If you’ve ever seen a Peruvian Hairless Dog, also known as a “Hairless”, you may have been wondering about these unique-looking creatures. Are they related to any other breeds? What do they eat? How do they behave? And why are they hairless, anyway? In this article, we’ll answer all of your questions about the Peruvian Hairless breed. We’ll also provide some information about their history and temperament. So if you’re curious about these amazing dogs, keep reading!
The Peruvian Hairless dog is also known as the Peruvian Viringo, Naked Dog, and Chimú Dog. This breed is indigenous to Peru and is one of the oldest hairless dog breeds in existence. The Peruvian Hairless is a small to medium-sized breed with a slender, elegant build. They have long, narrow heads with large, erect ears. Peruvian Hairless dogs come in both hairless and coated varieties, with the hairless variety being the most popular. These dogs are intelligent, affectionate, and make great companion animals.
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Breed History
The Peruvian Hairless Dog Breed history begins with the Chimú people of Peru’s northern coastal region. The Naked Dog, as it is also called, was a revered animal to the Chimú and was often buried with its owners. Peruvian Hairless Dogs were also used as currency and given as gifts to high-ranking individuals.
When the Spanish conquistadors invaded Peru in the 1500s, they were unimpressed with the Peruvian Hairless Dog and soon began to cross them with European breeds. This resulted in a decline in the popularity of the Peruvian Hairless Dog, and by the 1800s, the breed was close to extinction.
There was a renewed interest in the Peruvian Hairless Dog in the early 20th century, and a Peruvian doctor named Victorica Raimondi began working to preserve the breed. In 1931, the Peruvian Hairless Dog Club was founded, and the breed was officially recognized by the Peruvian Kennel Club in 1945.
The Peruvian Hairless Dog was introduced to the United States in the 1950s, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that the breed began to gain popularity. Peruvian Hairless Dogs are still relatively rare, but they are slowly gaining popularity as companion animals.
How was the Peruvian Hairless dog created?
The Peruvian Hairless Dog was created by a genetic mutation that occurred in the native population of South America. The first documented case of this breed was in 1872 when a hairless female puppy was born to a litter of otherwise normal coated dogs. The pup’s owner, Antonio Aucapura, decided to keep her and named her “Xola”.
Aucapura continued to breed Xola with other hairless dogs and eventually developed a line of hairless dogs that he called the “Peruvian Hairless Dog”. The breed gained popularity in Peru and was even featured in a popular Peruvian folk song.
The Peruvian Hairless Dog eventually made its way to the United States, where it was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1966. The breed remains relatively rare but has slowly been gaining popularity in recent years.
Physical Attributes of The Peruvian Hairless Dog
- The Peruvian Hairless Dog is a medium-sized dog that can range in height from 18 to 24 inches and weight from 20 to 40 pounds.
- This breed is known for its unique appearance, which includes being hairless all over their body except for sometimes having tufts of hair on their head and tail.
- Their skin can come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, grey, and even red.
What types of Coats and Colors can a Peruvian Viringo Dog have?
There are two types of coats that a Peruvian Viringo Dog can have, a smooth coat and a wire coat. The smooth coat is the most common type of coat and is characterized by being short and dense. The wire coat is less common and is characterized by being longer and coarser. Both types of coats can be found in a variety of colors, including black, brown, white, and grey.
What is the most common health problem for Peruvian Viringo Dogs?
The most common health problem for Peruvian Viringo Dogs is obesity. Obesity can lead to a number of health problems, including joint problems, respiratory problems, and even diabetes. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is the best way to prevent these health problems.
Peruvian Hairless Dogs are social animals and need to be around people to be happy. They are not the kind of dogs that can be left alone for long periods of time without getting bored and restless. If you are thinking about getting a Peruvian Hairless Dog, make sure you are prepared to give them the attention and companionship they need.
Peruvian Hairless Dogs are also very active dogs and need plenty of exercise. A daily walk is a must, and they will also enjoy playing fetch or going for a run. If you don’t have the time to commit to daily walks or runs, a dog-walking service or doggy daycare may be a good option.
