The Pink Peruvian Hairless Dog is a rare and unique breed that's sure to capture your heart.
This breed is also known as the Peruvian Inca Orchid, and it's one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.
They were originally bred as sacred animals in ancient Peru, where they were highly valued for their intelligence and affectionate nature.
These dogs are known for their sleek, wrinkled skin that comes in a variety of colors, including pink.
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About the Breed
The Peruvian Hairless Dog is an ancient breed with a rich history, dating back over 3,000 years. They were worshiped by the Inca civilization and believed to have healing powers.
This breed is highly intelligent, affectionate, and loyal, making them excellent family pets. They are also excellent watchdogs, protective of their owners and property.
Peruvian Hairless Dogs come in three varieties: hairless, coated, and intermediate. The hairless variety is the most well-known and recognized variety of the breed.
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They have smooth skin that is sensitive to the sun, cold, and harsh weather conditions. This means they require extra care to prevent sunburn and skin damage.
Peruvian Hairless Dogs are good with children and other pets, but they do require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Daily walks and playtime are essential to keep them happy and energized.
Here are some key characteristics of the Peruvian Hairless Dog breed:
- Medium-sized breed
- Three varieties: hairless, coated, and intermediate
- High energy levels
- Intelligent, affectionate, and loyal
- Excellent watchdogs
- Good with children and other pets
They have unique care requirements due to their sensitive skin, high energy levels, and dental care needs. Regular dental care is essential to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
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Breed Characteristics
The Pink Peruvian Hairless Dog is a medium-sized breed that comes in three varieties: hairless, coated, and intermediate.
They have smooth skin that is sensitive to the sun, cold, and harsh weather conditions.
The hairless Peruvian dog can be any color, but they usually have pink or black skin.
Peruvian dogs are intelligent, affectionate, and loyal dogs.
They are excellent watchdogs and are protective of their owners and property.
Peruvian dogs are good with children and other pets, making them excellent family pets.
They have high energy levels and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy.
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Grooming
The pink Peruvian Hairless Dog requires special care when it comes to grooming.
Their skin is delicate and should be sponge-bathed every so often with a sensitive skin dog shampoo.
A sun screen routine should be put into place if the dog lives in a warm country to prevent sunburn and skin damage.
Peruvian Hairless Dogs are a hypoallergenic breed, making them good fits for humans who suffer with allergies.
Regular bathing is essential to keep their skin clean and healthy.
Bathing should be done with a gentle shampoo, such as Burt's Bees Oatmeal Shampoo with Colloidal Oat Flour and Honey.
A sun screen product specifically designed for pets, like Sit. Stay. Forever Organic Sunscreen or Epi-Pet’s Sun Protector Spray for Pets, should be used to protect their skin from the sun.
In colder months, make sure to outfit your dog in warm clothing to prevent illness.
Frequent bathing and using a moisturizing shampoo can help prevent skin infections.
Skin Issues
The Pink Peruvian Hairless Dog's skin is a sensitive topic. They are more susceptible to sunburn due to the lack of fur.
You might be surprised to learn that they can get hypothermia in cold weather, as their skin has no natural insulation. This means you'll need to take extra precautions to keep them warm.
Skin rashes and dry skin are common issues for this breed. Regular grooming and moisturizing can help alleviate these problems.
Their skin is also more prone to cuts and lesions after a trauma, as they have no fur to protect them. This means you'll need to be extra careful when handling them.
On the plus side, they are not good hosts for external parasites like fleas and lice. This means you'll have fewer worries about pest control.
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Exercise and Training
The Peruvian Hairless Dog is a smart cookie that thrives on mental and physical stimulation. They can be trained to a high degree, tackling new tasks with confidence and enthusiasm.
To keep them happy and healthy, regular exercise is essential. A walk or two a day is sufficient for most, but it's crucial to avoid them being outside during the hottest part of the day to prevent sunburn or heat stroke.
If they don't get enough physical activity, they may become destructive, so it's essential to provide them with regular exercise and mental stimulation. Sporting events, such as agility, are a great way to encourage them to exercise in a stimulating environment.
Exercise and Activity Levels
Peruvian Hairless Dogs are a breed that enjoys home comforts, they are content to spend the majority of their time indoors with family.
They have modest exercise requirements, with a walk or two a day being sufficient for most.
It's essential to avoid taking them outside during the hottest part of the day to prevent sunburn or heat stroke.
During the winter, they may appreciate a doggy coat or jumper to keep them warm.
If they don't get enough exercise, they may become destructive, a common issue with many breeds.
Sporting events, such as agility, are a great way to provide them with mental and physical stimulation.
Trainability
The Peruvian Hairless Dog is a highly trainable breed. They tackle new tasks with confidence and enthusiasm.
To get the best out of their trainability, it's essential to reward good behaviours and improvements with encouragement and tasty treats.
