been known as healers.
“Both of these breeds highlight the wonderful culture of Mexico,” said AKC Meet the
Breeds® Spokesperson Gina DiNardo. “We’re excited to be able to give the dog-loving
public a chance to meet, play with, and learn more about these breeds at AKC Meet
the Breeds this September at New York City’s Jacob Javits Center.”
Chihuahua- Coming in at number 18 on AKC’s list of the
most popular dog breeds in the United States, the
Chihuahua has long been a part of pop culture having
appeared in the Taco Bell commercials and the Legally
Blonde movies. In its native Mexico, however, the
Chihuahua has been used in religious ceremonies and as
pets to the upper class. Some believe that Chihuahuas
have healing abilities and are able to help those suffering
from asthma.
Chihuahuas are very alert and have terrier-like qualities. They are highly intelligent
dogs. A member of the Toy group, they’re small in size and can be sensitive to cold
temperatures. They have two coat types – smooth coated and longhair. Smoothcoated Chihuahuas require minimal grooming because of their short hair, and
longhaired Chihuahuas need occasional brushing. Because they are delicate and
small, they may not be the best choice for families with little children.
Xoloitzcuintli- Ranked at number 137, the Xoloitzcuintli,
or Xolo, is one of the world’s oldest and rarest breeds.
Evidence shows that Xolos actually accompanied man on
his first migration across the Bering Straits. They have a
reputation as a healer in their native Mexico and the
breed and its warm skin are often used in remote
Mexican villages to ward off and cure ailments such as
rheumatism, asthma, toothaches, and insomnia.
Mexicans also believed that Xolos protected the home from evil spirits and intruders.
Xolos are typically calm, tranquil, aloof, and attentive dogs. They come in three sizes
(toy, miniature, and standard) and two varieties (hairless and coated). The hairless
Xolos have smooth, tough, protective skin and the coated variety is covered by a short,
flat coat. They make excellent companions and need moderate exercise and
grooming.
Visit www.akc.org for more information on the Chihuahua and Xoloitzcuintli or meet
them in person at AKC Meet the Breeds at the Javits Center in New York City on
September 28th and 29th or at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship December
14th and 15th in Orlando, Florida.
Get social with the AKC and TICA! Join AKC at akcdoglovers.com, Facebook and
Twitter and TICA on Facebook and Twitter.
###
About AKC Meet the Breeds – From Afghan Hounds to the Turkish Van, AKC Meet the Breeds® showcases 160
American Kennel Club® (AKC) registered dog breeds and this year will feature 50 cat breeds registered by The
International Cat Association (TICA) in booths individually decorated to depict each breed’s country of origin,
historical purpose/function, and attributes as a family pet. This family-friendly event is an opportunity for potential
pet owners to interact with responsible breeders and play with dogs and cats while educating themselves about
responsible pet ownership and choosing the right pet for their lifestyle. AKC Meet the Breeds is proudly presented
by PetPartners, Inc., a leading pet healthcare provider, and will feature more than 160,000 square feet of dog and
cat festivities including ongoing demonstration rings – featuring law enforcement K-9’s, dog agility, grooming– and
more than 100 vendor booths that offer every imaginable product for pets and their owners. Event sponsors include
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc., Pet Brands, Inc., Motel 6, and BH Pet Gear LLC. For more information
visit www.MeetTheBreeds.com.
The American Kennel Club, founded in 1884, is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of
purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to
upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and
function. Along with its nearly 5,000 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates
for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all
dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 20,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred
dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking,
herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests. Affiliate AKC organizations include
the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Companion Animal Recovery and the AKC Museum
of the Dog. For more information, visit www.akc.org.
The International Cat Association, Inc. (TICA) was organized during 1979, is the world's largest genetic registry of
pedigreed cats, largest registry of household pet cats and kittens, and one of the world's largest sanctioning bodies
for cat shows. TICA currently recognizes more than 54 breeds of cats. Wherever you are, you’re in TICA’s world. A
world of fabulous felines…fun...and friendships. To learn more about TICA visit http://www.tica.org.