Peruvian Inca Orchid Characteristics: The spirited and watchful Peruvian Inca Orchid is a breed of medium sized dog, classified as a member of the Hound Dog Group. The Peruvian Inca Orchid, is characterized by its sleek, hairless, striking and elegant appearance with distinctive sighthound traits of strength, speed and stamina. Other characteristics include dark, medium sized, almond shaped, slightly slanting eyes; largish, erect, tapering ears; a low set, thick, tapering tail and a short, fast, fluid gait. The temperament of the Peruvian Inca Orchid can be described as Protective, Alert, Lively. The coat type of the Peruvian Inca Orchid is described as hairless or coated (powder puff) in black, pink, white, gray colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Peruvian Inca Orchid demonstrated the desired traits of a Hunting dog (sighthound) and is known by its nick name the "PIO (Hairless Dog)". The origin of the Peruvian Inca Orchid dog breed was in Peru where it was developed in the Ancient Times - pre-Inca. Fast Facts about the Peruvian Inca Orchid: The following facts provide fast information about the Peruvian Inca Orchid breed. Size: Medium *** Breed Group: Hound Dog Group *** Nick name: "PIO (Hairless Dog)" *** Origin: Peru *** Male Height: 16 - 20 inches (Medium size) *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 18 - 26 lbs (Medium size) *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: hairless or coated (powder puff) *** Coat Colors: black, pink, white, gray colors *** Litter Size: 2-4 puppies *** Health Problems: Skin problems, epilepsy, and irritable bowel disease *** Lifespan: 12 to 14 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Peruvian Inca Orchid Breed Group and Dog Type - Hound Dog Group: The Peruvian Inca Orchid is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Hound Dog Group. There are two types of Peruvian Inca Orchid Dogs – the hairless and the coated (powder puff) varieties. Other names for the Peruvian Inca Orchid: The Peruvian Inca Orchid is known by the nickname of the "PIO (Hairless Dog)". Other names for this breed of dog include the PIO, Peruvian Hairless Dog, Inca Hairless Dog, Perro Flora and Moonflower Dog Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Peruvian Inca Orchid" derives from Peru, its place of origin. The "Inca" reference refers to the Inca civilisation who made good use of this ancient breed of dog. Peru is home to 3,000 orchid species and these beautiful, exotic flowers decked the homes of Incan nobility. The Spanish colonizers found these flowers and the strange, exotic hairless dogs in the cool dim room of the Incas and the dog became known as the Peruvian Inca Orchid. Peruvian Inca Orchid - Sighthound: The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a Sighthound. The coated (powder puff) type was used as a hunting dog with excellent eyesight to catch small game and vermin. The hairless variety were kept inside the house all day, to avoid sunburn, and then released at nightfall to perform their hunting duties. Over 40% of mammals in Peru are rodents, so the dogs were important to keeping down the vermin population. The PIO's also hunted small game such as squirrels, shrews, guinea pigs and monkeys. Peruvian Inca Orchid History and Origin: The country of origin of the Peruvian Inca Orchid breed was in Peru during the Ancient Times and existed in the short-lived Inca Empire (1438 - 1532). The ancient Peruvian Inca Orchid is the hairless dog of Peru, and like the Xoloitzcuintli (the Mexican Hairless dog) was used as household pets and watch dogs. The Peruvian Inca Orchid was originally developed by the Incas as bed warmers. The warmth of the Peruvian Inca Orchid on cold Peruvian winter nights led to the phrase "Three Dog Night". The Peruvian Inca Orchid breed was exported to the United States and breed was registered by the Peruvian Inca Orchid Club of America. In 1996, registry and breed information was transferred to the American Kennel Club (AKC). Peruvian Inca Orchid Height: The Peruvian Inca Orchid breed is classified as a medium sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 16 - 20 inches (Medium size). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less. Peruvian Inca Orchid Weight: The weight of the male in this medium sized dog is 18 - 26 lbs (Medium size). The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male. Peruvian Inca Orchid Coat Type: The coat type is described as hairless or coated (powder puff). The skin or fur of the Peruvian Inca Orchid can be any color, including black, brown, tan, gray, pink or white. Peruvian Inca Orchid Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed include black, pink, white and gray colors. Peruvian Inca Orchid Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The grooming needs of the Peruvian Inca Orchid is categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy, tangle-free coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited grooming needs of the Peruvian Inca Orchid are considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming where brushing and combing, is concerned. Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Peruvian Inca Orchid Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 2-4 puppies. Peruvian Inca Orchid puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Peruvian Inca Orchid puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Hairless and coated Peruvian Inca Orchid dogs can be born in the same litter. Peruvian Inca Orchid Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Spirited, Protective, Alert, Lively and Watchful. Peruvian Inca Orchid Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog are moderate. The Peruvian Inca Orchid requires regular daily exercise consisting of about one hour every day. This medium sized dog has a short, fast, fluid gait with strides of a moderate length requiring a steady walking or jogging speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. If the dog has more energy than you do, then teach your dog to play ball in a chase and catch game. Peruvian Inca Orchid Diet: A fully grown Peruvian Inca Orchid should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Peruvian Inca Orchid Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Peruvian Inca Orchid breed include Skin problems, epilepsy, and irritable bowel disease. Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Peruvian Inca Orchid dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Peruvian Inca Orchid Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Peruvian Inca Orchid breed is 12 to 14 years. Peruvian Inca Orchid Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Peruvian Inca Orchid breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Peruvian Inca Orchid names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Ozcar *** Alfredo *** Luis *** Rodrigo *** Carlos *** Joaquin *** Juan Carlos *** Julio *** Diego *** Juan. Peruvian Inca Orchid Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Peruvian Inca Orchid names are Naida *** Wini *** Evy *** Yeny *** Cybel *** Zoila *** Chio *** karla *** Gaby *** Gina. Fast Facts about the Peruvian Inca Orchid: The following facts provide fast information about the Peruvian Inca Orchid breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Hound Dog Group *** Size: Medium *** Country of Origin: Peru *** History / Date: Ancient Times - pre-Inca *** Male Peruvian Inca Orchid Height: 16 - 20 inches (Medium size) *** Male Peruvian Inca Orchid Weight: 18 - 26 lbs (Medium size) *** Coat Type: hairless or coated (powder puff) *** Litter Size: 2-4 puppies *** Peruvian Inca Orchid Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Peruvian Inca Orchid Lifespan: 12 to 14 years *** | 