Valentina Pinci has always admired the unique beauty of Xoloitzcuintles, the strikingly unusual breed of Mexican hairless dogs. So when she adopted her own Xolo, Quetzalli, she couldn’t have been happier. To Valentina, Quetzalli was perfect in every way. However, when the pair relocated to Puerto Rico, where Xolos are virtually unheard of, their walks often drew unexpected reactions. “We would get a lot of curiosity on our walks from passersby, but sometimes disgust or even fear!” Pinci shared with The Dodo, highlighting the mixed reception Quetzalli’s distinctive appearance received.
The Xoloitzcuintle’s unique looks, with their nearly hairless skin and elegant features, often turned heads in both admiration and unease. Valentina wanted others to appreciate Quetzalli as much as she did, and one day, inspiration struck. As an artist with a deep appreciation for pre-Hispanic culture, Valentina had previously dabbled in painting a Xolo belonging to her ex. When Quetzalli was still a playful puppy, Valentina would occasionally paint her face during calm moments, but it wasn’t a regular activity. Years later, she decided to revisit this creative practice.
“I was feeling kind of low one day, and I spent the whole morning doodling mandalas on her booty,” Pinci explained. “She was an absolute babe about it. Napped the whole time, didn’t grumble or even move unless I politely asked her to. It was therapeutic for me, and people’s reactions to seeing her all done up really made an impact on our day.”
Since then, painting Quetzalli has become a joyous ritual for both of them. Valentina uses nontoxic, dog-safe paints to create intricate designs on Quetzalli’s sleek body, transforming her into a walking work of art. The practice not only lifts Valentina’s spirits but also changes how others perceive her beloved Xolo.
“The days I painted her face or doodled on her booty, people would be a lot more receptive, and a lot friendlier,” she noted. “Kids would light up and scream, ‘Dante from Coco!’ It’s super sweet to see, and I love using those moments to educate people on Xoloitzcuintles’ history, mythology, and cultural relevance.”
Quetzalli, a laid-back and happy dog, adores the time spent with her mom, whether relaxing in the art studio or becoming a canvas herself. Together, they’ve found a way to spread joy, challenge misconceptions, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Xoloitzcuintle. To see Quetzalli as a live work of art, scroll to the video below.
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