Dogs of Puerto Rico before 1492

Question
I recently read your response regarding dogs of P.R.. You mention that El Gran Mastin is a mix with "perros jibaros." My interest is in learning what breeds of dogs might they have been. Writings from Christopher Columbus mention seeing "hairless dogs" That lead me to believe that they might have been Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo). But the only reference about dog breeds before Columbus are these perros jibaros. Can you answer this for me or at least point me in the right direction?
Thank You in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Cooler Garcia

Answer
Hi there,

I'm sorry, I don't recall the message you're referring to. Over a period of several years I've answered over 5000 questions in this category.

"Perros Jibaros" just means wild dogs. I don't know if they were a particular breed, or just a term used to describe any of the wild indigenous dogs of Central and South America. Before Columbus there just weren't records being kept.

The Xoloitzcuintli may be related to the Perros Jibaros. It is a very old breed (some say over 3000 years old), I think it may have to do with the locations in the region where these dogs lived. Central and South America are a pretty large land masses. Xoloitzcuintli-like dogs may have been common in specific regions, while other wild dogs were more common elsewhere.

You might try contact the Xoloitzcuintli Club of America, to see if they can give you more info. The following web page has contact info of the club's officers:

http://www.xoloitzcuintliclubofamerica.org/Officers.html

Sorry I couldn't be more of a help.
Good luck in finding the info you're looking for,

Patti