What historical status suggests the Xoloitzcuintli’s genetic divergence is ancient?
Answer
Being a pre-Columbian breed developed in Mexico
The Xoloitzcuintli's standing as a pre-Columbian breed, with archaeological and historical evidence tracing its development in Mexico before European contact, signifies a deep evolutionary separation from most modern dog breeds. While many contemporary breeds have only a few centuries of selective history, the Xolo’s genetic profile reflects a much earlier stage of canine evolution. This ancient isolation in Central Mexico likely preserved its genetic makeup against admixture from non-native gene pools introduced later, contributing to a foundational genetic divergence compared to breeds developed rapidly for modern specialized tasks.
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