Peruvian Inca Orchid: the magical leg warmer of the Incas, who could only go outdoors in the moonlight

This special breed of hairless dog is very rare nowadays, but was once a treasured pet of the Incas. It was believed that the Peruvian Inca Orchid was a gift from the gods and had magical powers.

The Peruvian Inca Orchid is one of the four hairless breeds, although like its Chinese cousin, it also has a furry version. The breed is not only interesting in appearance, but also in history, as the Incas believed that this fragile-looking dog was a gift from the gods.

History of the Peruvian Inca Orchid

As the name suggests, the Peruvian Inca Orchid has a long history and is perhaps one of the earliest domesticated dog breeds. Its ancestors can be found (and in some cases, the ancestors of the depicted in sweaters) are found in the ruins pottery dating back to 750 AD, and pieces dedicated to the species have been found among Inca relics. They regarded the PeruvianInca Orchid as a gift from the gods and only released them at night, when the dogs could roam under the orchids.

The Spanish conquerors later believed that these animals were magical creatures that only came out at night. However, they were probably only released at night because they would have burned quickly in the sun if they had no fur. But the Incas also attributed magical powers to these special dogs. Therefore, under Inca rules, these dogs enjoyed full protection. Bald dogs were used as bed warmers. Although the body temperature of hairless dogs is the same as that of hairy dogs, since they do not have fur (most specimens) to absorb heat, they radiate heat more.

But not only for warmth, but also also used for healing. They were believed to cure joint pain, headaches and respiratory problems. Their faeces and urine were believed to have healing properties. The Peruvians considered this hairless dog a gift from the gods. Peru’s national dog is also known as the flower of the moon or flower dog.

The original hairless dogs were companion dogs, but when Peru was conquered by the Conquistadors, the small dogs were crossed with foreigners’ dogs and over the years three different sizes evolved. In the mountainous regions, the Andeans protected the dogs, but the breed did not fare well in the coastal cities. There, hairless dogs were considered sickly and pariahs and were often destroyed.

Name change

In 1966, an American, Jack Walklin, visited Peru and brought eight dogs to the United States. He is believed to have named the breed the Peruvian Inca Orchid, and the breed was established under that name in the United States and some countries in Europe. In 1985, the Peruvian Kennel Club adopted the breed and asked the FCI to change the name to Perro sin Pelo de Perura (Peruvian Hairless Dog). In 2001 Peru declared the breed a national heritage and the dogs are now protected in the country.

Breed standard

A Peruvian Inca Orchid is known is three sizes, small, medium and large. Elegant and slender, the dog’s appearance expresses speed, strength and harmony. There are two types, the hairless and the hairy. Another unique feature is that the dentition is almost always missing in the hairless variety. Ears are deeply set and moderately large. Eyes are medium in size and slightly almond-shaped.

Their colouring is consistent with their skin tone, ranging from black to brown to yellow. His gaze is alert and intelligent. The neck is arched and of the same length as the head. Muzzle is straight and the tail is deeply set. The hairless variety may have few hairs on the head, sometimes on the ends of the legs, on the tail and very rarely on the back. Fur of the hairy variety is fine and short. Colour may be any colour except merle. The small type is 25-40 cm and 4-8 kg. The medium type is 41-50 cm and 8-12 kg, the large 51-65 cm and 12-30 kg. Expected lifetime 11-12 years.

Character

The Peruvian Inca orchid is very intelligent, and therefore sometimes stubborn. Training takes time and patience, but once you get the hang of it, it learns quickly. Early socialisation is necessary to become a balanced dog. He should not be seen as a fragile flower, he is a characterful, self-aware dog. This breed is very attached and affectionate to his owner, very loyal and loving. To this day, he likes to be a bed warmer, and likes to spend the night snuggled up close to his owner. He is people-oriented, but less fond of strangers and takes time to relax in company. Also a great signal dog who likes to relax on the couch, but is also playful. He can cheer his owner up in no time with his antics.

Ideal environment

Can also be kept indoors but is also essential for multiple daily walks. Agility or even lure coursing can be an ideal sport for a Peruvian Inca Orchid. They not only exhaust the dog physically, but also mentally. It should not be taken out for walks in strong sunshine, and in summer it is advisable to apply sunscreen for dogs, as they can easily burn. In the cold of winter, a coat should be worn to keep him warm.

Care

With a hairless dog, you don’t have to bother much with combing, but you do need to look after the skin. It needs moisturising, sunscreen in the summer, and more frequent bathing than its furry counterparts. Occasionally claws need to be trimmed, and keep his ears and eyes clean and eyes need to be kept clean.

Common health problems

The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a fairly healthy dog, but there are a few things to watch out for. A hairless dogs are always genetically deficient in dentition, which makes it very important that the dog receives proper dental care throughout its life. Hairless skin may have blackheads, pimples, small wounds and care should be taken to ensure that the skin is not too dry. Epilepsy may occur.

Literature: Dr. Klára Király: Versek, legendák és bölcsességek Kutyabarátoknak (Poems, Legends and Wisdoms for Dog Lovers), David Alderton: Dogs.