Brief History of the Peruvian Inca Orchid Dog

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 for food. The Inca Indians put great value on 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 they were added to AKC Foundation Stock and given Hound Group status. This feat was accomplished thanks to many hard working people and their desire to establish a firm footing for this breed. 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 the lack of full dentition in the hairless which we are busy trying to correct. They are quiet and easy to live with , reserved with strangers until they evaluate the situation. It is VERY important to begin socialization as puppies. The only apparent difference between the coated and hairless varieties is ear set. The hairless have prick ears while the coated typically have a rose ear. This is due to the weight of the hair on the coated dogs. There are no color restrictions, although a white or pink background with colored spots is preferred. When in full run the breed shows the typical sighthound double suspension gallop. The breed generally ranges in height from 17"-23" and from 24-40 lbs.

©2001 Peruvian Inca Orchid Dog Club of America