| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
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It is also known as: Peruvian Hairless Dog, Chimú Dog, Peruvian Viringo or Naked Dog. The Peruvian Inca Orchid is an intelligent and affectionate dog, let’s see all of its characteristics.
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is an officially recognized dog breed that belongs to the group of Spitz and Primitive dogs, but also it is classified inside the group of Hairless dogs. Despite being included in this group, it does not have a completely hairless body; in fact, the standard allows small locks of hair on the legs, tail and head.
However, its skin is visible and can have white or pink spots that cannot exceed 1/3 of its body surface. The skin is elastic, soft and can be gray, brown, beige or every shade of black. Its head resembles a wolf, its stand is strong and it has medium-sized eyes.
There are three types of Peruvian Inca Orchid:
- Small: 9-15 inches height (25-40 cm)
- Medium: 15-19 inches height (40-50 cm)
- Large: 19-25 inches height (50-65 cm)
Peruvian Inca Orchid: Origins
This dog breed has very ancient origins, but there is not a truthful and unique version related to its origins. Some experts assure that the Peruvian Dog arrived during the Chinese immigration to Peru, after the president Ramon Castilla, established a law that prohibited slavery, a history that merges: dogs, politics and sociology.
But there are some other theories about the origins of this dog breed; it is said that the Peruvian Dog arrived to the American Continent from Africa, thanks to the nomads and their companion dogs when they immigrated to America. Another version says that these dogs came with the nomads from Asia, and immigrated to the “New World” through the Bering Strait.
Few Sources and Many Legends
There is some evidence that could be related to its true origins: the finding of some ceramic remains of different Pre-Incan civilizations (Vicús, Moche, Chancay, Tiwanaku and Chimú), where we can see hairless dogs portrayed and engraved in many ceramic artworks, therefore we can say that this dog breed was present during the archeological period of the Pre-Incan Empire, between the 4th century B.C. and the 9th A.C.
Throughout history, the Peruvian Inca Orchid, with its peculiar appearance has conquered the hearts of some famous historical characters, many noblemen and members of the royalty, who had specimens as companion dogs. This dog breed is mentioned in the works of Juan José Pérez Hernández, an explorer from the era of the Spanish colonization. He was the first man to see, name and register the islands situated near British Columbia in Canada.
Nowadays, the Peruvian Inca Orchid and its “cousin” the Mexican Xoloitzcuintli, are often confused, but they are officially different dog breeds. The Peruvian Dog was recognized in 1981 and approved by the FCI in 1985.
Peruvian Inca Orchid: Physical Characteristics
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is fast and elegant; a dog that conveys speed, strength and harmony. We can find all of these characteristics in one classy and proud dog, without looking rustic at all. One of its most peculiar features are its teeth, its smile is usually incomplete, this means this dog is missing some teeth specially premolars. Even its nose has some strange colors: in general it is black, but in many specimens (especially the ones that have pink spots) the nose can be ochre or orange.
The neck of the Peruvian Inca Orchid is well-muscled, and it keeps its ears straight when it is alert, when it is relaxed the ears fall backwards resting on its head, in any case they are medium-sized and wide on the base. The eyes have an alert and clever look; they are quite big and almond-shaped. The tail reaches the hocks, and it is slim on the point, in general it does not have any hair but there are some exceptions.
The Peruvian Hairless’ body is well-muscled, well-proportioned and harmonious.
The weight can be:
- Small: 8-17 lb. (4-8 kg.);
- Medium: 17-26 lb. (8-12 kg.);
- Large: 26-50 lb. (12-23 kg.).
Peruvian Inca Orchid: Hair
Talking about the hair of the Peruvian Inca Orchid can be funny and ironic, but it is necessary; this is the main characteristic of this dog breed. Our little friend is not totally hairless; it can have locks of soft hair on its head and on the point of its tail. The rest of its body only has smooth skin; it can suffer from some skin conditions on the most exposed parts of its body because of the lack of hair.
The colors permitted by the standard can be: black, different shades of gray, dark-brown and light beige. Every color must be even in all its body or it can have some white or pink spots.
Peruvian Inca Orchid: Temperament
This dog breed has a noble and modest temperament. It has a strong bond with its owner, it is affectionate, faithful but not clingy at all; on the contrary, its personality is quiet and peaceful.
However, the Peruvian Inca Orchid can become alert and cautious in the presence of strangers; and as we mentioned before it is a smart dog and it is very perceptive. This dog is never aggressive, but it is vigilant and sensitive, and it moves very fast.
Peruvian Inca Orchid: Puppies, and Special Cares
If you are thinking about having a Peruvian Inca Orchid in an apartment, you should know this is a very active dog breed, so it will be necessary to make it exercise outdoors and also play with it inside the house.
It is fun to be in the company of a Peruvian Inca Orchid, because it is a very sweet dog that likes to go on walks and it is perfect for family life. It is the best friend of children, who will be the first to appreciate its volcanic energy.
In general, this dog breed has excellent health. If you vaccinate and take good care of your dog, it should not suffer from any particular disease.
Peruvian Inca Orchid: Video
This is a video of the Peruvian Inca Orchid that honors its history and tradition. It also shows the ancient ceramic artworks of the Pre-Incan Empire, in which this dog breed is portrayed. In this video you will learn about its three varieties: small, medium and large. Moreover, you will perceive the affection and pride of the people who like in the motherland of this hairless gorgeous dog.
Peruvian Inca Orchid: Price, Breeders, and Puppies for Sale
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is considered one of the most expensive dogs in the World. It is a typical South American dog; the lack of hair requires a lot of care, and also a puppy can cost around 3000 dollars, 2500 English pounds.
It is important to purchase from a reliable breeder, to insure that your puppy has been:
- Raised to have good character and good health;
- Carefully selected (its parents were chosen without any genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too aggressive or fearful;
- Vaccinated and well-cared for.
When you adopt a puppy, a reliable breeder provides you with an official veterinarian certificate, in which it is formally stipulated that the animal is in perfect health and dewormed.
You can ask for a pedigree certificate, which allows you to check your dog breed’s purity. An animal with pedigree has certain characteristics that distinguish it among the others.
Now that we have mentioned the most important aspects, you can go to your new four-legged friend, who is certainly waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Miniature Pinscher
- West Highland White Terrier
- Australian Terrier
- Xoloitzcuintli
- Peruvian Inca Orchid
- Norfolk Terrier
- Scottish Terrier
- Papillon and Phalène
- Shetland Sheepdog