Peruvian Hairless Dogs are generally good with children, but because of their small size, they may be better suited for homes with older kids who can handle them gently. They can also be a bit wary of strangers, so socialization is important from an early age to help them become comfortable around new people.
When it comes to other pets, Peruvian Hairless Dogs can get along with cats and other dogs if they are properly introduced and socialized. They may try to chase small animals like rodents or birds, so it’s important to keep an eye on them when they are outside.
overall, Peruvian Hairless Dogs make great companions for active people who are looking for a small, low-maintenance dog. With proper socialization and exercise, they can be a loving addition to any family.
What kind of Nutrition do Peruvian Hairless Dogs need?
Peruvian Hairless Dogs need a diet that is high in protein and fat, and low in carbohydrates. This type of diet helps to keep their energy levels up and their weight down. Peruvian Hairless Dogs also need a lot of exercise, so a daily walk or run is necessary.
Peruvian Hairless Dogs are also prone to allergies, so it is important to find a food that does not contain any ingredients that could trigger an allergic reaction. There are many different types of hypoallergenic dog food available, so speak to your veterinarian about which type would be best for your dog.
Are Peruvian Hairless Dogs allowed in the US?
The United States does not have a centralized policy on importing Peruvian Hairless Dogs. Additionally, each state has its own rules and regulations regarding the importation of animals, so it is best to check with your local authorities to determine if Peruvian Hairless Dogs are allowed in your area. Generally speaking, however, Peruvian Hairless Dogs are not common in the United States and may be difficult to find.
Are Peruvian Hairless Dogs good pets?
Peruvian Hairless Dogs are not for everyone. They require a lot of patience, socialization, and training. They can be difficult to potty train and may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners. However, if you are willing to put in the work, Peruvian Hairless Dogs can make great pets. They are intelligent, loving, and loyal dogs that will form strong bonds with their owners.
How much does a Peruvian Hairless Dog cost?
A Peruvian Hairless Dog typically costs between $700-and $1,200. However, some breeders may charge more for a purebred dog, and prices can vary depending on the breeder’s location and reputation. Additionally, if you are looking for a show-quality dog, you can expect to pay even more. Ultimately, the cost of a Peruvian Hairless Dog will depend on a variety of factors.
The Pros of The Peruvian Hairless Dog
- The Peruvian Hairless Dog is an ancient breed that has many unique features.
- They are hairless, which means they don’t require much grooming.
- They are very affectionate and make great companion dogs.
- They are intelligent and easy to train.
- They are hypoallergenic and don’t shed, making them ideal for people with allergies.
- They are relatively healthy dogs with few health problems.
- They have a long life span and can live up to 15 years or more.
- They make great watchdogs and will bark to alert you of strangers.
- They are relatively low-maintenance dogs and don’t require a lot of exercise.
- They are unique-looking dogs that will turn heads when you take them for a walk.
The Cons of The Peruvian Hairless Dog
- They may be harder to potty train – since they don’t have hair, they may not be able to hold their bladder as well as dogs with hair. They may not have the same level of insulation as hairy dogs, and so they may be more susceptible to changes in temperature that can affect bladder control. This could mean more accidents inside the house.
- They are prone to sunburn – because they don’t have any fur to protect them, they can easily get sunburned. This is why it’s important to apply sunscreen to them when they’re going to be outside for an extended period of time.
- They are more susceptible to cold weather – without any fur to keep them warm, they can get cold easily in cooler weather. It’s important to dress them in warm clothing or blankets when it’s cold outside.
- They may be more expensive – since they are a rarer breed, they may be more expensive than other dogs. This is something to consider if you’re on a budget.
- They require special care – because they don’t have fur, they require special care when it comes to grooming and cleaning. This means additional time and effort on your part.
Takeaway
Have you ever considered adding a Peruvian Hairless to your family? If not, maybe after reading this post you will! I’ve tried to answer all of the most commonly asked questions about these dogs, but if I missed something or if you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments below. And as always, thanks for reading!