They have the potential to do well with young children and animals, and at the minimum will tolerate them. Sensitive at times, they are prone to developing separation anxiety, particularly if left alone for long periods. They are known to form tight bonds with their owners, and often attach more to one chosen ‘master’ above all others. This characteristic does, however, make them excellent watch dogs. They can be suspicious of strangers and may act defensive if they sense a threat. Character & TemperamentĮnergetic and fun-loving, these dogs are usually good-tempered and affectionate with their family. Interestingly, the ears of the haired variety may flop over owing to the extra weight they are carrying. Their ears stand erect and are prominent and well-spaced on their head. Their tail is noticeably thin, and usually held close to their body. Their body type is slender and graceful with long legs, though should also be somewhat muscular. Finally, the largest of the breed measure as tall as 50-65cm, weighing in at 12-25kg. The medium Peruvian Hairless Dogs measure 40 to 50cm and weigh 8-12kg. The smallest of the breed measure 25 to 40cm and weigh as little as 4-8kg. Dogs should be as long as they are tall (a ratio of 1:1). Peruvian Hairless Dogs come in three varieties: small, medium and large. However, these dogs make fantastic companion animals, and do not suffer with many of the complaints that their hairless counterparts do. In truth, a proportion of Peruvian Hairless Dogs are born with fur, but these dogs are not allowed to be shown. Eye and nose colour are dependent on coat colour.
Their skin may be grey, brown, copper or mottled, and might have pink spots. While a small amount of wispy fur is allowed on their feet, head and tail, the remainder of the dog should be bald. Primarily a hairless dog, the other characteristics are thought of as secondary. Created by Pedro Santiago Allemant, it took 14 years to make, and its aim is to educate people on the history of the breed. More recently, a documentary was made called El Perro sin pelo del Perú, which premiered at the World Dog Show in 2016. This initiative has been very popular with tourists and has helped to safeguard the breed against potential extinction. The local government have also introduced a rule that all archaeological historic sites should have a pair of Peruvian Hairless Dogs present. Still revered in its home country, the Peruvian Hairless Dog is generally accepted to be the national dog of Peru – an accolade it received in 2001. While sometimes seen at dog shows, the Peruvian Hairless Dog is most likely to be found as a family pet. Their international popularity has steadily increased since then, and they are now registered with both the AKC and the UKC – though are still considered a rare breed.
It is thought that the first importer was a man named Jack Walklin, and, in fact, it was he who gave them the name ‘Peruvian Inca Orchid’ when he first discovered the breed standing among orchid flowers. They were recognised by the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) as early as 1955, and just over a decade after, Americans began importing the breed. Alongside their use as healers, they were also natural born hunters, who used their exceptional vision to seek out and catch small prey, such as mice. Some sources claim that even their urine was thought of as powerful and was used in ancient medicine. Their hairlessness ensures that they feel warm to the touch, and this heat has been thought to help cure human maladies, such as arthritis and asthma. They have traditionally been thought of as spiritual beings with healing powers, and the local people would have treated them with great respect. They were often depicted on pottery and carvings, and relics that portray them have been found from as early as 750 AD. One of the truly ancient breeds that is still in existence, the Peruvian Hairless Dog or Peruvian Inca Orchid has survived for many centuries, dating back to before the Inca Empire.