Peruvian Inca Orchid

The Peruvian Inca Orchid, also known as the "Peruvian Hairless"� or the "Moonflower Dog,"� is a breed that can trace its heritage back thousands of years, to pre-Incan culture. Its ancestors are believed to be the first dog type in the Americas.The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a strong, lean, muscular dog of medium bone. It is a sight hound, and is often described as looking much like the Pharaoh Hound. It comes in both a hairless and a coated version; the hairless version has by far been the more popular. It comes in three sizes: small, medium and large. The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a long, sleek animal with a slightly rectangular shape, clean and graceful. It has a long neck and large ears. Its eyes are almond-shaped and dark. It often has fewer teeth than other dogs, which is a function of the hairless gene. The hairless version of this breed often has a single tuft of hair atop its head and may have a small bit on the tail and the tops of the feet. The skin is soft and smooth but also thick and very protective. The coated variety has a smooth, sleek coat. It can appear in any solid canine color, or combination including spotted, brindle and palomino. The small variety of the Peruvian Inca Orchid averages 10 to 16 inches in height at the shoulder and weighs 9 to18 pounds; the medium variety averages 16 to 20 inches tall and weighs an average 18 to 26 pounds; the large size averages 20 to 26 inches tall and weighs an average 26 to 55 pounds. Historians say that the ancestors of the Peruvian Inca Orchid resulted as a spontaneous hairless mutation in the dogs that were indigenous to the region. Archealogical evidence suggests that hairless dogs were present more than 2,000 years ago; Mochica pottery pictures the dogs with clothes on a testament to the esteem in which they were held by the ancient culture. The Peruvian Inca Orchid were thought to be sacred, and were kept indoors and used as bed warmers. It was believed that they had a high body temperature and mystical healing powers. They were companions and guardians. Peruvian Inca Orchids were kept indoors in the daytime so that they wouldn't be exposed to the strong sun and burn. The people also didn't want them to mix with the coated indigenous dogs and be tainted. To preserve the purity of the Peruvian Inca Orchids, the coated dogs were all locked up when the sun went down, and the Peruvian Inca Orchids were let outside. When the Spanish conquered Peru, they found the hairless dogs living in the Incan households, coming out at night to play amongst the beautiful orchids that bloomed in the moonlight. This is how they came to be called "Moonflower Dogs"� in Europe and the United States, and later the "Peruvian Inca Orchid."� It is believed that the Spanish conquistadors may have brought greyhounds with them that eventually crossed with the native hairless dogs to give the Peruvian Inca Orchid its pronounced sight hound qualities. It is believed also that the Spanish took some of the hairless dogs with them, and eventually took them to China as gifts and it is from this foundation that the Chinese Crested was developed. The Peruvian Inca Orchid has been listed with the American Kennel Club's Foundation Stock Service since 1996. In Peru it is called the "Hairless Dog of Peru,"� or more commonly the native Quechua word "Calato,"� meaning the "Naked."� The Peruvian Inca Orchid, whether coated or not, needs minimal care. The coated should receive a brushing weekly to remove dead hair and prevent shedding. The hairless variety sometimes suffers from a variety of skin problems that are owner-caused by too much care excessive bathing and lotions. The Peruvian Inca Orchid has tough skin, but the lighter pigmented individuals should receive protection from the sun to prevent sunburn. The Peruvian Inca Orchid does not show much evidence so far of inheritable disease. This breed is not suited to outdoor life or extremes of temperature, particular in colder climates. The hairless variety should be provided with a coat in cool weather. This dog is active and needs daily exercise. Without it, the Peruvian Inca Orchid can be destructive and develop behavioral problems. Fencing should be secure and high, because this breed can jump and is very agile and athletic. As a sight hound, this breed must be leashed when walking with the owner; a squirrel or cat or other quick-moving small animal will trigger the prey instinct, and the dog may run off or into traffic very quickly. The adult Peruvian Inca Orchid is known for a calm demeanor, but youngsters can be quite exuberant. This breed is very intelligent and learns quickly. It is attuned to the owner's emotions and the goings-on in the household. It is devoted and loyal, and will not want to stray far from the owner. Some Peruvians Inca Orchids develop separation anxiety when separated from their owners in its severe form this can result in destructive and even self-destructive behavior. Adding another dog to the household as a companion can help, as can assistance from a professional dog training or canine behaviorist. The Peruvian Inca Orchid has some primitive characteristics, such as a strong guarding instinct and a strong prey drive. Early training and early and continual socialization is essential to help the dog live successfully in the household. With proper training, the Peruvian Inca Orchid can live very well with other dogs and with children. Caution should be exercised when introducing this dog to very young children, visitors or other strangers; the dog should be approached slowly until it has time to become acquainted with the new person. The Peruvian Inca Orchid has excellent hearing, and will alert the owner to anything suspicious. However, these dogs are not characteristically obsessive barkers, and are known to be very quiet dogs.

Back to iAnimals.com home page Copyright Notice: This website is © . All Rights Reserved.  Click Here to contact us. Link Partners: Animals Go to Heaven | Adopt Me | Salt And Pepper | Singing Animals | Animal Noises