Peruvian Inca Orchid: Dog Breed Profile

When it comes to dog breeds, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is in a class all its own. Sweet, loyal, and usually (but not always) hairless, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is in a class all its own. The Peruvian Inca Orchid, which belongs to the American Kennel Club's "Miscellaneous Group," has some characteristics that are comparable to those of other breeds, including Whippets and Greyhounds, as well as some that are unique to it (did we mention they're usually hairless?). Peruvian Inca Orchids make up for their lack of fur with their personality. They make vibrant and intriguing pets since they are affectionate, adaptable, and athletic. They also come in a variety of sizes, with some Peruvian Inca Orchids being quite small and others being quite enormous.

Appearance

GROUP: Miscellaneous Group

HEIGHT: 9.75 to 25.75 inches

WEIGHT: 8.5 to 55 pounds

COAT: Hairless

COAT COLOR: Any skin color; pink, black, brown, white, gray (coated)

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 10 to 12 years

Characteristics of the Peruvian Inca Orchid

Affection Level High

Friendliness Medium

Kid-Friendly Medium

Pet-Friendly Medium

Exercise Needs Medium

Playfulness Medium-Low

Energy Level Medium

Trainability Medium

Intelligence Medium-High

Tendency to Bark High

Amount of Shedding Low

The Peruvian Inca Orchid's History

The Peruvian Inca Orchid, as their name suggests, has a long and illustrious history, and may be one of the earliest domesticated dog breeds known to humans. Pottery going back to 750 A.D. contains early portrayals of the Peruvian Inca Orchid, with works dedicated to the breed found among artefacts from the Incas, Chancay, and Chimu, all of which were based in Peru.

The Peruvian Inca Orchid was praised among ancient Peruvian tribes not only as a loyal animal companion but also as a provider of healing properties (though it does appear that the breed was a close companion to the tribespeople—some pottery depictions of Peruvian Inca Orchids even show them wearing sweaters!). The Chimu believed that the urine and faeces of Peruvian Inca Orchids could be used as medicine, and that the dogs themselves could bring good health and even alleviate ailments like arthritis.

Peruvian Inca Orchids were miniature orchids from ancient Peruvian tribes. When the Spanish conquered Peru and began breeding the small Peruvian Inca Orchids with their own, larger kinds, this altered. As a result, the breed now has a wide range of sizes.

Unfortunately, the Peruvian Inca Orchid was not always as well-known as the Incan, Chancay, and Chimu orchids. While they did well in certain places, they were seen as unhealthy in metropolitan areas, owing to their lack of hair. Many people continued to care for them, including an American called Jack Walklin, who returned to the United States in 1966 with eight Peruvian Inca Orchids after a trip to Peru. Walklin is responsible for the breed's name, as well as the breed's popularity in the United States and Europe.

The Peruvian Inca Orchid (also known as a Peruvian Hairless Dog) was named a National Patrimony by the Peruvian government in 2001, and the breed is now protected across the country.

Care for Peruvian Inca Orchids

Although the Peruvian Inca Orchid is a medium-energy dog, it still needs enough of daily activity to be at its best. They're great apartment dogs who enjoy indoor activity as well as a daily stroll. They also love activities such as lure coursing and agility, which provide cerebral as well as physical activity.

Because the Peruvian Inca Orchid is both intelligent (read: stubborn) and difficult to socialise, owners must devote time and effort to educating them. Aggressive play is discouraged during the Peruvian Inca Orchid's puppyhood since it can lead to negative behaviour later. Before you leave your Peruvian Inca Orchid alone with dogs, cats, or small children, make sure you practise a lot of positive reinforcement training.

Regular brushings aren't necessary with a Peruvian Inca Orchid, but extra precautions must be taken to preserve and care for their exposed skin. This involves taking a bath every now and then, using sunscreen before going outside, and moisturising regularly when they're inside. Monthly nail trims, weekly ear cleanings, and brushing your teeth at least five times a week are all healthy grooming practises to follow. Brush your Peruvian Inca Orchid on a semi-regular basis if it has hair.

