How the Peruvian Hairless Dog appeared, external norms, character and health, care: walking a pet, which includes a diet, interesting facts. Puppy price. Peruvian naked dogs are little known outside their homeland. Those people who are not familiar with the breed, and for the first time seeing a hairless dog, usually react in the opposite direction to the phrase: "Oh, how cute!" Even hardcore dog lovers can be overwhelmed by the strange sight of a spotted dog with wrinkled skin and rather amusing tufts of hair that grow on the head and tip of the tail.
For a very long time, these dogs were looked at with curiosity, not with admiration. Although hairless dogs are an ancient breed, they have not been so loved by the modern public. However, now everything has changed. Interest in the species and its popularity have increased.
How did the Peruvian Hairless Dog come about?
The Hairless Dogs of Peru are an ancient breed that goes back at least to the time of the Inca civilization, or probably earlier. These dogs are also called the Peruvian Inca Orchid, moon flower, and flower dog. There are some conflicting theories about where the breed came from. Some people believe that the ancestors of these dogs arrived in Peru with immigrants from China shortly after the then ruler of Peru, Don Ramon Castilla, signed a decree to abolish slavery.
Others support the version that nomads from Africa brought these dogs to South America. Another theory is that Peruvian Hairless Dogs reached America, accompanying Asian travelers who followed the Bering Strait. The most likely explanation is that this unique species actually originated on the southern continent of America, sometime between 300 BC and 700 AD.
Pottery and paintings of the pre-Columbian Inca cultures Vicus, Moche, Chankai and Chimu depict hairless dogs that bear striking similarities to today's hairless dogs of Peru. The Peruvians revered their sleek, streamlined, small dogs. Peruvian hairless dogs were supposed to have mystical qualities. At that time, during spiritual rituals, these animals were dressed in ceremonial clothes. They were kept as companions and pets to keep people warm in bed while they sleep.
When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in South America in the 16th century, the breed was nearly extinct. Some reports say the Spaniards used them as a food source. Fortunately, many owners of Peruvian Inca orchids worked hard to preserve their favorite breed, especially those that lived in the countryside.
After the Spanish occupation, Peruvian Hairless Dogs slowly moved to warm European countries as well as the United States. It is reported that only 12 members of this breed have been imported into the United States. As a result, there is very little genetic diversity in flower dogs in America. Here, in the breed, there are fewer differences than in other countries where they live. The Peruvian Inca Orchid remains popular in Peru, where it is called "kalato", which means naked.
Peruvian Hairless Dogs gained international recognition when they were recognized as a separate breed by the International Federation of Cynology (FCI) in 1955. The species was taken over by the United Kennel Club (UKC), in 1996, as a member of the Sighthound and Pariah group. In the spring of 1996, this breed was credited to the American Kennel Club with Hound group status, thanks to the hard work of the Peruvian Inca Orchid Club of America members.
Representatives of the club are seeking full AKC recognition for the breed. Peruvian Hairless Dog, classified in another AKC class in 2011, with the designation Sighthound. Representatives of the breed have the right to participate in various competitions of the American Sports Association (ASFA) since January 2000. Today, breed specimens are shown in shows organized by the American Rare Breeds Association (ARBA), as well as in AKC contests and competitions. They compete in coursing, agility and other competitions, but are, above all, beloved companion dogs.
Ultimately, the Peruvian "Inca Orchid" was declared a cultural heritage of the nation of Peru, and the breed is protected by law. Now, this can lead to some complications when moving with such pets. Customs officials do not allow their cultural property to be exported from Peru.
External norms of the hairless Peruvian dog
According to the FCI breed standard, the most important aspect of this breed is hairlessness. The dog may have short hairs on the head, legs, and the tip of the tail. They are slender, streamlined and elegant animals, with an impression of strength and harmony. Peruvian Hairless dogs vary in size: small 25–40 cm, medium 40–50 cm, large 50–65 cm. Weight also depends on size: small 4–8 kg, medium 8–12 kg, large 12–25 kg.
