Dog Breed Group: Hunting Dog
Life Span: 11-13 years
Weight: Male: 5-8, Female: 4-6
Height: Male: 12-16, Female: 10-15
Origin of Name: The Peruvian Inca Orchid is recognized by the AKC and all recognized dogs are descendants of 13 dogs brought from Peru.
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The ancient history of the Peruvian Inca orchid can be told through pottery and textiles. The breed first appeared in Moche pottery in 750 AD. They were also depicted in chimu, chancke, and incan pottery. The Chancay people used dogs as companions, and some pottery also represented them in sweaters. His urine and feces are believed to be used in medicine. Chimu considered them good luck and used the heat of dogs to treat arthritis and respiratory conditions.
The original hairy dogs were small companion animals, but when Peru was conquered by the conquistadors, the smaller dogs were interred with the dogs of foreigners and, over the years, three different sizes evolved. In mountainous areas, Andean people protected dogs, but the breed did not fare well in cities along the coast. There, childless dogs were considered diseased and pariah and were often ravaged.
In 1966, Jack Walklin, an American, visited Peru and brought eight dogs back to America. It is believed that the breed is named Peruvian Inca Orchid and this breed was established in the US and Europe under this name. Germany registered the breed in 1981 with FCI.
In 1985, the Kennel Club of Peru accepted the breed and FCI requested to change the name of Pero Sin Pelo de Peru (Peruvian Hairless Dog). In 2001, Peru declared the breed a national patrimony and the dogs are now protected in Peru.