Mexican Hairless dogs, like this one, were once thought to be extinct. Photo: Getty Images
E.T. -- the pooch's bald skin reminded his previous owner of the famous fictional extraterrestrial -- has been living at the Hillside Kennels in Waltham Abbey for months without any interest from adopters. Dawn Fields, who works at the shelter, told the Daily Mail that his owner had to give him up because she already had two dogs and was struggling to care for them.
"When I first saw him I thought, 'Oh my God, what is that? What an ugly b****r.'," she said. "I thought he had a flea allergy because it makes some dogs lose their fur, but then I found out he's supposed to look like that."
Fields says it usually only takes a few weeks for a dog at their shelter to find a home, but E.T., who has hair only on his face and tail, has been living at the shelter for months despite the fact he is worth hundreds of pounds. "We've put him in different kennels to see if that helps," Fields explained. "We put him in the first one people see as they come in, but they hurry on past him. Then we put him in the last kennel, but nothing seems to help."
Unfortunately, those judging E.T. on his looks alone are missing out on his great personality. "He's absolutely fantastic -- he's got such a nice temperament," Fields said. "He gets on with anybody and everybody, he loves going for walks and playing with a ball."
Also known as the Xolo, Mexican Hairless dogs have a rich history. They were treasured by the Aztecs who thought the canines would guide their master's souls through the underworld after death. Christopher Columbus made note of their existence in the Caribbean in 1492, and even now, some think the dog's skin has healing properties.
Mexican Hairless dogs almost went extinct in the 1950s, which led a team of Mexican and British dog authorities to search remote areas of Mexico for any purebred Xolos. They eventually found 10, which helped kick start Mexico's program to revive the breed. The rumored extinction led the American Kennel Club to drop the breed from its studbook in 1959. It was readmitted on May 13, 2008.
With so much of E.T.'s skin exposed on his body, he needs sunscreen applied to protect from sunburns. The upside? Less dog hair around the house!
| Yes! I think the dog is out of this world! | |
|---|---|
| No, he looks too alien. | |
| Maybe. But only if I could enter him in an "Ugly Dog" contest. |
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I think E.T. is adorable.
If he was in my area, I'd take him home.
I just can't believe that people can't see past
the lack of hair, just look at that precious little
face and expressive eyes.
I fell in love but unfortunately I can't bring him
to my country.
I have the chinese crested powderpuff and they are the gentlest dogs. Mine came from the hairless family, she has 3 xs the amt of hair as a normal dog, her brother a little less and her sister was a hairless. These dogs are so gentle and mild temper and never smell. NO order what so ever. Please someone take this little baby. I promise you, you will not be sorry. I surely would but cant get it to the states. If I could I would. Please dont let this little precious dog not have a loving home. So worth the love.
I agree with you completely. What a sweet dog!
If they would get him to me I would gladly take him. He is just so sweet.
I completely agree. He is adorable. If I could get him here I'd take him. He looks so sweet.
This is outrageous. he's not ugly and even if he was so what? i'm in the U.S. and I have two dogs, but I'll take him. he deserves better. My email address is aurenss@aol.com Contact me and let's talk about what I need to do to adopt him.
What a beautiful dog. I would love to have ET here at home with me. He looks so adorable and so cute. My daughters will love him. Does anyone know how he can be adopted?
I'm in the states in New England. If this cute crazy guy needs a place he can come to my family. All 3 kids love dogs specially small ones. So you let us know I think hes cool.
I'm not even a big dog fan, but he's adorable. Send him to the US and he has a great, indoor home.
I have just seen 3 of this breed of dog today at a large dog show and spoke with the handlers/owners. They were very enthusiastic about the breed and to me they closely resembled the Chinese Crested which have been around for years. They are interesting looking and very loving, not at all ugly to those in the dog fancy. Used to be the Chinese Shar Pei dogs were considered ugly because of all their wrinkles. Someone in dog-loving England must surely want to give this dog a loving home!
I would take that dog in a minute. Contact me if at all possible
I think he is cute. I would love to have him. Also look what ppl pay for those hairless cats. Or even those rats with no hair.
Sooooo cute! I live in Texas and would take him in a minute! What would it take to export him to the US?
Scn
I would take him in a minute - if it was paid for, as I can' afford getting him here to the US. I already have a hairless dog and I love him to pieces. I do not see him as "ugly" - he's so cute.
I have to agree totally. Please send him to me, I live in Orlando, Florida and he would be perfectly warm here in the U.S.A., however, I would like to know if he is housebroken and how old he is? I feel horrible that he is not being given alot of warm affection that a normal family pet receives. The poor little guy deserves it. It apears that his last owner only kept him to receive money for him when he was placed in the ugly dog contest. The previous owner should have been placed in an ugly heart contest for humans as she surely has one for what she has done to the little guy.
It seems crazy that no one has taken the time to get to know the little fella and adopt him.
He would make a lovely companion for my five year old female Yorshire Terrier.
Does anyone know how much he weighs and how much longer will the shelter keep him? Hopefully, it is a no-kill shelter.
I pray that he is rescued soon. I wish that they would send him to me. I already love his little face. I know he will make someone a great friend!
I agree with you Joan I think E.T. is an adorable looking dog. It hurts and saddens me when I hear of homeless animals just anything with them because their innocent and want a home. I feel there are so many animals that need a good home, it's sad to think people just walk past him and don't even take a second glance. I agree if he lived in my country i would love to give him a sweet home, hopefully someone will open their home and heart to him and give him a loving home. Everyone including animals need love, okay sorry for writing a novel i'm just passionate with animals and sitautions like these :(
P.S. Someone in the UK give E.T. a loving home remember Marley & Me? Give a dog your heart and he will give you yours.
I think he's adorable. I live in the US, California to be exact. I have two female dogs already but would welcome this little pooch.
vicky
i am with you, i agree 200%.
I have a Chinese Crested who looks exactly like this E.T. He is the best friend a dog owner could ever hope for. He sleeps under the covers on cold nights and his body heat is enough to keep you so warm you won't need to have the heat on!!
His personality is the best I have ever seen in a dog.
If I could I would take E.T. home in a heart beat. However, he would get a new name because E.T. just isn't a good enough name for that cute face>
I would love to have the dog, but I live in Hampton, Virginia....He looks like a very snuggable dog.