General Information
The pink Peruvian hairless dog is a unique and loving companion. They come in three varieties: hairless, coated, and intermediate.
Their hairless variety has smooth skin that's sensitive to the sun, cold, and harsh weather conditions. This means they need extra care to stay healthy.
They can be any color, but they usually have pink skin. This is one of the reasons they're so recognizable.
Peruvian dogs are intelligent, affectionate, and loyal dogs. They make excellent watchdogs and are protective of their owners and property.
They're also good with children and other pets, making them excellent family pets. I've seen many families with Peruvian dogs who love them just as much as their human family members.
Peruvian dogs have high energy levels and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They need daily walks and playtime to keep them happy and active.
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History and Origins
The Peruvian Hairless Dog has a rich and fascinating history that dates back thousands of years. This breed has been around since before the Inca Empire, with relics from as early as 750 AD depicting them on pottery and carvings.
The Peruvian Hairless Dog was often seen as a spiritual being with healing powers, and the local people would treat them with great respect. They believed that the dog's hairlessness made them feel warm to the touch, which was thought to help cure human ailments like arthritis and asthma.
The breed was recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) as early as 1955, and Americans began importing the breed just over a decade later. It's worth noting that the breed is still considered rare today.
Here are some key dates in the Peruvian Hairless Dog's history:
- 750 AD: Relics depicting the breed are found on pottery and carvings.
- 1955: The breed is recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
- 1965: The breed is imported to America.
- 2001: The breed is recognized as the national dog of Peru.
A History
The Peruvian Hairless Dog has a rich and fascinating history that spans thousands of years. They date back to before the Inca Empire, with relics showing them on pottery and carvings from as early as 750 AD.
The breed was often depicted in ancient artwork and was thought to be a spiritual being with healing powers. They were used as bed warmers by the Incas, who believed they had mystical qualities.
The Peruvian Hairless Dog was recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) as early as 1955, and Americans began importing the breed just over a decade later. Jack Walklin is credited with giving them the name 'Peruvian Inca Orchid'.
Their international popularity has steadily increased since then, and they are now registered with both the AKC and the UKC. Despite being a rare breed, they are generally accepted to be the national dog of Peru.
Here's a brief timeline of their recognition:
- 1955: Recognized by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI)
- 1965: Recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
- 1985: Recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC)
The breed's history is a testament to their enduring popularity and unique characteristics.
The Today
The Hairless Peruvian Dog has become very popular worldwide, especially in Spain and the States.
The breed's popularity in the States is notable, with less variation between the breed than in Peru. This is because the dogs in the U.S. descend from only 12 original Peruvian Inca Orchids.
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Today, you can even find these dogs at museums and archaeological sites on Peru's coast, where it's a requirement to have one on site at all times.
These dogs are quite the national pride in Peru, and their owners must take extra care to look after their dental and dermatological health due to their hairlessness.
Khala
The Khala is a fascinating breed with a rich history. It is believed to be a descendent of the Peruvian Inca Orchid or the Xoloitzcuintli.
These dogs come in two distinct sizes: medio and grande. The height of a Khala can range from 14-17 inches for the medio size and 17-20 inches for the grande size.
The Khala is known for its loyal and stubborn personality, making early training a must to help with any stubborn behavior. With proper training, they can make excellent family pets.
Here are some key characteristics of the Khala breed:
The Khala has a moderate to high activity level, making them a great fit for families who enjoy outdoor activities. With a life expectancy of 12-20 years, they can be a loyal companion for many years to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Peruvian hairless dogs good pets?
Peruvian Hairless dogs make great pets for active families due to their loyal and affectionate nature. However, they may require extra attention and socialization to help them feel comfortable around strangers.
How much are Xolo dogs?
The cost of a Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo) dog from a responsible breeder is typically between $2,500 and $4,000. This investment ensures you're getting a healthy, well-bred companion.
What is the difference between Mexican and Peruvian hairless dogs?
The main difference between the Mexican Hairless (Xoloitzcuintle) and Peruvian Hairless is the body shape, with the Xoloitzcuintle being longer and the Peruvian Hairless being square. Both breeds share the unique characteristic of being hairless, but have distinct temperaments and physical features.
What kind of dog is in Machu Picchu?
The Peruvian Inca Orchid, also known as the Peruvian hairless dog, is a unique breed of sighthound native to Peru. It's a rare sight to see this breed, but a thrilling experience for many travelers.
Sources
- American Kennel Club (akc.org)
- Tufts Your Dog (tuftsyourdog.com)
- Instagram (instagram.com)
- Learn more about the Peruvian dog breed | Peru SIM (perusim.com)
- Get to Know The Hairless Peruvian Dog: Peru's National Pet (howtoperu.com)
- Peruvian Inca Orchid - Dog Breeds (dailypaws.com)
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