Peruvian hairless dog | Facts & Information

Temperament: brisk, calm, intelligent, quick, agile

Origin

Also called "Peruvian Hairless Dog", this dog is considered one with a long past. However nowadays it is one of the rarest breeds of dogs, if not ranked at the top of this ranking.

Originally from Peru, the breed has a controversial history, with no definite origin already established. It is generally said that this dog originates from the time of the Inca Empire, but archaeological evidence (pots or ceramic statuettes) of pre-Inca cultures near the coast shows such dogs.

Another theory states that these dogs were brought to the area by the Chinese, who crossed the Bering Strait and reached these places. The fact is that the Spaniards when they conquered South America were surprised to discover such a developed society. In this civilization they also saw these hairless dogs, favorites of noble houses.

Unfortunately, the intervention of the Spanish conquizatdores was to the detriment of the dogs that were almost exterminated. The few remaining specimens were in the households of simple rural people.

It is also said that this breed came from a Mexican hairless dog, Xoloitzcuintli, brought by Ecuadorian traders to Peru, on merchant ships, where they were kept as a food source.

In the United States a similar breed was developed, many confused with it, called "Peruvian Inca Orchid". This breed also comes from the Peruvian hairless dog but has developed a little differently.

Other names: Periviana Orchid, Moon Flower, Pero Sin Pelo Del Peru, s.a.

Peruvian Dog Food

The Peruvian hairless dog is unlike a dog with fur. Besides the fact that it has advantages, it also has some needs that many do not know. One of these needs is food.

Due to the fact that it has no hair the skin is in direct contact with the air and can cause skin irritations or on the contrary, the skin can dry out.

Food Matters a lot for a dog without skin. It is from it that he takes his energy to warm his body so you need to pay attention to the quality of food.

It is known that almost all dogs of hairless breeds are prone to problems with teeth. That's one more reason to take care of your dog's teeth.

He must have clean teeth. It is recommended that, in addition to fresh water at your discretion, after each meal to give him a bar for cleaning teeth.

Food is good to portion it in 2-3 daily. It must contain the proteins, vitamins and minerals necessary for the animal. Most dogs get their protein needs from meat. Corn is not recommended, but it is not excluded.

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Appearance Peruvian Dog

Striking in its outward appearance, the hairless Peruvian dog shows as its most important exterior feature, the absence of hair. The dog may have a few tufts of hair at the top of the head, on the legs and at the tip of the tail.

In Peru, breeders tend to prefer completely hairless dogs. With a constitution similar to greyhounds, these dogs are graceful, well proportioned, musuclossy. The foot highlights the InterDigital skin. The head is represented by a slightly elongated cranial area and a narrowed facial area.

Round, almond-shaped, dark-colored eyes tend to strabismus in sunlight due to increased sensitivity. Lips are wrinkled. Hairless ears, The Shape of a candle flame, can sometimes present a few tufts on the hair towards the tips.

The skin is soft and wrinkled; it can be heavily pigmented, marbled in any color and in any combination on a pink background, or it can be in a single color. Albinism is not allowed.

The Peruvian hairless dog is found in the following waist varieties: – miniature with a height of 25-40 cm at the withers and a weight of 4-8 kg; – medium with a height of 40-50 cm and a weight of 8-12 kg; – large with a height of 50-65 cm and a weight of 12-25 kg. Dogs should be lean and elegant, giving the impression of strength and harmony, without being rude. The ratio of height (at the withers) to length (from the withers to the base of the tail) should be 1:1.

Behavior Peruvian Dog

Lively, calm and intelligent is a night dog, because it does not like daylight and sunrises, sometimes being referred to as "moonflowers" (Moonflowers). They don't like to be alone, but when they're educated, they can get used to it.

It is a dog that can be accustomed both in the house and outside. They're agile and quick. Despite its qualities, its natural character does not make it suitable for those who have never had a dog before. They need an owner who understands "dog language".

They are dogs that adapt to living in an apartment. It is advisable to provide them with a fenced green space, as they have Greyhound skills and could fly it at any time during the pursuit of any animal.

Specimens of this breed should be kept in the home in order to protect them from various external factors. They should be wrapped with a coat (a pullovaras) during the winter and should be kept in a comfortable climate during the summer. You must remember that they are not protected by a hair cover and that they are naturally "naked".

The breed is ideal for people with an allergy to animal hair. They are very intelligent, independent, insightful dogs and are loyal and tolerant of children. They are friendly with other dogs, but can become possessive and protective as well. Having some native sensibilities, these animals are strictly addressed to people who commit themselves to proper care.

Peruvian Dog Training

He's an intelligent dog. With a firm, consistent training done with gentleness, patience and without rushing it you can have a pet to match.

Even with proper training it is not recommended for those who have never had the responsibility of a dog or those who have never had a dog.

Read more about ... Pet Dog Training

Features Peruvian Dog

The fact that this dog is not covered with hair, this does not mean that their skin does not require care. The skin should be protected from sunlight as much as possible. Good sun protection should be provided, especially if the dog is taken outside on hot days. Toilet and brush regularly to remove dead skin and to keep it soft and smooth, human exfoliating creams can be used.

If you do not want to present your specimen at exhibitions, and the dog is kept in an appropriate living environment, it is better not to interfere with this natural process of desquamation and allow that process to occur naturally.

It is very important to keep the skin supple and soft and prevent it from drying out; it is recommended to use creams or lotions or sometimes even rub the skin with oil. Bathe these dogs periodically, using a gentle soap.

Their skin is susceptible to sunburn, dry irritation and tearing (caused by dogs, cats or objects). It is a very clean breed that does not exude a specific smell and is rarely parasitized (without fleas).

There are various theories according to which the body temperature would be several degrees higher than in the case of other breeds, that these dogs would be vegetarians and that they do not know how to bark, etc.the veracity of these aspects we leave to your curiosity.

Diseases Peruvian Dog

The breed is known to have fewer teeth than other breeds, mainly missing molars and premolars. They are recognized as prone to dental and skin diseases. They tend to develop acne or, finally, boils. The skin is also prone to dryness, which is why it requires special care.

Also, dogs should be protected from hot and sunny days because they are prone to sunstroke and skin burns, as well as from too cold or frosty days. Peruvian Hairless Dog shows an increased incidence of cryptorchidism (lack of descent into the scrotum of the testicles, they remain either in the abdominal cavity or somewhere on the path of the inguinal canal) and testicular infantilism (testicles of much smaller size than normal).

The average life expectancy is between 11-12 years.