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Peruvian Hairless Dogs
By Ray Remmington, Jr.
Native to Peru is a breed of dog with a distinctive appearance, a very beneficial role in human health and a fascinating history.
Archeologists know that the Peruvian Hairless has been around Peru for at least 4000 years. The dogs are pictured in Vicus and Chavin ceramics from that time, and their skeletons have been found in the tombs of the Moche, who considered them both guardians and guides of the dead. They were also favored by Inca nobles who kept them as pets.
Healing Properties
 Though they make excellent sight dogs for the blind, the dogs are even better known for their healing properties. They have an unusually high body temperature and, after being bathed, are often tucked into the bed of sick people suffering from rheumatism. The dog also brings positive energy into a household, and contact with its skin is said to cure asthma. In addition, the hairless are great for allergy sufferers who want the companionship of a dog.
The fundamental trait of the breed is the absence of hair on the body, except for small vestiges on the head, extremities and tail.
Two Varieties
There are two varieties within the breed: hairless and coated. Both may appear in the same litter. However, traditionally, the hairless hounds were more valued than the coated. Examples of 2000 year old Mochica pottery show these dogs dressed in clothing, a testament to the high esteem in which they were held. These hairless treasures were kept by the elite in Pre-Inca cultures in their houses as pets and bed warmers and were not allowed to mix with the coated dogs that lived with the common people and served as hunters.
At sundown, coated dogs were locked up, and the hairless dogs were said to be taken out and allowed to exercise. This was because a fair skinned hairless hound would sunburn in the daytime due to the lack of melanin and a protective coat. It also prevented unwanted breeding between the hairless and coated dogs.
Flower Dog
When the Spanish conquered the coastal areas of Peru, they discovered hairless hounds living in the houses of the Inca among beautiful night blooming orchid blossoms and therefore called the dogs “Perros Flora,” which translates to “Flower dog.” From there the name changed to Moonflower Dog and today they are called the Peruvian Inca Orchid (PIO) in the United States and parts of Europe.
It is believed that there may have been early crosses of native species and small greyhounds brought in from Europe which somewhat altered the original characteristics of the Peruvian Hairless Dogs.
 The breed seems hardy with little or no health problems. They are quiet and easy to live with although they can be reserved with strangers until they evaluate the situation. The only other apparent difference between the coated and the hairless is ear set. The hairless have prick ears while the coated typically have a rose ear. Both are excellent runners and participate in coursing contests in the United States for sight hounds.
Kiss Spot
The spot on the top of the head is called the “kiss spot”. That is where people like to kiss them. This tuft of hair on the top of the head is often a different color from the rest of the body.
Although the Peruvian Hairlesscome in many different colors, a majority of the adult dogs are black with pink spotting. The spotting can be as little as a few spots on their legs or as much as all over the body. The pink can also be combined with rose, gold, tan, mahogany, chocolate, blue or gray.
This is a distinct breed and recognized as such by the American Kennel Club.
Other names of the breed include Pio, Perro sin pelo del Peru, Perros Flora, Inca Hairless Dog, Peruvian Hairless Dog.
Occasionally you see these dogs on the streets of Lima. Look for them!
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