Dogs are often known for their beautiful coat, which comes in various length, color, pattern, and thickness. The coat often gives recognition to the dog, especially for those who are a fan of furry canines. However, not all dogs are popular for their long and beautiful coats; there are some breeds that are known for their hairlessness, giving them a unique and elegant look.
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is an excellent example of a noble and hairless breed. Although this breed has a short-haired variation, it is still famous for its iconic hairless variant. Agility, athleticism, and keen instincts add up to the breed’s excellent characteristics, making it a fascinating breed.
In this article, we are going to look into the incredible characteristics and origins of the beautiful hairless breed: The Peruvian Inca Orchid.
Origins of the Peruvian Inca Orchid
From the name itself, we can trace back the origin of the Peruvian Inca Orchid to hundreds of years ago in ancient times. Its appearance was often used as a reference for artworks, which is why we can usually find it in ancient pottery. Various ancient civilizations, including Moche, Chimu, Chancay, and Inca, were known to use the ancient dog in different crafts and arts. Furthermore, ever since this time, the Peruvian Inca Orchid has already proved to be a trusted companion for the ancient people.
Interestingly, the breed also had its contribution to the medicinal practices of the ancient civilization. People used to believe that the dog’s urine and feces have healing effects, which is why they used them in medicines. Furthermore, the dogs’ warm body temperature was used to treat some medical conditions, such as arthritis and respiratory problems.
The Peruvian Inca Orchid was considered a small dog during its early existence. However, after the Conquistadors’ conquest took place, large dogs were interbred with the small hairless dogs; the years of breeding resulted in variations of the dog’s size and skin. Despite the great qualities of the hairless breed, some people living in cities consider it diseased, which became a reason for them to execute the dogs.
The breed started to gain recognition after an American named Jack Walklin visited Peru in 1966. Walklin went back to the United States, along with eight hairless dogs. He was responsible for establishing the hairless dog in the United States and Europe, wherein he named it Peruvian Inca Orchid. With the help of Jack Walklin, the Peruvian Inca Orchid started to gain recognition in different parts of the globe, mainly in the United States.
Characteristics of the Peruvian Inca Orchid
Height: 9.75 – 19.75 inches
Weight: 8.5 – 26.5 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 years
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Describing the Peruvian Inca Orchid is not much of a difficult task. The breed consists of three sizes: small, medium, and large; it also has two variations, hairless and coated. Furthermore, the small variation of the breed could stand up to nine inches tall, while the large variation could grow more than nineteen-inches tall. Whichever size of this dog, one thing is for sure that it makes an excellent working companion.
When it comes to the PIO’s appearance, it flaunts its beautiful hairless body, sometimes with spots. The hairless variation usually comes in solid colors, while the coated version comes in a variety of colors, including black, brown, gray, pink, tan, and white. However, the Peruvian Inca Orchid mostly gained its popularity, thanks to its iconic hairlessness, giving it a sleek and elegant appearance.
Speaking of sleekness, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is not just a slim and noble-looking dog; it also boasts exceptional skills when it comes to the field. The PIO is known for its finesse, making sure to get the job done with the help of its agility and athleticism. Intelligence is another factor that makes the breed interesting. Combined with the speed and power, the Peruvian Inca Orchid proves to be an exceptional dog suitable for various types of canine tasks.
Moreover, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is widely known for being affectionate and friendly. This breed is incredibly loyal to its master and loved ones. It is also smart enough to distinguish a friend from a foe, making it an effective watchdog and guard dog. With this said, we can say that the Peruvian Inca Orchid is not just an elegant working dog; it also built a reputation as an adorable family companion.