El Peruvian hairless dog It is among the few furless dog breeds that exist in the world. Obviously the characteristic that most attracts the attention of these pets is the characteristic physical appearance that the lack of a coat provides.
There are several theories about its origin, however regardless of what it was, it is currently considered a genuinely American breed, specifically peruvian and valued as the cultural heritage of the region. The hairless dog has been socially involved with humans for centuries. The breed comes in three sizes and all are highly adaptable.
Theories about the origin of the Peruvian hairless dog
It is important to remember that no one has yet agreed on how human beings came to the American continent. This discrepancy is shared by the Peruvian hairless dog., since although it is known that it has lived with the civilizations of the Andes for centuries, it is not clear how it arrived.
There are theories that state that it comes from China, while others say that it came to the American continent carried by African nomads. Of course, no theory is complete if it does not involve a migration through the Bering Strait. The truth is that there is more than documentation that shows an ancient presence of the hairless dog in Peru. There are mummies of this animal that have been found and studied and are more than 500 years old. The ancient Inca civilization knew them by the names of Allqu and Kaclla.
It is known that the treatment given to this breed was quite privileged, it was worshiped and considered sacred. It has also gone through difficult times as a race such as conquest and colonization. and it is that the introduction of European races placed it on the brink of extinction. It was the indigenous and peasants who knew their worth who preserved the race.
Sadly also they were raised like cattle to consume their meat. Despite its long history, the breed has been preserved to this day and currently not only has international recognition but is also a cultural heritage of one of the most emblematic countries of the new continent.
Characteristics of the Peruvian hairless dog
The first thing that catches the attention of the Peruvian hairless dog is its lack of a coat, so the description of the pet will begin with this characteristic. The skin is soft to the touch, supple and delicate. The tones in the colors are varied, ranging from pink with or without specks to black of different shades. They can also be chestnut brown to blonde and the full range of grays. Although it lacks hair, there are some specimens that may have some remains on the head, the tip of the limbs and the tail, even scattered around the torso.
The head is relatively broad tapering towards the lupoid muzzle. The eyes are deep, dark in color and round, quite sensitive to light.. The muzzle has a scissor-shaped bite, a straight-line profile, and a skin-colored nose. The lips are thick and wrinkled attached to the anchors.
The ears are erect in a state of attention and folded back at rest. The triangular shape is wide at the base and narrow ending in a point. The body of the Peruvian hairless dog is elegant, slender and meso morph with a straight upper line. It has a slightly accentuated withers and a back with developed muscles. The forelimbs are well attached to the trunk and plumb where the elbows do not protrude.
The muscles of the hind limbs are round and elastic. The tail is set low, thick at the base and narrow towards the tip. In alert state it bends like the sickle and at rest with slight curvature at the tip.
The Peruvian hairless dog is a breed that can be of three sizes, the female always being a little smaller and lighter than the male. The small size can measure between 25 and 40 cm in height at the withers and weigh between 4 and 8 kg, the medium size measures 40 to 50 cm in height at the withers and weighs between 8 and 12 kg. Finally, the largest size can measure between 50 and 56 cm in height at the withers and weigh between 12 and 25 kg.
Temperament
Docility is the word that best defines the Peruvian hairless dog. They are smart and calmHowever, his balanced character is destabilized a bit if he does not take his daily walks and that is because some exercise is always healthy for pets.
Due to his mental balance, It is a breed that gets along great with other pets and with children, adapting very well to small spaces. It is attentive, so it will detect any anomaly or intruder. His perception is high and although he is not violent he can attack if he detects a danger to himself or his human family.
Basic care and hygiene
The care of the Peruvian hairless dog breed is basically the same as with other dogs when it comes to the vaccines, dewormers, etc. Physical activity is important, but this pet does not have high requirements to expend energy, so a daily walk and some play will be more than enough to maintain its balance.
The most important aspects are the care related to the skin. They cannot be exposed directly to the sun without protection or to low temperatures without a coat. It is primarily an indoor pet. The products that are applied for bathing or skin care must be recommended by the veterinarian strictly for the use of the breed. The diet varies according to the stage of development in which the pet is, that is, if it is an adult or old puppy. As said before, the breed has three sizes and the type of food and the portions vary according to the standard of weight and size. It is also important to include foods in the diet that promote sensitive skin health.
Care
The point where more attention must be paid to the pet is in preventive care to avoid fungi, burns, infections or parasites on the skin, being a breed prone to suffering hip dysplasia.
It is important to take care of the dental health of the breed since it is not uncommon for them to lose a member. Protecting them from inclement weather is imperative to avoid hypothermia and even allergies and eye health and ears should be taken care of from infections. The hairless dog of Peru It is an ideal breed for reduced spaces due to its adaptable nature. The hairs are not a problem and their temperament is ideal for all members of the family.
Many times it has been considered that the breed is hypoallergenic due to the lack of fur, however it is convenient to report that allergies in humans towards dogs or cats are not produced by hair but by remains of urine or feces with which it can enter in contact. For this reason and so that a dog does not produce allergies, it is indicated to take good care of the hygiene of the pet and the home.