This Spring, I photographed my very first Xoloitzcuintli! This is the ancient Aztec dog of the Gods, named after their dog-headed God Xolotl. They were considered sacred dogs, often sacrificed for burial when their owners passed away, to serve as protective guides to the next world. There is records of Xoloitzcuintlis dating as far back as 3,000 years ago, are considered America's first dog breed, but since, have struggled, nearly becoming extinct, and are currently still marked as an endangered breed today.

My persistent fascination with dog breeds and behavior, makes meeting rare breeds INCREDIBLY fun and riveting for me. Every breed has a story, a purpose, and a personality that fits into our complex world in such a unique way. With humans drastically changed the genetics of hundreds of dog breeds overtime, it's refreshing to meet a breed whose genetics can still easily be traced to the old world. It was truly like stepping back in time to meet, interact with, and photograph this stunning breed!

Huge thanks to Amanda Watkins for sharing her pack of Xoloitzcuintlis with me! It was a photoshoot I’ll always remember!

“Jesse absolutely hit our sessions (yes, plural because our first was so impressive we came back for more!) out of the park. She worked well with our primitive breed dogs, Xoloitzcuintlis, who are naturally aloof and captured some AMAZING images that will be cherished for a lifetime. I can’t wait to work with her again!”

— Amanda