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Peruvian Inca Orchid
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Introduction
The Peruvian Inca Orchid, also known as the Peruvian Hairless Dog, originated from Peru. The Peruvian tribes believed that he has mystical powers that can cure human ailments.
When the Spanish conquistadors came, the breed was hunted to the brink of extinction. Up to now, he remained rare outside his native country.
As canine companions, Peruvian Hairless Dogs are affectionate toward their family but indifferent in front of strangers. They need proper socialisation so they can mature into well-mannered dogs.
Grooming a Hairless Peruvian Inca Orchid requires extra time and care due to their sensitive skin. This rare dog breed is prone to hereditary health issues caused by his tight gene pool. The life expectancy of the Peruvian Hairless Dog is around 10–14 years.
History
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is an ancient dog breed with origins that can be traced back to 750 AD. His existence was first discovered in Moche pottery. He also appeared in the pottery of the Chimu, Chancay, and Incan tribes of Peru.
The exact lineage of the breed is unknown. However, some experts theorised that he descended from the Xoloitzcuintli, which is a Mexican hairless dog brought by Ecuadorian sea traders to Peru.
The Peruvian Dog was highly revered by the 3 Peruvian tribes as he is thought to possess healing and mystical powers. The Chimu people believed that he could treat respiratory ailments as well as arthritis. They used his urine and faeces to create medicine.
The Chancay and Incan tribes kept the Peruvian Inca Orchid as a bed warmer since his hairlessness allows him to give off more heat. He was also used as a sighthound for coursing and a messenger dog between villages.
When the Spanish conquistadors invaded Peru, they often found this unique breed hanging out in caves full of wild orchids. Hence, they gave Peruvian Inca Orchids the nickname Perros Flora or Flower Dogs. Other monikers for these canines are Moonflower Dog, Inca Hairless Dog, or simply PIO.
The Peruvian Inca Orchid started as a small pooch. However, he was interbred with larger dog breeds owned by the Spanish invaders, which led to the existence of 3 size variations.
These Peruvian dogs were nearly wiped out during the Spanish invasion since the native tribes' mystical belief toward POIs was seen as heresy. Their numbers decreased even further when they reached urban areas along the coast.
The hairlessness of Peruvian Inca Orchids caused people to see them as diseased dogs. For this reason, they ended up getting exterminated. Fortunately, a fair few of them were kept safe in the mountainous regions of the Andes.
Through the efforts of Jack Walklin, an American with a big love for the breed, the Peruvian Inca Orchid was saved from extinction. He brought back 8 of these dogs to the USA in 1966 after visiting Peru and bred them.
Walklin was said to be the one who gave the breed his present name. However, in Peru, this rare dog is commonly called Perro sin Pelo del Perú or Peruvian Hairless Dog.
In 1996, the breed was officially recognised by the United Kennel Club and classified under the Sighthound and Pariah Dog Group. The Peruvian Inca Orchid was later on added to the American Kennel Club’s Miscellaneous Class.
It is the last stop before he gains full recognition by the AKC. On the other hand, the Kennel Club in the UK is yet to acknowledge him.
Are Peruvian Inca Orchids rare? Peruvian Inca Orchids are rarely found outside Peru. It is estimated that there are only 1,000 of them in existence.
To protect the breed, the Peruvian government declared the Peruvian Hairless Dog a National Patrimony in 2001. They want to ensure that the breed is preserved as it was an integral part of their history. In the same year, it was acknowledged as Peru's national dog.
Appearance and Grooming
How big do Peruvian Inca Orchids get? The Peruvian Inca Orchid size has 3 variations: small, medium, and large. Small Peruvian Hairless Dogs measure around 25–40 centimetres (10–16 inches) in height and weigh approximately 4–8 kilograms (9–18 pounds).
Mid-sized POIs stand around 40–50 centimetres (16–20 inches) tall and weigh between 8–12 kilograms (18–26 pounds). Large Peruvian Hairless Dogs are approximately 50–65 centimetres (20–26 inches) high and weigh around 12–25 kilograms (26–55 pounds).
The body type of the Peruvian Inca Orchid is similar to many sighthounds such as the Whippet or Greyhound. He has a slim yet muscular build with a graceful contour. His head is wedge-shaped with a broad skull. His ears are folded back when in a relaxed state. They stand upright when he is on high alert.
The Peruvian Hairless Dog has a straight strong back and powerful and well-muscled hind legs. His tail tapers to a point and slightly tucks between his legs.
Most Peruvian Inca Orchids are hairless but a few have short to long (powderpuff) coats. Hairless PIOs possess smooth skin, which can either be solid or spotted. It is not uncommon for them to have slight fuzz on their forehead and tufts of hair on their feet and lower tail.
Coated Peruvian Inca Orchids have coarse or soft single coats that come in different varieties. They can be short and smooth, powderpuff and straight, or powderpuff and curly. Their colours may range from white, cream, and yellow to blue, brown, and black.
Do Peruvian Inca Orchid shed? Both hairless and coated varieties of the Peruvian Inca Orchid are light shedders. However, the latter tends to shed more than their hairless counterparts.
Is the Peruvian Inca Orchid hypoallergenic? Hairless POIs are considered hypoallergenic since they have sparser fur than the coated varieties. Thus, they are less likely to induce allergic reactions. They make great canine companions for dog enthusiasts suffering from allergies.
The Peruvian Inca Orchid’s grooming requirements will largely hinge on if he is hairless or not. Coated dogs need to be brushed once a week. This also applies to hairless varieties with patches of fur on their head, feet, or tail. Brushing should be done gently to avoid injuring their sensitive skin.
Completely Hairless dog Peruvians do not require brushing. Instead, they should be bathed once a week to avoid dermatological issues like acne from developing.
