For many centuries, wolves have been considered very special animals in Mexico, which is why they have even been crossed with dogs to unite the characteristics of both species and, thus, obtain a perfect specimen for Mexican customs.
At the end of the 20th century, the tradition of crossing dogs with wolves was resumed, which ceased in the 16th century, and the breed of the Mexican wolfdog or calupohCurrent. Next, in this page of our site, we will explain everything you need to know about this breed of dog, loyal and docile, but at the same time dominant and temperamental.
Origin of the calupoh or Mexican wolf dog
Not much information is available on the origins of calupoh. However, the official Mexican wolfdog breed standard cites a historical summary that this dog is a hybrid between the Mexican gray wolf and various breeds of dogs, whose crosses were carried out in Mexico from the beginning of our era until the 16th century. The wolf was associated with very bloody sacrifices, with malice and with the night because it was related to its status as a great predator, nocturnal habits and a social animal. For its part, the dog was considered a very fertile canid, related to the rain and agricultural cycle, which made it religiously associated with water, fertility, agriculture and fortune. The search for this hybridization was to get a manageable specimen that had the qualities of both species in order to use it in the important economic activities of the time:agriculture and war
This hybridization was possible thanks to the fact that both species shared a great genetic similarity and to the work of innumerable hatcheries. In fact, remains of these specimens have been found in spiritual places, such as the Pyramid of the Moon, as an offering, as well as in the Templo Mayor in Mexico- Tenochtitlan, associated with sacrifices or in the Temple of Quetzalcóatl as adornments of the elite, which indicates that they were canines with a high spiritual significance
Since the mid-1990s, work has been done to recover this hybrid breed, researching and breeding and conserving it by crossing dogs with wolves. The first specimen of this breed was identified in 1999. It is the third breed of Mexican dog, preceded by the chihuahua and the xoloitzcuintle.
Characteristics of the calupoh or Mexican wolf dog
This is a breed of large dog that physically closely resembles a wolf. The males measure between 62 and 75 cm, while the females are shorter, with a height of between 58 and 70 cm. The males have a very masculinized appearance, being strong and taller than they are long. He is a fairly well-proportioned dog, although a little leggy.
Its head is large, with a well-marked nasofrontal depression, the teeth are strong and well cemented. The ears are triangle-shaped, large and straight. The snout is elongated and the eyes are huge and almond-shaped, yellow or black. The tail, for its part, is under the dorsal line and, when they express dominance, it can be raised but without curling on the back. The shoulders are strong, with good angulation, as well as the coxofemoral joint, and the feet are strong and round.
Colors of the calupoh or Mexican wolf dog
Its coat is medium and black or smoky black, made up of two layers to withstand the cold. The inner layer is fluffy but soft, which maintains body temperature, while the outer layer of hair is harder to face and repel snow or rain. Other colors are not accepted.
Character of the calupoh or Mexican wolf dog
The calupoh dog is a breed noble, faithful, loyal, stable and very tolerant. It is indicated for families with children due to its nobility. Like wolves, they are somewhat shy dogs and reserved with strangers.
He is a very dynamic, agile, active and easy to handle dog that adapts to any type of activity, especially when grazing. It is a breed that enjoys a lot in wide spaces, where it can run, play and enjoy nature.
Due to this character, the Canophile Federation has this breed classified in the category one, where we find herding dogs and better as a company.
Care for the calupoh or Mexican wolf dog
The care is similar to that of any breed of dog, ensuring its feeding, walks to exercise, washing, brushing and playing. However, this breed requires a lot of space for them to run around, because they have much more energy than other dog breeds because of their wild ancestors. In addition, they like to be very active, looking for anything to play with and it is rare for them to get tired, so it is necessary that they not only exercise a lot, but also stimulate them physically and mentally.
As for veterinary care, they will require that of any other dog. However, it is important to give them plenty of food and water due to their large size and physical activity.
Education of the calupoh or Mexican wolf dog
In general, they tend to be docile and loyal, but keep in mind that the temperament of the Mexican wolfdog can be altered by its wolf genes, so may show aggression at some point, probably induced by fear, in addition to the fact that they are dogs that tend to dominate, testing their trainer frequently, so good socialization from puppies is also very important.
Because of this, education must be carried out with great patience and communication, with positive reinforcement, rewarding when they do well and nothing of screaming, withdrawal of food or similar.
An activity in which they tend to excel is herding, being ideal as herd guarding dogs, so it won't be hard to teach them to guide the cattle.
He alth of the calupoh or Mexican wolf dog
This breed has the same chance of contracting infectious diseases that can affect dogs, as well as digestive, urinary, blood, reproductive, neurological or tumor diseases. Therefore, routine visits to the veterinary center are required, both for check-ups and for vaccination and deworming.
Although it is a wolf dog it is considered a dog, so the same considerations must be taken with the toxicity of drugs, plants and other toxins, especially at the time of the walk.
As it is considered a large dog breed, its life expectancy is similar to that of this group, between 12 and 15 years. Due to the same reason, it is necessary to pay attention to orthopedic and traumatological problems characteristic of large dogs, such as hip dysplasia, so it is advisable to monitor it from small with x-rays to be able to diagnose it quickly and find a solution, since if they grow and develop the problem they can have pain, discomfort and difficulty in their movement, which will reduce their quality of life. Another problem to take into account is gastric torsion, very dangerous and more frequent in large dogs that exercise and eat fast or eagerly.
Where to adopt a calupoh or Mexican wolfdog
This breed is ideal for an energetic person, with time, patience and space to care for this breed with such a historical lineage that represents Mexico, even for families with children. If this is not the case, it is best to look for another breed of dog more in line with each personal situation and tastes.
Depending on the geographic location where we are, this dog will be more difficult or easier to find. In general, we can go to protectors, shelters or associations of the breed and ask about this dog and its possibilities for adoption.
