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| Vital Statistics: |
| Place of Origin: Peru |
| Group: Sighthound |
| Height: small 10-16″; medium 16-20″; large 20-26″ |
| Weight: small 9-18 lbs.; medium 18-26 lbs.; large 26-55 lbs. |
| Life span: 11-12 yrs. |
| Trainability: moderate |
| Good with children: yes, with supervision |
| Good with other pets: yes |
What is the origin of the Peruvian Inca Orchid?
The Peruvian Inca Orchid dates back to the pre-Inca civilization. The Inca descendants, the Quecha protected and preserved the breed after the conquer of Peru by the Spanish Conquistadors. Other names of the Peruvian Inca Orchid include Pio, Inca Hairless Dog, Viringo, Dielmatian. Pios made their first appearance in the United States in 2001.
What does the Peruvian Inca Orchid look like?
There are 3 sizes of Pios – small – height 10-16 inches, weight 9-18 lbs.; medium – height 16-20 inches, weight 18-26 lbs.; large – 20-26 inches, weight 26-55 lbs. This breed is completely hairless although some have short hair on the top of the hear and the tip of the tail. Ears are erect but can lie flat. Eyes are round and color is brown with lighter-colored dogs having clearer eyes. Skin colors are chocolate brown, grey, copper or mottled, some with pink background. Skin can be sponge-washed and moisturized with a product safe for use on dogs. The Pio is prone to sunburn and sun-block specifically for dogs should be used when outdoors. Pios need protection from the cold and should always live indoors with the family.
What is the temperament of the Peruvian Inca Orchid?
Pios are loyal and very protective of the family, but wary of strangers. They should have early socialization and positive obedience training. They are good with older children but should be supervised. Pios can get along well with other dogs but see small animals as prey. They should have daily walks. They can live in an apartment but should have access to an enclosed play area where they can run. It’s best to walk the Pio in the early morning or in the evening to avoid too much sun exposure.
What is the Peruvian Inca Orchid used for?
Pios were kept as pets by the Incas. They do make good watchdogs because of their reserved and cautious nature. Pios can do well at agility and obedience trials as well as lure coursing. They love their family and make good companions.
Possible Health Issues
Missing teeth (problem with hairless dogs, it is thought the gene for hairlessness and missing teeth are the same), acne, sensitive skin (must use dog sunscreen), epilepsy, irritable bowel syndrome (IBD)
