The Peruvian Inca Orchid is truly one of a kind when it comes to dog breeds. Often affectionately called the PIO or flower dog, this breed showcases a remarkable range in size, with some individuals being quite small while others are significantly larger. Known primarily for its typically (though not always) hairless appearance and sleek, graceful frame, the Peruvian Inca Orchid stands out in the canine world. It bears some similarities to breeds like the whippet and greyhound, with its elegant silhouette and swift demeanor, yet possesses unique characteristics that set it apart from any other breed.
While the name “Peruvian Inca Orchid” might bring to mind an exotic flower, it actually refers to a fascinating dog breed! This breed is known for its strength, protectiveness, nobility, and deep affection for their human families. They are gentle and calm in a family setting, but can exhibit a more primal demeanor when in a pack environment, reflecting their strong hunting instincts and heritage.
Curious to learn more about the Peruvian Inca Orchid? You’re in the right place!
Peruvian Inca Orchid History
The Peruvian Inca Orchid (PIO) is an ancient breed with origins dating back to around 350 BC. Evidence of these dogs can be found on pottery from cultures such as the Moche, Chimu, Chancay, and Incas. Interestingly, their urine was once used in traditional medicine, while their body heat was believed to help treat arthritis and respiratory ailments. Additionally, some people saw the breed as a symbol of good luck—quite impressive for a small hairless dog!
After the Spanish Conquistadors conquered Peru, the breed was crossed with larger dogs brought from other countries. This eventually led to the development of the three distinct sizes of the breed that exist today.
In 1966, Jack Walklin brought eight Peruvian Inca Orchids to America, establishing the breed in the United States and giving it its current name. The PIO has been registered with the FCI since 1981 and became eligible to compete in the AKC’s Miscellaneous Class in 2011.
There are several theories about how the Peruvian Inca Orchid came to Peru. Some researchers believe it arrived during the period of Chinese immigration, shortly after President Don Ramon Castilla abolished slavery in Peru. Others suggest that the breed descends from African hairless dogs brought to the Americas by nomads. Another theory is that the breed’s ancestors arrived with people migrating from Asia over the Bering Strait. Pottery from various pre-Incan civilizations, such as the Mochica, Chancay, Vicus, and Chimu, depicts dogs resembling the Peruvian Inca Orchid, suggesting its presence in the region as early as 300 BC.
When the Spanish Conquistadors invaded Peru, they found these unique hairless dogs living in Incan households. They referred to them as “perros flora” or “flower dogs” and noted their importance to the Incas. These dogs were often kept indoors during the day to prevent sunburn, and their urine and feces were reportedly used for medicinal purposes. The Chimu culture, in particular, believed these dogs brought good fortune.
The Peruvian Inca Orchid was first introduced to the United States in 1966, with the initial imports being hairless varieties. The breed was officially recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1996, and that same year, the American Kennel Club began recording them in the Foundation Stock Service. In 2001, the Peruvian Inca Orchid was declared the national dog of Peru.
Peruvian Inca Orchid Puppies
Peruvian Inca Orchids are calm, affectionate, and inquisitive as puppies. As they grow, they become more energetic and agile, which means they need ample outdoor time each day for running, playing, and exercising. These dogs dislike being left alone, so if they are not with their mother, a human caretaker should be available to provide attention and companionship.
Once they reach adulthood and receive proper training, Peruvian Inca Orchids can handle being left alone at home, allowing their owners to attend school or work without worrying about destructive behaviors or signs of stress. Due to the hairless nature of most Peruvian Inca Orchids, it is important to keep puppies warm in a temperature-controlled environment and provide them with plenty of comfortable bedding.
Peruvian Inca Orchid Traits
General Appearance
Peruvian Inca Orchids are distinctive sighthounds known for their sleek and graceful appearance. They come in three size variations: small, medium, and large, and can be either hairless (the more common type) or coated. The hairless version often has an incomplete set of teeth.
Coat and Coloring
Hairless Peruvian Inca Orchids typically have a few short hairs on their head, along with small patches of hair on their lower tail and feet. Their skin can vary, appearing in solid colors or featuring spots with unpigmented areas.
The coated variety has short to medium-length hair, with feathering found on the neck, ears, and body. The breed standard accepts all coat colors.
Distinctive Physical Traits
Peruvian Inca Orchids have an alert, intelligent expression and strong, muscular bodies. Hairless varieties have upright or “prick” ears when they are attentive, while the coated type has semi-prick ears. Both versions have low-set tails, which they carry in a rounded curve above their backs when excited.
Peruvian Inca Orchid Temperament
Peruvian Inca Orchids are loyal companions, showing great affection toward their families. However, they can be cautious around strangers and may not be ideal for families with very young children due to their unpredictable nature.
These playful dogs love trips to the park and family outings, but they are not suited for living outdoors full-time. Early socialization and training are essential to help them grow into well-behaved and dependable pets.
As sighthounds, Peruvian Inca Orchids possess a strong prey drive and are incredibly fast. It is important to supervise them around cats and other small pets, and they should always be kept on a leash when animals they might see as prey are nearby.
