Though the Xoloitzcuintli is one of several hairless dog breeds, sometimes the same litter can include both hairless and coated pups. The name of the breed comes from Xolotl, the Aztec god of fire and lightning. There has been very little selective breeding in Mexico where the Xoloitzcuintli originates from, allowing them to retain their primitive temperament of high intelligence, high energy, and strong social skills.