“Kids would light up and scream, ‘Dante from Coco!’”
Quetzalli, the Artistic Xoloitzcuintle
Valentina Pinci has always adored Xoloitzcuintles, the rare Mexican hairless dogs, so welcoming Quetzalli into her life felt like a dream. The little pup was perfect in her eyes—but not everyone shared her enthusiasm.
“When we moved to Puerto Rico, Xolos are very rare,” Pinci told The Dodo. “People would stare on our walks—sometimes out of curiosity, sometimes with fear or disgust.”
Turning Curiosity Into Art
Pinci, an artist with a passion for pre-Hispanic culture, had previously painted her ex’s Xolo and occasionally painted Quetzalli as a puppy. Over time, she rediscovered the joy of creating art with her dog as the canvas.
“One day I was feeling low, so I spent the morning doodling mandalas on her booty,” she recalled. “She was an absolute angel—napped the whole time and didn’t move unless I asked. It was really therapeutic for me, and seeing people’s reactions lifted our spirits.”
Dog-Safe Creativity
Today, Pinci often paints Quetzalli with nontoxic, dog-safe paints, decorating her face or body with intricate designs. The results delight everyone who meets them.
“Kids would light up and shout, ‘Dante from Coco!’” Pinci said. “It’s a fun way to educate people about Xoloitzcuintles—their history, mythology, and cultural significance—while spreading joy.”
Happy Pup, Happy Owner
Quetzalli loves her routines and hanging out in Pinci’s art studio. Occasionally being a living canvas brings her joy just as much as it does to Pinci and their admirers.
“Painting her has strengthened our bond and made every walk, every interaction with people, a little brighter,” Pinci said.