The Peruvian Hairless Dog is a unique and loving companion, but adopting one requires careful consideration. They need regular skin care to prevent oil buildup and skin problems.
These dogs are highly social and thrive on human interaction, so be prepared to spend quality time with your new furry friend. They are also intelligent and trainable, but may require patience and consistency.
The Peruvian Hairless Dog comes in two varieties: the Hairless and the Hairless-Xolo, which has a short, smooth coat. Both varieties have a similar temperament and require similar care.
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Appearance
The hairless variety of Peruvian inca orchid is hairless and non-shedding, with sparse fur only on their head, feet, and lower tail. This makes them a great option for people with allergies.
Coated Peruvian inca orchids come in a variety of colors, including brown, cream, gray, and white. The hairless varieties can be solid tones or spotted.
Home grooming is still essential for Peruvian inca orchids, regardless of their fur coat. This includes regular washes with gentle dog-specific shampoo for the hairless variety.
The coated variety needs weekly brushing with a soft-bristled brush to keep their coat clean and healthy.
A different take: Coated Xoloitzcuintli Dog
Inca Orchid Temperament & Intelligence
The Peruvian Hairless Dog is a loyal and affectionate breed that thrives on human interaction. They adore the company of their favorite humans and make doting family pets.
These dogs are not social butterflies, however, and may find interacting with people they don't know to be stressful. They are naturally wary of strangers and may require time and patience to warm up to new people.
As sighthounds, Peruvian Hairless Dogs are watchful and alert, often alerting their humans to movement in their surroundings. This can be a great asset as a watchdog, but it also means they may not be suited for households with cats or other small mammals.
To encourage your Peruvian Hairless Dog to be less wary of strangers and various situations, it's essential to socialize them from an early age. Start socializing your dog as early as eight weeks old, and expose them to various people, environments, and animals.
Peruvian Hairless Dogs are also intelligent and athletic, making them a great fit for agility training. They are easy to train if you start educating them early, but they can be a bit stubborn if not handled correctly.
Here are some key characteristics of the Peruvian Hairless Dog's temperament and intelligence:
- Loyal and affectionate
- Wary of strangers
- Watchful and alert
- Intelligent and athletic
- Independent-minded
- Can be a bit hyper and excitable
- Requires early socialization and training
- May turn stubborn if not handled correctly
Health and Conditions
Peruvian Hairless Dogs are generally healthy, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. They have an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years.
One of the most common health concerns for Peruvian Hairless Dogs is dental disease, which can be prevented with daily brushing using a dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush. This is especially important since they often have an incomplete set of teeth as a genetic trait.
Skin issues are also a common problem for this breed, particularly sunburn, which can predispose them to skin cancer. They should be protected from the sun with doggie sunscreen and kept away from direct sunlight when possible.
Here are some common health conditions to look out for in Peruvian Hairless Dogs:
- Dental issues
- Skin lesions
- Skin infections
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Seizures
- Strokes
To keep your Peruvian Hairless Dog healthy, it's essential to be proactive with their care. Regular yearly exams, bloodwork, and preventative measures for heartworms, fleas, and ticks can go a long way in preventing potential concerns.
History
The Peruvian Hairless Dog, also known as the Peruvian Inca Orchid, has a rich and fascinating history that spans thousands of years. Originally bred by the Chimu, Chancay, and Incan people, these elegant creatures were considered cherished companions.
They were depicted on ancient artifacts, indicating their importance in the lives of the people who bred them. The original Peruvian Inca Orchid was small in stature.
The breed's history is also marked by its development into multiple sizes over the centuries, thanks to interbreeding with other dogs after the Conquistadors conquered Peru.
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Origins and History
The Peruvian Inca Orchid has a rich and fascinating history. This ancient breed was originally bred by the Chimu, Chancay, and Incan people in South America.
The breed was considered a cherished companion and was depicted on ancient artifacts, including pottery and textiles. These images show the elegant creatures in high regard.
The original Peruvian Inca Orchid was small in stature, but over the centuries, the breed developed multiple sizes after being interbred with other dogs. The Conquistadors' invasion of Peru led to this change.
Jack Walkin, an American canine enthusiast, is credited with bringing the breed back to the United States in 1966. He returned with a few dogs and is also credited with naming the breed the Peruvian Inca Orchid.
The breed was declared a National Patrimony in 2001 in Peru, and it was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1996. It's now part of the Sighthound & Pariah Dog Group.
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Named by an American
These dogs were first given an official name by Jack Walklin, an American canine fancier, in the 1960s.
Jack Walklin combined previous characterizing labels to come up with the name "Peruvian Inca Orchid", which eventually gained popularity and stuck.
The Spanish had previously referred to these dogs as "perros flora" and "moon dogs", but Jack Walklin's name is the one that has endured.
