10 Interesting Facts About COCO’s Character Dante

I received an all-expenses-paid trip to San Francisco for the coverage of this press event for Disney•Pixar. However, all opinions are my own.

Dante, Miguel’s loyal and quirky dog, plays a key role in Coco, offering both comic relief and an important connection to the spirit world. As an alebrije, Dante helps guide Miguel on his journey through the Land of the Dead, adding a layer of magic and cultural symbolism to the film.

Disney Pixar Coco

A few years ago, before the movie’s release, I had the chance to visit Pixar and learn about the making of Coco, including the inspiration behind Dante’s character. Meeting the producer, animators, and others involved, I was struck by the attention to detail and the dedication to authentically representing Mexico’s Day of the Dead traditions, with Dante being a standout part of this effort.. Don’t forget to visit Fact Retriever for more facts about movies.

Before I begin telling you about Dante, the adorable dog in Coco. I will first share that I wrote this article about Dante while traveling in Mexico. I always use a VPN when working abroad. If you’re looking for the best one check out this comparison of surfshark vs nord VPNs before deciding. If you are looking for a great VPD app click this site

10 Interesting Facts About Dante

Dante, Miguel’s loyal dog in Coco, is not just a funny character but also plays an important role as Miguel’s guide in the Land of the Dead. With his silly tongue and crazy behavior, Dante might seem like he’s just there for laughs, but he actually has a lot of cultural meaning behind him. Here are 10 cool facts you probably didn’t know about Dante:

1. Dante’s Inspiration: The Xoloitzcuintle

Dante is based on a real dog breed called theXoloitzcuintli, or “Xolo” for short. The Xolo is Mexico’s national dog and is known for being hairless with wrinkly skin. This breed has been part of Mexican culture for thousands of years and was a perfect fit for Coco because of its deep roots in Mexican history.

Coco Read-Along Storybook and CD

2. Xolos as Spirit Guides

According to ancient Aztec legends, Xolos weren’t just pets—they were believed to be guides for spirits. These dogs helped the souls of the dead travel safely through the underworld. That’s why Dante, being a Xolo, becomes Miguel’s guide in the Land of the Dead. It’s a fun way to show this old belief in a new story.

3. Named After an Aztec God

The name Xoloitzcuintle comes from the Aztec god Xolotl, who was the god of lightning and death. In Aztec myths, Xolotl helped the dead cross over to the afterlife. This connection makes Dante’s role in Coco even more meaningful, since he is named after a god who also helped guide souls.

4. An Ancient Dog Breed

The Xolo breed has been around for a long time—over 3,500 years! That means it is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. People have been raising Xolos since ancient times, and they’ve been part of Mexican culture for centuries. Knowing that Dante comes from such an old breed gives him more importance in the movie.

The Xolo dog and it's symbolism

5. Xolos as Protectors

Xolos weren’t just guides in legends—they were also seen as protectors. People believed that Xolos could keep away evil spirits and protect homes from danger. In real life, Xolos are known for being good watchdogs, so Dante’s loyalty to Miguel in the movie reflects how these dogs were seen as protectors in Mexican culture.

6. Xolos Have Healing Powers

Another interesting thing about Xolos is that some people believe they have healing powers. Because these dogs are hairless, their bodies give off a lot of heat, like a hot water bottle. People use their warmth to soothe aches and pains, especially things like arthritis. Dante may not use his warmth for healing in the movie, but his comforting presence reflects the caring nature of real Xolos.

7. Dante’s Tongue Hangs Out for a Reason

One of Dante’s funniest features is his tongue, which hangs out of the side of his mouth. This isn’t just for laughs—it’s based on a real trait of Xolos. Since many Xolos lose their teeth as they get older, their tongues start hanging out because there’s nothing to hold them in. This gives Dante his goofy, loveable look.

8. Dante’s Hairy Spots

Although Xolos are mostly hairless, they sometimes have small patches of hair. The animators gave Dante some wiry tufts of hair on his head and tail to make him look even more unique and fun. These little details add to Dante’s character, making him stand out as more than just an ordinary dog.

9. Challenges of Animating a Hairless Dog

Creating Dante wasn’t easy for the animators. Most dogs in movies have fur, which helps show their movements and emotions. But because Dante is hairless, the animators had to figure out how to show his expressions through the movement of his skin. They worked hard to make sure his skin wrinkled and folded in a way that made him look both realistic and expressive.

10. Inspired by Other Disney Dogs

Dante’s character was inspired by some of Disney and Pixar’s other famous dogs, like Dug from Up and the dogs from Lady and the Tramp. These dogs are all loyal, funny, and loveable, just like Dante. This connection makes Dante part of a long tradition of great Disney and Pixar dog characters.

Dante’s Lunch A Short Tail

Dante is more than just a funny dog—he’s a character full of cultural meaning and history. His connection to the Xolo breed, his role as a spirit guide, and the hard work that went into creating him make him one of the most memorable characters in Coco. Make sure to watch Coco and the Pixar short Dante’s Lunch to see more of this loveable and goofy dog!

I do believe that Dante’s best look is when he’s wearing that luchador mask and cape! So funny!

You can check out this video that Disney posted on their Facebook page and see a real Xolo dog and his adventure at Pixar Studios!

If you’re looking for a great movie to watch for El Dia de Los Muertos be sure to check out the trailer for Coco below and you’ll see why we can’t wait to see this movie!

You can read more about Disney•Pixar’s COCO by visiting the Disney Movie website HERE

For even more fun ways to teach kids about Día de los Muertos and its traditions, be sure to read my article about the best Day of the Dead movies for kids

Disney COCO Movie Free Printables and Activities

After watching the movie check out these Coco-themed crafts and free printables, perfect for a fun Coco movie-inspired party or activity. It includes free coloring pages for characters like Dante, Miguel, Ernesto, and Hector, along with a printable template for creating Coco‘s guitar. Additionally, readers can find instructions for making paper marigolds and a fun maze activity. The article also suggests related activities like alebrijes paper crafts and a Coco “Remember Me” lotería game.

   Coco Movie activities free printable Make Coco's guitar craft 

Discover More About Disney Pixar’s COCO with These Articles

If you’re as captivated by COCO as many are, these additional articles provide a deeper look into the movie’s cultural significance, characters, and the creative work behind the scenes. From learning about the inspiration behind the film to understanding its portrayal of Mexican traditions, these articles will help you appreciate COCO even more. Whether you’re curious about the animation process or how the film shines a light on Latino culture, these articles have something for everyone and will make watching the movie so much more meaningful.

Director Lee Unkrich and Co-Director Adrian Molina during a Coco art review on February 18, 2016 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)
Director Lee Unkrich and Co-Director Adrian Molina during a Coco art review on February 18, 2016 at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, Calif. (Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar)

Pixar Coco Guitar

COCO – Concept art by Zaruhi Galstyan. ©2017 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
  • A Movie About Ancestors, Memories And Familia
    This article delves into the heart of COCO, focusing on the film’s themes of family, honoring ancestors, and preserving memories.
  • Why This Animated Movie Means So Much To Latino Families
    This article explains why COCO resonates so deeply with Latino families, celebrating the culture, traditions, and strong family bonds in the movie. Here I share how important it was for my kids to see a movie where a culture so similar to ours (we are from Guatemala) was celebrated in such a loving way. There are so many things we identified with from our love for tamales and music, to our strong family bonds and honoring and remembering loved ones that have passed away through traditional Dia de los Muertos foods
MORE TAMALES — In Disney•Pixar’s “Coco,” Abuelita—Miguel’s loving grandmother—runs the Rivera household like Mamá Imelda did two generations before her. Their philosophy is simple: Work in the family shoemaking business, eat more tamales and, most importantly, “No music!” Featuring the voices of Renée Victor as Abuelita and Anthony Gonzalez as Miguel, Disney•Pixar’s “Coco” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2017. ©2017 Disney•Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Day of the Dead Activities and Crafts For Kids

Here are some more fun Day of the Dead activities and crafts for kids that will help them celebrate the holiday while learning about its traditions. From creative crafts to festive treats, these ideas are perfect for getting everyone involved in the spirit of Día de los Muertos!

Make a Sugar Skull Quilling Project with Your Kids

This Easy Day of the Dead Craft teaches kids how to make a sugar skull using the art of paper quilling. By rolling and shaping strips of colorful paper, kids can create a fun and decorative sugar skull to celebrate Día de los Muertos. It’s an easy and creative project that helps kids learn about the holiday while making a unique decoration.

Easy Day of the Dead Craft: Sugar Skull Quilling Project

Paint Sugar Skull Pumpkins for Day of the Dead

In this Sugar Skull Pumpkins craft, kids can paint pumpkins with bright colors and sugar skull designs for a fun twist on Day of the Dead traditions. This project is easy and perfect for decorating your home for Día de los Muertos while involving children in the creative process. It’s a festive and unique way to celebrate the holiday with a fun craft.

Easy Sugar skull pumpkin craft

Create a Sugar Skull Paper Garland with Your Kids

The Sugar Skull Paper Garland craft is a simple and colorful way for kids to help decorate for Día de los Muertos. Using colorful cardstock, children can cut out and decorate paper skulls to string together into a garland. This easy craft is perfect for teaching kids about the meaning of sugar skulls and adding festive flair to your celebration.

Dia de los Muertos garland with sugar skulls

Bake Pan de Muerto with Fun Variations

This Easy Pan de Muerto Recipe walks you through making the traditional sweet bread used during Día de los Muertos. You can also add fun variations like making pan de muerto calaverita decorated with sugar skull designs, or filling the pan de muerto with Mexican hot chocolate ice cream or marigold cream for a special twist. These playful variations are sure to make your Day of the Dead celebration extra delicious and memorable.

Mexican hot chocolate ice cream recipe to fill your pan de muerto for the Day of the Dead

Make Day of the Dead Skeleton Cookies

Day of the Dead Skeleton Cookies are an easy and fun recipe where you decorate skeleton designs on sugar cookies using icing. This simple recipe is great for kids who want to get involved in the kitchen while learning about Día de los Muertos. The cookies are perfect for a festive treat to share with family and friends.

Day of the Dead Cookies: Easy Skeleton Cookies Recipe

Cook with Marigolds: Easy Recipes for Día de los Muertos

These Easy Recipes Using Marigolds (cempasúchil) are a unique and flavorful way to honor Día de los Muertos. Try delicious options like Marigold Flan, Cempasúchil Cream-Filled Pan de Muerto, or Marigold Atole, each using the bright and symbolic marigold flower. These recipes add a special touch to your holiday table and are a beautiful way to connect with tradition.

Easy Día De Los Muertos dessert: cempasuchil (marigold) flan

Throw a Day of the Dead Themed Party

Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a lively and colorful party featuring fun decorations like a sugar skull piñata garland and and let the kids make their own creative sugar skull masks . Keep the festivities sweet with kid-friendly treats like sugar skull fruit pizza (one of my favorite Day of the Dead desserts), these super easy to make white chocolate-covered strawberries, and if you really want to take your Dia de los Muertos party to the next level this festive Day of the Dead cake with buttercream frosting is a must! For a unique dessert, try making coconut pumpkin budin shaped into into a sugar skull to delight your guests! Get some more Day of the Dead party ideas and free printable here!

Day of the Dead party ideas


Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

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