Peruvian Inca Orchid Care
Although the Peruvian Inca Orchid is a moderate-energy breed, it still needs regular exercise and grooming to stay in optimal condition. Always supervise your PIO around other dogs, cats, and small children before allowing them to interact unsupervised.
1. Exercise
The Peruvian Inca Orchid is well-suited for apartment living and enjoys indoor playtime, along with a daily walk of 20 to 30 minutes. It also thrives in activities like lure coursing and agility, which provide valuable mental stimulation in addition to physical exercise.
Be cautious when walking your PIO in direct sunlight, as its hairless skin is sensitive to harsh sun exposure. This breed cannot handle too much direct sunlight, which is why it is sometimes called the “moon dog” or “moonflower dog”—it is best exercised during times when the sun is less intense.
2. Grooming
With a Peruvian Inca Orchid, regular brushing isn’t typically necessary, but other steps are essential to care for the dog’s exposed skin. This includes occasional baths, applying sunscreen before outdoor activities, and regular moisturizing while indoors. Good grooming habits also involve monthly nail trims, weekly ear cleaning, and brushing their teeth at least five times a week. If your Peruvian Inca Orchid has some hair, be sure to include occasional brushing as part of the grooming routine.
3. Training
Training a Peruvian Inca Orchid requires time and patience, as the breed is intelligent but can also be stubborn and challenging to socialize. Early socialization is crucial for developing a well-balanced adult, and it’s important to avoid aggressive play during puppyhood to prevent problematic behaviors later on. Focus on positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior.
Common Health Problems
Peruvian Inca Orchids generally boast good health and aren’t typically susceptible to a wide array of genetic diseases. Nevertheless, like all purebred canines, they do have vulnerabilities to specific health issues that prospective owners should be aware of.
Among the hairless variety of Peruvian Inca Orchids, certain health conditions are observed more frequently, including:
1. Teeth Issues
The hairless Peruvian Inca Orchid typically exhibits a genetic trait of having an incomplete dental set. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your dog receives adequate dental care.
2. Skin Issues
On the skin of a hairless Peruvian Inca Orchid, you might notice conditions such as blackheads, acne, dryness, and various small wounds or lesions.
3. Epilepsy
Peruvian Inca Orchids may suffer from epilepsy, a condition that can lead to seizures due to excessive brain activity.
4. Irritable Bowel Disease
Inflammation can impair the intestines’ ability to digest and absorb nutrients effectively, resulting in malabsorption and common symptoms of gastrointestinal distress.
Diet and Nutrition
The Peruvian Inca Orchid, like all canines, needs a high-quality diet with real meat protein as a key component. Although some dogs benefit from grain-free diets, this breed typically does not exhibit grain sensitivities, so including quality grain sources in their diet is generally safe. It’s advisable to feed them puppy-specific food until they reach adulthood to guarantee they receive all the necessary nutrients for proper growth and development. This breed does not require a unique diet compared to most other dog breeds.
Facts About the Peruvian Inca Orchid
1. Peru’s National Dog
As indicated by their name, the Peruvian Inca Orchid holds the title of the official national dog of Peru. In 2001, Peru recognized the breed as its national dog, partly due to its distinctive appearance. It is the only breed originating from Peru that has achieved international recognition and registration.
2. Named by an American
This breed has been known by several names, such as “perros flora” and “moon dogs” by the Spanish. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s when Jack Walklin, an American dog enthusiast, encountered the breed and coined the official name, “Peruvian Inca Orchid.” He derived this name by merging some of the earlier descriptive terms used for these dogs. Following this, he brought several of the dogs back to the United States, where the name quickly caught on and became widely accepted.
3. Challenging to Find
Despite being recognized within circles of dog lovers and various breeding communities, the Peruvian Inca Orchid remains a rare breed that the average individual may find challenging to locate as a pet. Consequently, it’s uncommon to spot this breed at dog parks or featured in breeder advertisements. Their limited popularity is often attributed to their distinctive hairless appearance.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Peruvian Inca Orchid
Flower dogs are uncommon, making them hard to find in rescue centers, though it’s not entirely out of the question. We strongly advise considering adoption as your first option. If you do find a breeder for this dog (note that there are only a few in the U.S.), be prepared to spend between $2,000 and $4,000 for each puppy. Begin your search through breed-specific websites:
- Bald is Beautiful Dog Rescue
- Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions
- Peruvian Inca Orchid Club of the United States
Should you decide to buy from a breeder, ensure that you conduct thorough research and collaborate only with reputable breeders who provide excellent care for their dogs.
Peruvian Inca Orchid Pros & Cons
1. Pros
- Good fit for apartments
- Affectionate and loyal
- Social and like to be around their people
2. Cons
- Not inherently friendly to dogs, cats, or kids
- Require specialized grooming care
- Aren’t particularly fond of strangers
FAQ
Dr. Emily Harper is a California-based veterinarian specializing in terrier breeds. With years of experience in veterinary medicine and a passion for terrier care, she focuses on breed-specific health, grooming, and behavior.
Emily’s journey began with a love for dogs, leading her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine and develop expertise in terriers. She has authored numerous articles on terrier health and grooming and educates pet owners on providing the best care for their companions.
In her free time, Dr. Harper enjoys hiking California’s trails with her rescue terriers, Max and Bella, and spending time with her family.
