General Overview of the Peruvian Inca Orchid Dog

Yes, both of these dogs are the same breed! In fact the two dogs on the home page are not only the same breed, they are also litter mates. You may notice that these dogs look a little like a Whippet or small Greyhound. This is because they are members of the same family as Whippets and Greyhounds, the sighthound family. You may also notice that the primary difference between the coated and hairless is the ear set. The hairless have prick ears while the coated have a rose ear. This is primarily due to the weight of the hair on the coated dogs. There are many skin and coat color combinations and there are no color restrictions in the standard but colored spots on a solid background are preferred. The coated dog on the home page has a long curly coat while the dog above has a short smooth coat. The dog in the picture below has a long straight coat. All of these coat types are correct. Both the hairless and coated varieties are charming dogs to live with and the hairless are great for allergy suffers.

Peruvians are frequently said to have a temperment similar to a Whippet. Many Peruvian fanciers also keep Whippets and/or other breeds of sighthounds. The Peruvian Inca Orchid does have a Hound Group designation in the AKC foundation stock service and the club is actively persuing full AKC recognition.

Here is a collection of Peruvians friends at an ARBA show. You can see some of the variations of skin coloration that can occur. Hairless dogs can be almost solid colored or very spotted like the dog standing to the far left. It is also worth noting that these particular dogs do not live together, in fact some of them were meeting for the first time. This is a typical example of PIO temperment, since they seem to enjoy the company of other PIOs and/or other sighthounds.

©2001 Peruvian Inca Orchid Dog Club of America