Make sure to use a mild dog shampoo to prevent skin irritations. Also, consider applying a moisturiser specifically made for dogs to keep their skin smooth and supple.
Other grooming activities both hairless and coated Peruvian should not miss are weekly nail trimming and ear cleaning. Toothbrushing should be done twice a day. If you cannot carry this out consistently, brushing their teeth once or thrice a week is fine too.
Temperament and Intelligence
The Peruvian Hairless Dog has a lot of love and affection to share with his human companions. However, when facing a stranger, his friendly countenance may turn cautious. He was not bred for companionship until recently, thus resulting in his reservedness toward new faces.
Proper socialisation at an early age is crucial to prevent the Peruvian Hairless Dog from turning excessively shy or guarded. Allowing him to meet new people in different environments will hone him to become a well-rounded pet with a stable temperament.
Peruvian Hairless Dogs can live harmoniously with older children who respect their boundaries. These pooches are not the best pets to be around toddlers since they may react negatively to roughhousing. Always supervise them when they are around children to ensure safe interactions.
Peruvian Hairless Dogs can be good companions for their fellow canines. Some of them may display territorial behaviours, but it can be remedied by early socialisation. Careful introduction of pets is also necessary so they can get used to each other's company.
As a sighthound, the Peruvian Hairless Dog has a high prey drive. His instinct to chase after small animals is strong. For this reason, it would be best to avoid housing him together with cats, rabbits, and other small pets.
The Peruvian Hairless Dog is intelligent and easy to train. However, he tends to be sensitive to harsh corrections. Training him using positive reinforcement will provide better results than using abrasive punishments.
Keep him motivated during training sessions by rewarding him with treats and praises after successfully carrying out a command.
Nutrition and Feeding
Information about the appropriate diet for the Peruvian Inca Orchid is limited because of the breed’s rarity. However, it is recommended to feed this hairless dog with high-quality dog food containing ample amounts of omega fatty acids. They aid in maintaining the Peruvian Dog's skin health.
Feed the Peruvian Hairless Dog at least 2–3 cups of dog food per day. Split them into 2–3 smaller portions to prevent him from gorging on his food and to lower the risk of gaining unhealthy weight.
Health and Exercise
Irritable bowel disease is a gastric issue that causes intestinal inflammation, which can hinder digestive functions. Peruvian Inca Orchids with this condition may show symptoms like vomiting, weight loss, and a bloated stomach.
IBD does not have a permanent cure, but medical and dietary intervention will keep its clinical signs from appearing frequently.
Trustworthy and dedicated Peruvian Hairless Dog breeders are aware of the breed's common health issues. Ask what ailments often crop up in their breeding lines. Knowing them will help you prepare countermeasures in advance to lower their chances of developing on your dog.
Peruvian Inca Orchids have fairly high levels of energy since they are hunting dogs. 30 minutes to an hour of daily exercise is needed to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Despite being active, he does well in apartment living.
A walk around the neighbourhood and playtime in the back garden is enough to expend their energy. Peruvian Hairless Dogs have shown great skills in canine sports too. They excel in obedience training, agility, rally, and lure coursing.
When taking the Peruvian Dog outdoors, make sure that he wears a light shirt during hot weather. Choose a route that provides more shade to lower his exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays. Once back from his trip outdoors, provide him with water and cold air conditioning.
Even better, walk him during evenings and early mornings to avoid subjecting him to extreme heat. Come winter, switch his clothing to a warm doggy sweater to ward off the chill when on outdoor excursions.
Cost of Ownership
It is difficult to make accurate estimations of the Peruvian Inca Orchid price because of the breed’s rarity. Since Peruvian Inca Orchid puppies are hard to find, they come with a hefty price tag. You might need to pay hundreds or thousands depending on the quality of the lines they come from.
Be cautious when in search of a Peruvian Inca Orchid for sale. Many scammers and irresponsible breeders will use the breed's scarcity to justify their expensive pricing. Avoid buying from them.
Instead, ask for trusted referrals from your family, friends, or the vet. Looking into local dog competitions and breed clubs will also lead you to reputable breeders.
There is not enough information about the Peruvian Inca Orchid's food expenses. However, generally, the average monthly food expenses of dogs are around £25. The larger your pooch is, the more you have to spend on his dog food.
Ensuring that your new pooch feels comfortable in his new home involves buying doggy necessities. Basic supplies such as dog toys, collars, and beds can lead you to pay around £100–£400.
Vet care is an integral part of your Peruvian Hairless Dog’s life. He needs routine check-ups with an estimated fee of £30–£60 per session. Young Peruvian Dogs require vaccinations to protect them from infectious diseases. Prepare £100–£150 for initial vaccine shots and £50–£60 for annual boosters.
Expenses for your Peruvian Inca Orchid’s healthcare may skyrocket, particularly when he becomes sick. Offset the costs with the help of pet insurance. A lifetime coverage will require you to pay a monthly fee of £18–£80. If you opt for a time-limited package, it will cost you £15–20 each month.
Peruvian Inca Orchid Breed Highlights
- The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a loving dog but can be wary toward strangers.
- The Peruvian Hairless Dog does well with older children rather than toddlers.
- The Peruvian Hairless Dog can live with other canines, but he should not be kept around small pets.
- This rare dog breed has high intelligence but sensitive to harsh punishments and scolding.
- The hairless variety of the Peruvian Inca Orchid has several grooming requirements.
- The Peruvian Hairless Dog has high energy levels but adjusts well to apartment living.
Are you sure the Peruvian Inca Orchid is the best breed for you? Take the Pet Breed Selector Quiz to find your perfect breed match.
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Disclaimer:
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.
The information, including measurements, prices and other estimates, on this page is provided for general reference purposes only.