Peruvian Hairless Dog

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

Appearance

There are three types of Peruvian Hairless Dogs: 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 or pink skin. The dogs have no hair with the exception of a few hairy spots, normally on the forehead and the tail. Their eye color is usually orange. Their nails are long and tend to grow quickly, although this may be because the growth is more noticeable than in hairy dogs.

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

Temperament

The dogs are smart, quick learners, and are loyal and good with children. They are said to be friendly with other dogs but can be protective as well. These dogs do not like to be alone for too long. It is a dog that can be indoors or outdoors, even in wintertime. 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

Like other hairless dogs, their body temperature is higher than average, and letting the dog "hug" you is supposed to help with stomach pain and other disorders, according to Peruvian folklore.