Peruvian Hairless Dog

The Peruvian Hairless Dog is a breed of dog with its origins in pre-Inca cultures Peru. more...

Appearance

Peruvian Hairless Dogs vary in size: minature (25 to 40 cm or 10 to 16 inches), medium (or medio, 40 to 50 cm or 16 to 20 inches), and large (or grande, 50 to 60 cm or 20 to 24 inches). The smallest weighs from 4 kg (9 lb) and the largest up to 25 kg (55 lb). There are some differences in behavior among the three types. Some kennel clubs consider the three to be separate breeds.

Peruvian Hairless Dogs have chocolate-brown, pink, or mottled skin. The amount of hair varies from almost completely hairless, to a full coat of hair; nearly all have hair on the top of their heads, and some on their feet. Their eye color is usually brown.

The mutation that causes hairlessness also results in the breed having fewer teeth than other breeds, often lacking molars and premolars.

AKC-type "breed standards" are not compatible with the genetics of hairlessness in dogs; hairlessness is recessive-lethal, inter-breeding with haired dogs is required to maintain functional teeth and nervous system health in subsequent generations. Excessive in-breeding of hairless-with-hairless (and common but unacknowledged dumping of hairy pups from litters to maintain a "pure" image) leads to short-lived dogs with serious health problems.

Temperament

The dogs are very smart, independent, demanding, quick learners, and are loyal and good with children. They are friendly with other dogs but can be protective as well. These dogs do not like to be alone. It is a dog that can be indoors or outdoors, but must be kept warm, with clothing if necessary and blankets at night. They are agile and fast. The lack of hair leads to a reputation for being clean, for being easy to wash with a sponge, and for a natural lack of fleas or other parasites.

Miscellaneous

It is a persistent myth that the body temperature of hairless dogs is higher than other dogs; they may feel warmer due to the lack of hair. Letting the dog "hug" you is supposed to help with stomach pain and other disorders, according to Peruvian folklore.

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