AKC Museum Of The Dog To Present Rare Xoloitzcuintle Exhibition

The AKC Museum of the Dog announced today that it will present a rare Xoloitzcuintle (Xolo) exhibition, drawn from the extraordinary private Hoover/Moore Collection from October 1, 2026 through January 10, 2027. A grand opening reception will take place at NYC’s Museum of the Dog on October 15, 2026, where guests will be invited to meet this amazing breed.

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.

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. It will also include a one-of-a-kind jersey signed by members of the Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente Football Club, provided just for this occasion.

“The Xoloitzcuintli occupies an extraordinary place at the intersection of history, art, culture, and the human-canine connection. We are so very proud to celebrate that story at the Museum,” said Christopher E. Bromson, CEO and Executive Director of the AKC Museum of the Dog. “The magic of the Xolo breed reaches back thousands of years yet remains so meaningful and relevant today. This vibrant collection captures that magic by bringing together works that speak to both the Xolo’s ancient cultural significance and its enduring place in contemporary art and life.”

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.

For more information about the museum, the exhibition, special events and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://museumofthedog.org/xoloitzcuintle/