Peruvian Inca Orchid

8-55 lbs
9-25"
Peru
PIO, Perros Flora, Flower Dog, Peruvian Hairless Dog

The Peruvian Inca Orchid presents a very elegant outline. He comes in two coat varieties: the hairless and the powderpuff. The hairless variety does have more health problems than the powderpuff and is considered more susceptible to sunburn and frostbite. Whether he is hairless or powderpuff, he is a quick learner and loves people. He is a sensitive dog who does best in a family with older children. He also only needs moderate exercise and can do well in certain dog sports such as obedience, rally and agility. The Peruvian Inca Orchid must live indoors and needs a soft cushioned bedding to protect his skin and light frame.

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
300 B.C.
ancestry Ancestry
Sighthound

Peruvian Inca Orchid Health

Average Size
Male Peruvian Inca Orchid size stats
Height: 9-25 inches Weight: 8-55 lbs
Female Peruvian Inca Orchid size stats
Height: 9-25 inches Weight: 8-55 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Epilepsy
  • Acne
  • Skin Lesions
  • Irritable Bowel Disease (IBS)
Minor Concerns
  • Missing Teeth
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Dental Examination
  • Physical Examination
  • Endoscopy
  • Skin Evaluation

Peruvian Inca Orchid Breed History

There are some researchers who believe that the Peruvian Inca Orchid was introduced into Peru during the Chinese immigration. This occurred soon after the president of Peru, Don Ramon Castilla, abolished the slavery of the blacks. There are other researchers who believe that the Peruvian Inca Orchid descends from dogs that came from Africa through the nomads that came to the Americas with their hairless dogs. Then there are those who believe that the Peruvian Inca Orchid came to the Americas when men migrated from Asia over the Bering Strait. There is evidence of dogs similar to the Peruvian Inca Orchid on ceramics within different pre-Inca civilizations such as the Mochica, Chancay, Vicus and Chimu. It is suggested that the Peruvian Inca Orchid has been in existence around 300 B.C. When the Spanish conquistadors invaded Peru, they discovered these hairless dogs in Incan homes. They called them perros flora or flower dogs and claimed that these dogs were highly valued by the Incas. They noted that these hairless dogs were only allowed outside at night to prevent them from becoming sunburned. The Incas are supposed to have used the urine and feces of these dogs in medicines. The Chimu especially considered these dogs to be good luck. The Peruvian Inca Orchid was first brought into the United States in 1966. These first dogs were of the hairless variety. The United Kennel Club officially recognized the Peruvian Inca Orchid in 1996. Also in 1996, the American Kennel Club started recording them in the Foundation Stock Service.  The Peruvian Inca Orchid was declared the national dog of Peru in 2001.

Peruvian Inca Orchid Breed Appearance

The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a sighthound and he can be either hairless or powderpuff. His general appearance is elegant and slim. He portrays strength, speed and harmony. The Peruvian Inca Orchid comes in three sizes: small, medium and large. Both coat varieties are present in all three sizes. The hairless variety generally has no hair or light hair on his head, lower part of the tail and the feet. The powderpuff variety will have hair all over his body. The hairless variety almost always does not have full dentition. Some only retain a few teeth, where others may only lose a few teeth. The hairless variety will have exposed skin. The skin’s pigmentation can be black, white, grey, brown, tan or pink. The coated variety will be black, white, grey, brown or tan. The powderpuff variety can have short or medium length and there will be feathering on the ears, neck and body. 

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Peruvian Inca Orchid eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Peruvian Inca Orchid nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Peruvian Inca Orchid coat
Black
white Peruvian Inca Orchid coat
White
gray Peruvian Inca Orchid coat
Gray
brown Peruvian Inca Orchid coat
Brown
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Peruvian Inca Orchid straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Peruvian Inca Orchid Breed Maintenance

The powderpuff variety does require weekly grooming. He does shed, although it is mild. He should be brushed with a natural bristle brush. The hairless variety does not require grooming unless he has small patches of hair on his feet, tail or head. His skin does require special care including daily moisturizing and sunscreen when outside in the sunlight. In the winter, he will need a warm dog shirt or coat when he goes outside to keep him from getting frost bite. His skin can be wiped with a damp cloth to remove dirt. Generally he will need a bath once a week or every two weeks to keep the skin from becoming blemished and to reduce the possibility of developing acne. The Peruvian Inca Orchid does need his ears checked weekly and cleaned as needed to reduce the risk of infection. He will need a regular dental routine including brushing his teeth with a soft toothbrush and veterinary approved toothpaste. 

Brushes for Peruvian Inca Orchid
Comb
Comb
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Peruvian Inca Orchid requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Peruvian Inca Orchid Temperament

The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a laid back dog and requires moderate exercise, only about 20 to 30 minutes a day. He is a couch potato and prefers to be indoors. Many people compare the Peruvian Inca Orchid’s temperament to that of a Whippet; they do have a very similar temperament. He can be a lively dog and somewhat of a class clown. He loves to make his family happy and will play tricks on them. He is an easy keeper, with the exception of the extra skin care the hairless variety requires. It is best to socialize your Peruvian Inca Orchid at an early age. This will ensure that he is able to handle new situations throughout his life. He is a sensitive dog and easy to train as long as you treat him with respect and use positive reinforcement. He does well in a home that does not have small children. He can be timid with strangers, but will warm up to them over time.

Peruvian Inca Orchid Owner Experiences

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