The Peruvian Inca Orchid
South American Hairless Sighthound*

May I introduce you to our wonderful hairless sighthounds. No, they are not Chinese Cresteds or Xoliozcuintli, although as with most breeds there are similarities. They have the temperament of all our sighthounds. They get along well amongst themselves or with any other animal. They enjoy meeting people in their aloof manner and they do love the thrill of a good chase.

Many theories abound to the origin of this breed, but they are believed to have been around since A.D. 750 when they appeared in the settlements of the Moche people of Peru. They could have been used for trade between Mexico and Peru for textiles and other necessities. Spanish conquerors also boasted the fact that they were used as food. The Inca Indians put great value in the hairless dogs, although both coated and hairless can be in the same litter, in their language of Quechua they were called "Ca-Allepo" which translates into "dogs without vestments". The Inca nobility kept the hairless dogs in their homes as pets and bed warmers, they were not permitted to mix with the coated dogs that the Indians kept for use as hunters.

When the Spanish finally conquered Peru, it is said that these hairless dogs were found in the Inca homes amidst their Orchids and the Spanish named them "Perros Flora" or "flower dog", this name has not changed much over the years and today in the United States and parts of Europe they are known as Peruvian Inca Orchid, in other areas they are known simply as Perro Sin Pello del Peru (dog without hair of Peru).

In 1955, the Peruvian Inca Orchid was accepted by the FCI as a recognized breed. In the spring of 1996 we were thrilled to be accepted into the AKC Foundation Stock and given Hound Group status. Thanks to many hardworking people and their love and interest to establish a firm footing for this breed this feat was accomplished. We are actively seeking full AKC recognition by attending Rare Breed shows and any AKC matches that accept Rare Breeds, along with taking our Peruvian Inca Orchids with us to lure coursing and AKC dog shows, allowing many sighthound enthusiasts to meet and learn to love these dogs with us.

The breed seems to be hardy with little or no health problems. The most prominent, of course, is our lack of full dentition in the hairless which is something we are busy trying to correct. They are quiet and easy to live with, reserved with strangers until they can evaluate the situation. It is very important to begin socialization as puppies. The only apparent differences between the coated and hairless, other than their dentition is the ear set. The hairless dogs must have prick ears; whereas, the coated dogs normally have a rose ear. Either type of ear on the opposite dog (hairless or coated) is considered a fault. There are no color restrictions, though a white or pink background with colored spots is preferred. When in full run the breed shows the typical sighthound double suspension gallop.

* NOTE: This information has been contributed by, and is property of The Peruvian Inca Orchid Club of America, Inc., and is gratefully used here with permission.

Return to the Peruvian Inca Orchid page