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Care and Maintenance
The Peruvian Hairless Dog is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. They don't shed much and don't need regular combing or brushing.
They may need occasional bathing to get rid of built-up dirt on the skin, but overall, they tend to keep themselves groomed well. Give them plenty of outdoor exercise so their nails stay naturally trimmed.
Be sure to check their ears regularly and clean them with a cotton ball or damp cloth when dirt is present.
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Food & Diet
When choosing a food for your Peruvian Inca Orchid, make sure it's a high-quality diet that includes real meat protein as a major ingredient.
This breed doesn't seem to have any sensitivities to grains, so you can choose food with quality sources as part of their diet without worrying.
A good idea is to choose food designed just for puppies until your Peruvian Inca Orchid grows into adulthood, to ensure they get all the proper nutrients needed for optimal growth and development.
There is no special type of diet this breed needs that is different from that of most other breeds.
Upkeep
The Peruvian Inca Orchid's upkeep is relatively low-maintenance, but there are a few key things to keep in mind.
They don't shed much, so grooming is a breeze. Just be sure to give them an occasional bath to get rid of built-up dirt on their skin.
They're active dogs and need plenty of exercise, such as free play in a fenced yard or several walks a day. This will help keep their nails trimmed naturally.
Their ears should be checked regularly and cleaned with a cotton ball or damp cloth when dirt is present. This will help prevent any infections.
They also need to be bathed and oiled routinely to avoid skin problems. This is especially important for their hairless variety.
In sunny weather, it's essential to apply sunscreen to protect their skin from the sun. This will help prevent sunburn and skin damage.
Regular nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing are also essential for their overall health and well-being.
More Details About
Regular cleaning of your device's exterior can help prevent dust and dirt from accumulating and causing damage.
Dust and dirt can easily scratch the surface of your device, so it's essential to clean it gently.
Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down your device, and avoid using any chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the finish.
For tougher stains, you can mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water and use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the area.
Dry your device thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots from forming.
Adoption and Purchase
If you're interested in bringing a Peruvian Hairless Dog into your family, you have two main options: adoption and purchase. Adoption is a great way to give a loving home to a dog in need, but it can be challenging to find a Peruvian Inca Orchid in a rescue situation, as they are rare.
Adopting from a reputable rescue organization like Bald is Beautiful Dog Rescue or Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions can be a rewarding experience.
You can also try searching the Peruvian Inca Orchid Club of the United States (breeder list) or the AKC Marketplace for puppies available on rare occasions.
If you do decide to purchase from a breeder, be sure to do your research and only work with someone who is reputable and takes excellent care of their dogs.
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Purchase Price
The cost of buying a Peruvian Hairless Dog can vary, but you can expect to pay between £1500 to £2500 for a puppy.
Monthly costs will be around £50 to £80, which is relatively low compared to other breeds.
One thing to note is that Peruvian Hairless Dogs are generally not prone to weight gain or obesity issues.
Where to Adopt or Buy an Inca Orchid
If you're looking to bring a Peruvian Inca Orchid into your life, you'll be happy to know that adoption is always the first step we recommend. This breed is rare, so finding one in a rescue situation may take some time and effort.
Flower dogs are indeed rare, and you may not readily find one in a rescue situation, but it's not impossible. You can start your search via breed-specific sites that have a list of reputable breeders and rescue organizations.
One of the best places to start your search is through the Peruvian Inca Orchid Club of the United States, which has a breeder list that you can check. This can help you find a reputable breeder who takes excellent care of their dogs.
If you do choose to purchase through a breeder, be sure to do your research and only work with someone who is reputable and takes excellent care of their dogs. This will ensure that you're getting a healthy puppy that's been well-cared for.
Here are some reputable organizations and websites that can help you find a Peruvian Inca Orchid:
- Bald is Beautiful Dog Rescue
- Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions
- Peruvian Inca Orchid Club of the United States (breeder list)
- AKC Marketplace (puppies available on rare occasions)
Keep in mind that purchasing a puppy from a breeder can cost between $2,000 to $4,000, so be prepared for a significant investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Peruvian hairless dogs the same as Xolo?
No, Peruvian Hairless dogs are not the same as Xoloitzcuintles, despite sharing a similar characteristic of being hairless. They differ in body shape, with Peruvian Hairless dogs having a square build and Xoloitzcuintles having a longer, more slender body.
Sources
- Peruvian Inca Orchid - Dog Breeds (dailypaws.com)
- Miscellaneous (akc.org)
- AKC Marketplace (akc.org)
- Bald is Beautiful Dog Rescue (baldisbeautifuldogrescue.org)
- AKC: Peruvian Inca Orchid (akc.org)
- VetStreet: Peruvian Inca Orchid (vetstreet.com)
- Peruvian Inca Orchid Dog & Puppy Breed and Adoption Info (petfinder.com)
- Whatsapp (wa.me)
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