For many centuries, wolves have been considered very special animals in Mexico. They were therefore 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, which had ceased in the 16th century, was resumed and the current breed of Mexican wolfdog or calupoh was obtained. Next, in this PlanèteAnimal sheet, we will explain everything you need to know about this faithful and docile breed of dog, but at the same time dominant and capricious.Stay with us until the end!
Origin
- America
- Mexico
FCI Nomenclature
- Group I
Physical Characteristics
- Muscular
- Proportional
- Long ears
Size
- Large
Height
- 55-70
Adult Weight
- 25-45
Life expectancy
- 15-20
Recommended physical activity
- Average
Character
- Shy
- Very loyal
- Active
- Docile
Ideal for
- Children
- Shepherd
Recommendations
- Harness
Recommended climate
- Cold
Hair type
- Medium
- Big
Origins of the calupoh
There is not much information available on the origins of the calupoh. However, the official breed standard for the Mexican Wolfdog cites a historical summary that this dog is a hybrid between the Mexican Gray Wolf and different breeds of dogs, whose crosses were made in Mexico from the beginning of our era until in the sixteenth century. The wolf was associated with very bloody sacrifices, malice and the night due to its condition as a large predator, its nocturnal habits and a social animal.For its part, the dog was considered a very fertile canine, linked to the cycle of rain and agriculture, which caused it to be religiously associated with water, fertility, agriculture and fortune. . The objective of this hybridization was to obtain a manageable specimen presenting the qualities of the two 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 the two species shared a great genetic similarity and to the work of countless breeders. 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 Great Temple of Mexico-Tenochtitlan, associated with sacrifices or in the Temple of Quetzalcoatl as elite ornaments, indicating that they were canids with high spiritual significance.
Since the mid-90s, work has been done to recover this hybrid breed, doing research and breeding and keeping it by crossing dogs with wolves.The first specimen of this breed was identified in 1999. It is the third breed of Mexican dogs, preceded by the Chihuahua and the Xoloitzcuintle or Mexican hairless dog.
Characteristics of calupoh
This is a large dog breed that physically resembles a wolf. The males measure between 62 and 75 cm, while the females are smaller, with a height between 58 and 70 cm. Males have a very masculine appearance, being strong and taller than they are long. It is a fairly well-proportioned dog, although with slightly long legs.
His head is large, with a well-marked naso-frontal depression, the teeth are strong and well cemented. The ears are triangular in shape, large and erect. The muzzle is elongated and the eyes huge, almond-shaped, yellow or black. The tail, on the other hand, is below the dorsal line, and when expressing dominance, the tail may be raised but not curled over the back.The shoulders are strong, with good angulation, as well as the hip joint, and the feet are strong and round.
Calupoh colors
Its coat is medium and black or smoky black, composed of two layers to resist the cold. The inner layer is fluffy but soft, which maintains body temperature, with the outer layer of hair being tougher to tackle and fend off snow or rain. No other color is accepted.
Calupoh Character
This Mexican dog is a noble, faithful, loyal, stable and very tolerant breed. Due to its nobility, it is suitable for families with children. Like wolves, they are a bit shy and reserved with strangers.
He is a very dynamic, agile, active and easy-to-handle dog, which adapts to any type of activity, with particular ease for grazing. It is a breed that greatly appreciates open spaces, where it can run, play and enjoy nature.
Because of this character, the Canine Federation of Mexico has classified this breed in category 1, where we find the shepherd dogs and the best companion dogs.
Caring for a calupoh
Care is similar to any breed of dog, ensuring they are fed, walked for exercise, bathed, groomed and distracted with play. However, this breed requires a lot of space to run around as it has much more energy than other dog breeds due to its wild ancestry. In addition, calupohs like to be very active, looking for something to play with and they rarely get tired, so not only do they need plenty of exercise, but they also need to be physically and mentally stimulated.
As for veterinary care, it will require that of any other dog. However, it is important to provide them with plenty of food and water due to their large size and physical activity.
Calupoh Education
In general, Calupohs are docile and loyal, but keep in mind that the Mexican Wolfdog's temperament can be altered by its wolf genes, so it may show aggression at some point , probably induced by fear, in addition to the fact that they are dogs that tend to dominate, frequently putting their educator to the test, so it is also very important that this dog benefits from good socialization from a young age age.
That's why education must be done with a lot of patience and communication, with positive reinforcement, without shouting or punishing and without taking food away from the dog.
One activity the calupoh tends to excel in is grazing, being ideal as herding dogs, so it will be very easy for them to learn to herd cattle.
Calupoh He alth
This breed has the same possibility of contracting infectious diseases that can affect dogs, as well as digestive, urinary, blood, reproductive, neurological or tumor diseases.This is why routine visits to the veterinary clinic are mandatory, both for revision and for vaccinations and deworming.
Although a wolfdog, this breed is considered a dog, so the same considerations must be made with the toxicity of drugs, plants, and other toxins, especially during the walk, only for another dog.
Because it is considered a large dog breed, the life expectancy of the calupoh is similar to that of this group, between 12 and 15 years. For the same reason, we must pay attention to the orthopedic and traumatological problems characteristic of large dogs, such as hip dysplasia. It is therefore advisable to monitor this condition from an early age with X-rays to quickly diagnose it and find a solution, because as these dogs grow and develop, the problem can lead to pain, discomfort and difficulty in movement, which will decrease the quality of life of these dogs.Another problem to be aware of is gastric torsion, which is very dangerous and more common in large dogs that exercise and eat quickly or impatiently.
Where to adopt a calupoh
This breed is ideal for an energetic person, who has the time, patience and space to care for this dog with a historical lineage and who represents Mexico. If this is not your case, it is better to look for another breed of dog more suited to each situation and each personal taste.
Depending on the geographical location where we are, this dog will be more difficult or easier to find. In general, we can go to shelters, reception centers or associations of this breed and find out about this dog and its possibilities of adoption.
Photos of Calupoh or Mexican Wolfdog
