The AKC has grouped all of the breeds that it registers into seven categories, or groups, roughly based on function and heritage. Breeds are grouped together because they share traits of form and function or a common heritage.
These affectionate companion dogs are essentially sighthounds (think Greyhounds and Whippets) and have the same elegant contours of their racy cousins. PIOs come in a range of sizes: the smallest might stand just short of 10 inches; the largest top out at nearly 26 inches. Their distinguishing feature is, of course, hairlessness. The delicate skin can be a solid color or spotted with unpigmented areas. Coated PIOs are in the minority, and the coated and hairless varieties can occur in the same littler.
Going by his general conformation, it is an elegant and slim dog, whose aspect expresses speed, strength and harmony without ever appearing coarse. Another particular feature is that the dentition in the hairless variety is nearly always incomplete, associated with the congenital alopecia. Noble and affectionate at home with those close to him, he is at the same time lively and alert. He might be wary of strangers and is a good watch dog. The breed is loyal and protective of his family, but like all dogs, should be supervised around younger children. Caution should also be taken with small pets that may be seen as prey.
Depending on the size of your dog as an adult, you are going to want to feed your Peruvian Hairless a formula that will cater to his unique digestive needs throughout the various phases of his life. Many dog food companies have breed-specific formulas for small, medium, large and extra-large breeds. Peruvian Inca Orchids are a medium-sized breed and may have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
What you feed your dog is an individual choice, but working with your veterinarian and/or breeder will be the best way to determine frequency of meals as a puppy and the best adult diet to increase his longevity. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.
They are not outdoor dogs and require sunscreen on sunny days. Beyond regular grooming, the occasional bath will keep your Peruvian Inca Orchid clean and looking their best. Their nails can be trimmed when needed with a nail clipper or grinder to avoid overgrowth, splitting and cracking. Their ears should be checked occasionally to avoid a buildup of wax and debris which can result in an infection. Teeth should be brushed when needed.
The Peruvian Inca Orchid requires a good bit of activity to remain healthy and happy. Options for exercise include play time in the backyard, preferably fenced, or taken for walks several times a day. Exercise can also come in the form of indoor activities, like hide-and-seek, chasing a ball rolled along the floor, or teaching them new tricks. If you live in an apartment, even short walks in the hallways can give your dog some exercise, especially during inclement weather. Training for dog sports like agility, obedience and rally can also be a great way to give your dog exercise.
Peruvian Inca Orchids require a great deal of socialization and should be kept in the house as they do not make good outdoor dogs. This breed is intelligent and can be a challenge to train. New owners should be able to commit to a substantial amount of time needed to train and socialize their new PIO puppy. Because they are a primitive breed, they have a wide range of temperaments, from a typical docile sighthound to a more feral temperament. PIOs are not recommended for families with small children, but they can do well with older, more considerate kids. Rough play is discouraged with puppies as this can promote aggressive behavior. They can be raised with smaller dogs or cats, but require supervision.
Like all breeds, there may be some health issues. Some dogs may be faced with these issues in their lives, but the majority of Peruvian Inca Orchids are healthy dogs.
Working with a responsible breeder, those wishing to own a Peruvian Inca Orchid can gain the education they need to know about specific health concerns within the breed. Good breeders utilize genetic testing of their breeding stock to reduce the likelihood of disease in their puppies.
