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= Calupoh =

Calupoh (calupo) or Mexican wolfdog. Is an hybrid between the Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) and the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris).

This hybrid breed was developed as part of a genetic work that has been in progress since the mid-90s, as a cultural rescue effort, due the wolfdog being an important part of cultural heritage in the region since a long time.

In 1999 was recognized as the third breed of Mexican dogs, after the Chihuahua and Xoloitzcuintle, by the “Mexican Canóla Federation”.

Origin
The Calupoh or Mexican wolf dog is a hybrid breed that originated in Mexico. This very peculiar canine emerged in pre-Hispanic times, the result of the mixture between the Mexican gray wolf and the dog.

The hybridism between the gray wolf (Canis lupus) and the dog (Canis lupus familiaris) has been a frequent phenomenon since this last one appeared 15,000 years ago. The first documented case in pre-Hispanic Mexico was registered in 1999 and since then more than 40 specimens have been identified.

The black wolf is a color variant of the well-known gray wolf. Some specimens have been found integrating herds of red wolves, which is probably still possible today. According to a genetic research from the Stanford University of Medicine and the University of California, wolves with black skins owe their distinctive color to a mutation that occurred in domestic dogs and eventually in the wolves through hybridization between them and dogs.

History
The official name of this breed cites the following historic summary.

The Mexican Wolfdog has its origins as the result of the hybridism between the dog and the gray wolf in pre-Hispanic Mexico since the beginning of our era and until the 15th century. This was due to the huge genetic similarity between these two species and, thanks to an intense archaeozoological work, it was possible to identify the first specimen in 1999. The reason for this hybridism was not only because the ancient dogs and wolves shared the same territory and the crossings just happened naturally. The remains found in places of such importance as the Temple of Quetzalcoatl used as ornaments worn by the elite, in the Pyramid of the Moon as offerings, and in the Templo Mayor in México-Tenochtitlan associated with sacrifices, suggest that these were animals of a very high spiritual meaning and that the crossings were not casual but intentional. The wolf was symbolically associated with sacrifices in which blood ran in large quantities, the military, and the night because of its condition as a powerful predator with great capacity for confrontation, a social animal that works in teams, and a nightlife entity; while the dog was considered a high-fertility animal whose reproductive cycle overlapped with that of the rain and the agriculture, aspects that resulted in the religious association with water, agriculture, fertility, and good fortune. A Wolfdog hybrid would; therefore, be the sum of these symbolic values, hence it would be used in rites where its dual condition proved to be fundamental, for example, those dedicated to the most important economic activities: agriculture and war.

Appearance
Calupoh is a strong, agile dog. Males measure between 62 and 75 cm in height, while females from 58 to 70 cm. Its coat is commonly black, although there is also silver, smoked black and white. The main characteristic of these species are its imposing yellow or orange eyes.

Behavior
It is a very noble dog, loyal and stable, with great tolerance. Usually used to all kinds of activities, so it is the perfect companion for families as it is also very good with children. It lives very easily with other dogs but sometimes is reserved and shy towards strangers.