Common Health Problems

Peruvian Inca Orchids are generally healthy dogs with no known hereditary predisposition to particular diseases. All pure-bred dogs, however, are susceptible to certain health issues, so it's crucial to know what to watch for.

Missing teeth, acne, and skin diseases are more common in the hairless species of Peruvian Inca Orchids. Whether you're buying a Peruvian Inca Orchid from a breeder, find out if any of these problems have been seen in the lineage. The majority of health issues linked to Peruvian Inca Orchids are treatable and/or tolerable, but it's always important to know what to expect.

Diet and Nutrition

The nutritional requirements of Peruvian Inca Orchids are similar to those of most dogs, with the breed thriving on a high-quality, protein-rich diet. If necessary, meet special nutritional requirements, such as if your Peruvian Inca Orchid is a puppy or a senior. Allow plenty of healthful treats for your Peruvian Inca Orchid, but keep them tiny if you detect any weight growth. If you have any questions or suspect that your dog is acquiring too much weight, consult your veterinarian.

Adopt or Purchase a Peruvian Inca Orchid

We always suggest that you consider adoption first. Begin your search on pet adoption websites such as Petfinder, Adopt-a-Pet, and Overstock Pet Adoptions, as well as breed-specific rescue organisations such as Peruvian Inca Orchid Rescue, Inc. Bald is Beautiful Dog Rescue or Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions may also be of assistance.

If you do decide to buy from a breeder, make sure you do your homework and only work with someone who is trustworthy and treats their dogs well.

Additional Dog Breeds and Research

There is a perfect dog for everyone out there. Continue looking through our dog profiles to discover more about other popular breeds and how to care for them, or simply visit a shelter to see who you connect with.

Temperament

The hairless bodies of the breed radiate heat. Many Peruvians utilise dogs as living hot-water bottles for nighttime comfort or pain relief. They are intelligent, affectionate with family members but apprehensive of strangers, and fiercely protective of the family's women and children. The breed is known for being energetic, alert, and dog-friendly. They're quick and agile, and many of them prefer hunting small rodents by sight. These dogs dislike being left alone, but when properly trained, they may perform admirably. They are usually aware of and respectful of their permitted areas. Extreme temperatures are intolerable to these dogs, but they are fairly comfortable in gear and will even frolic in the snow if properly equipped. They are not advised for beginners and often require an owner that understands dog language. They are quick learners and are quite intelligent, yet they become tired soon when playing games like "fetch."

Care

Due to the lack of hair, it has a reputation for being easy to wash and free of fleas. Because they lack the common dog dander, the breed does not produce typical allergic reactions in dog-sensitive individuals. [requires citation] Dogs should be bathed on a regular basis to remove dirt and prevent pores from clogging. If they don't include lanolin, baby cleansers are a good option. Acne, or at the very least blackheads, are common in some dogs. When the skin becomes excessively dry, it can be soothed using a moisturising cream. Baby lotion without lanolin is another fantastic option for softening and moisturising washed skin. Because of the fragrances and other chemicals included in commercial moisturising lotions, the dogs appear to prefer olive oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil.

For light-colored/white dogs, sunscreen may be beneficial during the summer[citation needed]. When out-breeding, Peruvians prefer dark-coated dogs to assure dark-skinned offspring.

When the dog is unable to roam around at its own pace due to severe weather conditions, cold protection is required.

Cold sensitivity varies from dog to dog. Smaller dogs appear to be more cold-sensitive than larger dogs. Despite this, the dogs are kept in Puno, at 3,800 metres above sea level, where the average temperature is 15 degrees Celsius, and are widespread in Cusco, at 3,400 metres.

History

Because it was known to have been kept under the Inca Empire (the Spaniards classed it as one of the six different breeds of dogs in the empire), the Peruvian Hairless Dog is often mistaken for an Incan dog. They were also kept as pets in pre-Inca societies from Peru's northern coastal zone. The Chim, Moche, and Vicus cultures are well-known for their ceramic hairless dogs. Peruvian hairless dogs first appear on Moche pottery jars around A.D. 750, and they persist in later Andean ceramic traditions.