- Head - long, slightly wider between the ears. The frontal groove is visible.
- Muzzle - elongated, but not narrow. The stop is smooth. The bridge of the nose may have a hump. The lips are tight. Scissors bite.
- Nose continues the bridge of the nose, mostly dark in color, but there are also brown ones.
- Eyes - are always brown, but dogs with a light color may have sharper eyes than dark-skinned individuals.
- Ears - have a high seating, triangular, standing shape and are laid on the head.
- Neck the dog is muscular, long, smoothly curved.
- Frame - Stretched, well skinned, strong and muscular, but no frills. The withers and chest are well developed. The back is straight, the loin of the croup is muscular. The bottom line is strongly tucked up.
- Tail - long, towards the end, slightly bent in the form of a sickle.
- Front limbs Peruvian Hairless Dog - long, straight. Hind legs - parallel, in long thighs.
- Paws - in the form of a feline. The pads are tight and the nails are firm.
- Coat completely absent or may be in the form of a bang on the head, on the limbs and on the tip of the tail. Breeders in Peru prefer completely hairless dogs. Dogs completely covered with hair are not allowed to participate in exhibitions.
- Color skins can be chocolate brown, dark gray, coppery, or variegated. There are specimens of completely and uniformly colored, or solid colors with pink spots on the tongue. Albinism is not allowed in the breed.
Distinctive features of the behavior of the Peruvian hairless dog
The hairless dog from Peru or "moon flower" is a lively, temperamental, inquisitive animal that plays well with other canines and gets along easily with them. The temperament of these wonderful dogs is similar to the temperament of a whitpet. They are loyal and affectionate to all members of their family, which makes them great companions. They are sensitive pets and are best suited for living with adults and older children.
Pets instinctively guard and protect against strangers and dogs. Since they are suspicious of outsiders, they have excellent watch qualities. Dogs don't like being left alone for extended periods of time. They will feel best when interacting with at least one canine friend who lives in the family.
They are active, agile, athletic animals and are probably not the best choice for owners who have never owned a dog. However, with experienced hosts, they prove to be careful guardians and friendly companions. It is very important to start communication and training of the Hairless Peruvian dog at an early age, so that their psyche becomes stable and their behavior is reliable. Adult Peruvians are usually calm, quiet, intelligent and somewhat independent. They are completely loyal to their owners, reserved with outsiders, and rarely aggressive.
Health and disease susceptibility of the Peruvian Hairless Dog
The average lifespan of a Peruvian orchid dog is between eleven and thirteen years. The breed usually has a good immune system, but its limited genetic diversity and hairlessness contribute to several health problems.
Genes responsible for the condition of bones, joints and ligaments also affect the dentition. Hairy Peruvian Inca orchids can usually be born with some missing teeth and are prone to other dental problems. Most of these individuals are born without premolars, and some without molars, which can make it difficult to chew solid food. There are dogs that are missing one or both fangs. Coated dogs must have a full dentition.
Other health problems of the species include: inflammatory bowel disease, dry skin, strokes, and seizures. Hairless Peruvian dogs are very sensitive to cold and sunlight. Hairless specimens are particularly prone to acne and sunburn. Dogs suffer from physical contact with pesticides or other harmful toxins that are easily absorbed through the skin.
Rules for the care of a naked Peruvian dog
- Wool if present in "moon flowers", then in insignificant quantities. How can you think that then, taking care of their "coat" is unnecessary. However, they need your care. Dogs should not go outside without sunscreen or clothing to provide protection from the sun or cold weather. Their skin should be wiped with a warm, damp cloth every few days to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Also, the pet's skin is regularly moisturized with lotion or oil specially used for dogs. Rarely, but there are woolly individuals among the breed. Their fur is prone to tangling and should be combed out constantly to keep the hair neat and tangle-free. Regular baths with a very gentle shampoo are important for both bald and “dressed” representatives of this breed. Rinse off the cleaning products thoroughly so as not to dry out your pet's skin. If you ignore the "bath" procedures or do it rarely, irritation and acne will appear on the dog's skin.
