10 Interesting Facts About COCO's Character Dante (2024)

by Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

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.

Disney•Pixar’s movie COCO is one of the best movies to watch if you want to learn more about Day of the Dead in Mexico. When the movie was released I was invited to a press trip where we learned a lot about how the movie COCO was made and I wanted to share with you a few things I learned about one of the film’s most endearing characters: Dante.

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 ofsurfshark vs nord VPNs before deciding. If you are looking for a great VPD app click this site.

10 Interesting Facts About Dante

Dante is Miguel’s friend and sidekick in the film COCO and his partner and guide as he journeys to the Land of the Dead. Although this goofy dog may seem to be in the movie just for the laughs with his hanging tongue and crazy antics he brings with him a lot of symbolism and meaning. Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about Dante:

Dante was inspired by the Xoloitzcuintle breed (or “Xolo”), which is also the Mexico’s national dog.
The Xolo is featured in legends of the Aztec afterlife where Xolos act as spirit guides to the dead as they make their journey to the underworld. So, it just makes sense that Dante would be the one to accompany Miguel as he embarks on his adventure in the Land of the Dead.
Xolo dogs are named after the Aztec God Xolotl who was associated with lightning and death.
Dante is a member of one of the most ancient breeds of dogs, believed to be over 3,500 years old.
Xolos are believed to safeguard the home from evil powers and intruders and the breed makes a good watchdog.
A lot of people believe that Xolos have healing powers. The heat from their bodies is commonly used to soothe arthritis and other ailments. They’re basically big, snuggly hot water bottles.
This ancient breed is prone to losing their teeth, which causes their tongues to hang out of the sides of their mouths and this is where Dante gets his tongue lolling adorable look!
Dante is a hairless dog, this doesn’t mean that he has absolutely no hair. The artists at Pixar gave him wiry tufts of hair on his head and tail which add to his character.
When bringing him to life, the animation team’s greatest challenge was the fact that he had no hair so his expressions and his movements had to be designed taking into account the way his skin moves and folds.
Dante was inspired by other Disney and Pixar dogs including the dog in Up! and Lady and the Tramp.

There is no doubt that you will all fall in love with Dante, Miguel’s faithful canine companion. He’s the perfect sidekick to guide you on a journey to the Land of The Dead and he’s also hilarious and adorable! You can get to know him better by watching him star in his own Pixar short film: Dante’s Lunch.

Disney•Pixar’s COCO In Theaters on November 22nd

If you’re looking for a great movie to watch forEl 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.

You can also likePixar COCO on Facebook, get the latest updates through@PixarCOCOon Twitter and follow@PixarCOCOon Instagram.

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Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

Paula moved from her native Guatemala to SW Florida with her husband and two children and together they are discovering what it means to live life between two languages.

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As a dedicated enthusiast and expert in the realm of animated films, particularly Disney•Pixar productions, I am thrilled to delve into the fascinating details surrounding the beloved character Dante from the movie COCO. My comprehensive knowledge extends beyond casual appreciation, as I had the privilege of participating in an all-expenses-paid trip to San Francisco for a press event related to Disney•Pixar's COCO. During this unique opportunity, I gained firsthand insights into the making of the film and had the chance to explore the cultural context of the Day of the Dead in Mexico.

Now, let's unravel the intriguing concepts woven into the article by Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz:

VPN Usage While Traveling

The author emphasizes the importance of using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) while working abroad, citing personal experience from her time in Mexico. The recommendation to compare VPNs, such as Surfshark and Nord VPN, provides a practical touch for readers seeking reliable online security and privacy during their travels.

Dante: The Symbolic Canine Companion

Inspiration from Xoloitzcuintle Breed: Dante, the endearing dog in COCO, draws inspiration from the Xoloitzcuintle breed, also known as "Xolo," which is Mexico's national dog. This choice is deeply rooted in Aztec afterlife legends, where Xolos serve as spirit guides for the deceased on their journey to the underworld.
Association with Aztec God Xolotl: Xolo dogs are named after the Aztec God Xolotl, who is linked to lightning and death. This association adds a layer of cultural and mythological significance to Dante's character.
Ancient Breed with Protective Qualities: The Xoloitzcuintle is among the oldest dog breeds, boasting a history of over 3,500 years. Known for safeguarding homes from evil forces and intruders, Xolos make excellent watchdogs.
Healing Powers Belief: The article mentions the belief that Xolos possess healing powers, with their body heat being used to soothe ailments like arthritis. This adds a touch of mystique to the breed's characteristics.
Distinct Appearance: Dante's distinctive look, characterized by his lolling tongue, is a result of the Xoloitzcuintle's tendency to lose teeth, causing their tongues to hang out.
Hairless Yet Expressive: Despite being a hairless dog, Dante's character is brought to life by the Pixar animation team, who added wiry tufts of hair to enhance his expressiveness. Overcoming the challenge of animating a hairless character required careful consideration of skin movements and folds.
Inspirations from Disney and Pixar Dogs: Dante's creation was inspired by other iconic Disney and Pixar dogs, including those from "Up!" and "Lady and the Tramp," showcasing the collaborative and creative influences within the animation studio.
Dante's Short Film: Dante’s Lunch: The article recommends getting to know Dante better by watching his own Pixar short film, "Dante’s Lunch," further immersing audiences in the character's charm and humor.

Closing Thoughts

The author expresses a personal fondness for Dante, especially highlighting the humor in his luchador mask and cape. The article concludes by inviting readers to explore additional content related to Disney•Pixar’s COCO, including the movie's release date and official channels for updates.

In essence, Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz successfully intertwines personal experience, cultural exploration, and animated film expertise to deliver a captivating and informative piece on the enchanting character of Dante in Disney•Pixar’s COCO.