Mexican Saltillo Tile with Paw Prints

Are Saltillo tile paw prints real or fake?

Is it normal to have Saltillo tiles with paw prints?

How can I get more of these Mexican tiles with animal prints?

What’s the significance of these terracotta treasures? Where can I buy them?

Let’s dive in.

What are Saltillo Tile with Paw Prints

These are the most common questions we hear! First things first: Paw prints on Saltillo tiles are only natural IF your tiles are authentic and handmade from the clay found in riverbeds in Coahuila, Mexico. If you’ve got “real” Mexican Saltillo tile, then you’re likely to come across some types of animal prints. These can include dogs, coyotes, chickens, cats, and pigs—our customers have seen it all!

⇒ Yes, we sell Saltillo tile animal tracks! Shop our 12×12 Saltillo tile paw prints online! Learn more about the authenticity of this Mexican tile by reading our Ultimate Guide to Saltillo Tile.

By real, we mean that the paw prints come from live animals.  Any producer who stamps the clay with fabricated Mexican tile paw prints is taking away the good fortune of authentic rustic charm. Superstitious people consider the presence of these trademarks to be good luck.  Consider placing your terracotta tiles with footprints in entryways or kitchens to spark a fun conversation! Plus, terracotta Saltillo tiles are a durable and stylish flooring option for your home.

Types of Animal Prints on Mexican Tiles

So, what creatures do these prints belong to?  The most common animals roaming the grounds where Saltillo tiles are made are (but are not limited to): coyotes, dog paw prints, cat paw prints, pigs, chickens, birds, and even wolves in rare circumstances.  Coyote and dog paw prints on tiles are the most common.  One of our customers found a single Saltillo tile with a dog and a cat’s paw print.  What a treat!

Want to know more paw-tastic facts?  Check out our Saltillo Tile FAQs!

Pictures of Saltillo Tile Animal Tracks

Cat Paw Prints on Saltillo Tiles

Manganese Saltillo Tile Paw Prints

12×12 Mexican Saltillo Tile with Paw Prints

Saltillo Tile Footprint

Mexican Tile with Animal Tracks

Saltillo Tile Footprints

This phenomenon occurs during the manufacturing process. When the wet Mexican clay tiles are laid in wide-open spaces where they semi-dry in the sun, critters roam at night and leave their animal tracks.  Once the tiles are dry enough to move to a kiln, they are removed from the ground and kiln-fired to harden fully. Learn more about the art behind the architecture of terracotta flooring.

At Rustico Tile & Stone, we believe these Saltillo tile animal tracks are an added blessing to any home or business. If you’re superstitious, it’s rumored that Saltillo tile paw prints are the “protectors” of the home or business where they’re laid.

Not only do the animal tracks show up in Mexican Saltillo tile, but check out the hundreds of year-old terracotta tile paw prints found on Florence’s medieval cathedral roof.

Learn more about why we love Mexican tiles!