- Teeth in hairless Peruvian dogs, they are susceptible to various diseases. Therefore, they require special attention and daily cleaning. Only then will the problems associated with bleeding gums, tartar accumulation and foul breath bypass your pet.
- Ears clean at least once every two weeks, dripping in a wax emollient and wiping off any excess outside. Keep your ears free of damage, redness, bad smell from the inside.
- Eyes wipe with a soothing lotion once a week, in the direction of the corner of the eye.
- Claws with excessive regrowth, shorten with claws.
- Feeding must be selected carefully. Hairless dogs are prone to allergies, so natural food is difficult to find. It is especially not recommended to give the dog fish and chicken raised on premixed feed. Usually, pets are fed with industrial, dry concentrate, which he ate in the nursery. For a more complete consultation, you can get from a veterinarian-dietitian. Remember that when feeding industrial, dry food, the bowl should always have clean water.
- Walking rather long and varied. With a greyhound-like structure, the Inca Peruvian Orchids are extremely active and like to run a lot. These dogs are not as fast as whippets, but they perform wonderfully in coursing competitions. Flower dogs have a high level of energy, especially during adolescent puppyhood. During this period, they especially need an acceptable dose of daily exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. Private homes are great for pets, with fenced-in yards where they can run safely and get plenty of independent, regular exercise.
Dogs do not neglect long, unhurried constant walks. This breed loves to chase birds, plastic bags flying in the wind and everything else that moves and is in their field of vision. Hairless Peruvian dogs should remain indoors during periods of extreme temperature and weather. If it's hot and sunny, they should be generously smeared with sunscreen. When it's cold or humid outside, they need to be dressed up in a warm cape or, better, a jumpsuit.
Peruvian Hairless Dog Training
Moon Blossoms are intelligent, alert and highly trained dogs. They tend to learn the initial commands of obedience and "home etiquette" fairly easily. Pets can be a little apathetic, but they tend to be great learners, especially when learning through positive, reward-based reinforcement rather than harsh, loud verbal or physical corrections.
Peruvian Hairless Dogs are best suited for short rather than long training sessions. So they will not get bored and acquire an interest in classes. Pets can be quite addicted to games and food. Consistent training from a young age is essential for normal adult dog behavior.
Naked "Inca orchids" are extremely sensitive to weather conditions. They do not perform well in extreme and very cold conditions. Pets will look for tightly closed spaces to avoid drafts and maintain proper body temperature. Most owners wear jumpsuits or sweaters over their naked dogs when they go outside with them in cold or wet weather. And when they walk in the middle of a summer day, they put sunscreen on the dogs.
They are quiet dogs, but will certainly bark anxiously when their owners are in danger or when they are afraid of something. Some young individuals, in dangerous and confusing situations, suffer from mental disorders. Owners should regularly introduce their dogs to their brethren, unknown animals and people, even from the age of a small puppy.
This will help reduce their sensitivity and feel more comfortable around strangers in a new environment. This adaptation will make them react more predictably as pets get older. With extreme intelligence, alertness, and a protective nature, Peruvian Inca orchids can be excellent guardians. With their affectionate, kind, sensitive expressions, they are terrific companions for their owners.
Interesting facts about the Peruvian hairless dog
Most of these dogs have solid pink or black skin with some freckling at birth. Over the next few months, the freckles get bigger and bigger. Hairy "Peruvian orchids" have smooth, soft, elastic skin, pleasant to the touch. They usually have fluffy tufts of hair between their ears that extend partially down their forehead and are called the "kissing site". Because of their sensitivity to sunlight, flower dogs have a slight squint.
Peruvian Hairless Dog Puppy Price
Since this breed is susceptible to several diseases, look for responsible breeders who are constantly screening puppy breeders and have medical confirmation. The price for a puppy is $ 1000-1200.
More about the breed in the following video:
