Peruvian Inca Orchid (PIO)

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Peruvian Inca Orchid (PIO) is one of the several Hairless type dogs. It originates in Peru and has history that goes back to Peruvian Pre-Inca cultures. Also known as Inca Hairless Dog, PIO, Moonflower Dog, Perro Flora, Perro sin pelo del Peru, Al'co Calato and Inca Hairless Dog, it is often perceived to be an Incan dog because it is known to have been kept during the Inca Empire although they were also kept as pets in pre-Inca cultures from the Peruvian coastal zone. This breed has a rich history which dates back to pre-Inca era. The breed was sacrificed in religious ceremonies. These dogs were kept in sheltered rooms to protect from sunburn. Believed to be in existence since 750 A.D, the breed was officially recognized in the country of its origin in 1980s. There are two varieties of this breed based on the coat. One is hairless type and other is coated type. This breed is also distinguished by its different sizes in small, medium and large dogs. The small dogs have heights and weights between 9.75 to 15.75 inches and 8.8 to 17.6 lbs, medium between 16 to 19.75 inches and 17.6 to 26.4 lbs and large dogs stand between 19.75 to 25.75 inches and 26.4 to 55.1 lbs respectively.

The dog is similar to a deer in body structure and its movement. This medium size, sighthound breed gives the appearance of speed, strength and stamina with its lean and muscular body and long legs. The broad head tapers towards the nose. The skull is slightly rounded with an equal length muzzle and straight nose bridge. Nose is black in dark colour dogs and self-coloured in lighter colour dogs. Slightly almond shaped and medium size eyes hold an alert expression. They are brown in dark coloured dogs but light coloured dogs will have clearer eyes. Ears are erect in hairless dogs and semi erect in coated dogs. Neck is long and slightly arched with tight skin. The back is straight with moderately broad and deep chest. Low set and thick at the base tail tapers towards the tip. It is carried curved above the backline when the dog is in motion. This breed comes in either hairless variety where skin is smooth and elastic with small amount of hair present on head, legs and tail. In the coated dog, the single coat is moderately coarse and short to medium in length.

This breed is recognized by AKC, FCI and UKC.

Color

Color ranges from black through slate, blue-black, the entire range of grays, browns and blonds, either uniform or showing patches.

Coat

There are two types of Inca Hairless Dog based on coat. One is Hairless type with small amount of hair present on head, legs and tail. The other coated variety has a single and moderately small to medium length coat. It is coarse in texture.

Personality

The Peruvian Inca Orchid (PIO) is lively, alert, intelligent and devoted to its master. Very loving and affectionate, the dog would love to snuggle beside its master and sleep in the bed. It is a very witty and smart dog that is known to constantly amuse its family with clownish acts and fooling around. It is a very gentle, kind and playful dog with children but should not be rough-handled. Its wariness towards strangers and alert nature makes it a very good watch dog but fragile and slight build prevents it from becoming a handy guard dog. It gets along well with other dogs and pets in the family. As an intelligent and obedient breed, the dog is very trainable but due to independent thinking, can easily get bored with repetitive training routines. The trainer must provide innovative training to these dogs. The dog is mostly indoor due to its fragility to sunlight. It will need moderate amount of exercise to be happy and content. The Inca Hairless Dog makes a great companion, loving, affectionate and amusing family pet for all family members.

Care

Due to lack of coat, the dog is unsuitable to very hot or cold weather. It will need proper sheltering from hot or cold weather to prevent it from becoming ill. Children should be told not to mishandle this dog. Sunscreen should be applied to the skin and it should be checked for acne and black heads.

Training

The Peruvian Inca Orchid (PIO) is a very intelligent breed that will be very easy to train. The training should provide innovative training to these dogs as they can get easily bored with repetitive training routines. These dogs are very sensitive to harsh handling and should be treated in a gentle but firm manner.

Activity

This breed will need moderate amount of exercise, not too vigorous nor too light. It can benefit from daily walks.