If there’s one thing dogs are known for, it’s their hair. Puppy Eva is known for the opposite.
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Eva is Xoloitzcuintle (Xolo for short), a rare, hairless dog from Mexico.
Bred by Jacqi Dinis of Wazzat Xoloitzcuintle, Eva is one of only 30 Xolos in Australia and she visited Gunnedah for the first time on the weekend.
Eva competed in the All Breeds Championship Show over three days with 16-year-old owner, Tiarne Tattersall, from Cessnock.
Tiarne has been busy on the show circuit with Eva, who has taken out a number of awards, including baby in group, non-sporting. Tiarne also saw success on Sunday when she was named junior handler.
The 16-year-old said she grew up going to dog shows with her parents who showed Staffordshires. She began showing dogs last year and said she was drawn to Xolos because they were so unusual.
“Last year, I first got into the breed – I did a beauty pageant,” she said.
“I like getting to know different breeds. It’s a lot of fun as well. The majority of the people are really nice and welcoming.”
Having imported the first two Xoloitzcuintle to Australia in 2009, it has been a journey in promoting the breed and sharing throughout Australia.
- Xoloitzcuintle breeder, Jacqi Dinis
Unlike other dogs, Eva needs special care for her skin. Tiarne said she has to moisturise Eva’s skin to keep it supple, and oils her skin two days before a show. In summer, the teen keeps an eye on her sun exposure and in cold weather, Eva wears a coat to keep her warm.
Tiarne said Eva’s skin will become smoother as she grows older.
“Eva is very outgoing, she likes to test boundaries. She’s a very cheeky pup,” Tiarne said.
Eva’s breeder, Ms Dinis said Xolos comes in two varieties – hairless and coated. The hairless is more common and better known. The breed comes in three sizes – miniature, intermediate and standard. Ms Dinis breeds standard Xolos.
“The Xoloitzcuintle breed is a rare breed that is the national treasure of Mexico and the native dog,” Ms Dinis said.
“Having imported the first two Xoloitzcuintle to Australia in 2009, it has been a journey in promoting the breed and sharing throughout Australia.”
Ms Dinis said the breed almost became extinct in 1950s with numbers dwindling at 70.
“Through dedicated breeders, the breed numbers are now thought to be about 10 to 15000 worldwide,” she said.
“People always like to see the breed.”