Pet Wiki

Peruvian Hairless Dog

Also called Perro sin pelo del Perú, Peruvian Inca Orchid, Viringo, Inca Hairless Dog, Perro calato

Gentle and loving with its own people, lively and quick as a youngster and calmer as an adult.

SizeSmall
Weight4 to 30 kg (9 to 66 lb)123
Height25 to 65 cm (10 to 26 in)12
CoatHairless (with a coated variety)
OriginPeru.14
GroupSpitz and Primitive types (FCI group 5)
Recognised breedShort profile
affectionate and devoted to its family
lively and alert
natural watchdog
13

Personality what they are like

Gentle and loving with its own people, lively and quick as a youngster and calmer as an adult. It is an independent thinker, watchful and reserved with strangers, which makes it a good watchdog.123

Coat and looks how to spot one

hairless (with a coated variety)

A slim, graceful, sighthound-like dog that gives an impression of speed and strength. Most are hairless with smooth, supple skin and perhaps a little hair on the head, feet and tail tip, while a coated variety has a short, close coat. Hairless dogs naturally have fewer teeth.123

Coloursblackslate and blue-blackgreys (including elephant grey)browns and chocolatecopperblonduniform or with pink patches134

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Peruvian Hairless Dog. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Skin careMoisturise the skin and check for drynessevery 3 days
  • Sun protection summerPet-safe sunscreen on sunny daysevery day
  • Bathevery 2 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An agile, swift dog that enjoys running, lure coursing, rally and agility.5

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Hairless dogs have no coat to brush; the standard forbids shaving coated dogs.23

Company who they like around

Very attached to its household and happiest close to its people; wary of unfamiliar visitors.13

The story where it all began

Hairless dogs appear on ceramics of Peruvian cultures such as the Vicús, Moche and Chancay from around 300 BC onward, and they were kept through Inca times. The breed has changed little since, and today Peru treats it as part of its national heritage.143

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Spanish conquistadors reportedly found these dogs among orchids in Inca homes, inspiring the name 'Inca Orchid'.3

  2. 2

    On pre-Inca pottery the hairless dog sometimes stands in for other symbolic animals.1

  3. 3

    Hairless and coated puppies can be born in the same litter, roughly two hairless to one coated.4

  4. 4

    It comes in three sizes: small, medium and large.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named 'Peruvian Hairless Dog' for its country of origin, Peru, and its characteristic lack of hair, while the alternate name 'Peruvian Inca Orchid' was coined in the United States by early 20th-century enthusiasts who brought dogs from Peru.4

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

IntiKillaPachamamaChaskaWiraSolLunaCuscoLimaNinaTumiQuilla

A day in the life told by a Peruvian Hairless Dog

This morning, I stretched in the sun on my favorite rug, feeling the warm rays on my bare skin. My human laughed when I did my happy dance at breakfast time. Later, we went to the park, and I raced a squirrel to the big tree, I almost won! A stranger approached, and I gave a little woof to let them know I'm keeping watch. After a good zoomies session, we came home, and I curled up next to my human for a cozy nap. I'm a clever one, but I love my people more than anything. Being hairless means I feel every breeze, but I wouldn't trade my smooth self for a fluffy coat.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard no. 310, Group 5 Spitz and primitive types, Section 6 Primitive type; standard dated 26.10.2021.1
AKC
Recognised under the name Peruvian Inca Orchid; current standard effective 1 January 2011.2
UKC
Recognised as the Peruvian Inca Orchid in 1996, Sighthound & Pariah Group.3

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Blueberry Oat Biscuits

These simple, three-ingredient biscuits are full of fibre and antioxidants from blueberries, and are easy to make in small sizes for toy and small dogs.

You need

  • 100g oats
  • 1 banana (mashed)
  • 40g fresh blueberries (chopped)
  • a little water (as needed)

How

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.
  2. Mix the mashed banana, oats and chopped blueberries together in a bowl.
  3. Add splashes of water a little at a time, stirring until the mixture comes together in one large ball.
  4. Roll the mixture out on a lightly floured surface to about 1–2 cm thick.
  5. Use a small cookie cutter or a knife to cut out shapes suitable for a small dog.
  6. Place the shapes on a lined baking tray and bake for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned.
  7. Leave to cool completely before serving.

How much: Give one small biscuit per day for a toy or small dog, and reduce their main meal accordingly.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Frozen Yoghurt and Fruit Treats

These refreshing frozen treats are perfect for warm days and use simple, dog-safe ingredients. Yoghurt provides calcium and probiotics, while strawberries and apple add vitamins and natural sweetness.

You need

  • 30g plain, unsweetened yoghurt (no additives or sweeteners)
  • 2-3 medium strawberries (washed and chopped)
  • Half a small apple (cored and chopped into small pieces)

How

  1. Wash the strawberries and apple thoroughly. Core the apple and chop both fruits into small, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Mix the chopped fruit together in a small bowl.
  3. Place a few pieces of fruit (no more than five) into each compartment of a small silicone mould or ice cube tray. Each mould should be roughly 30mm x 25mm x 17mm or smaller.
  4. Pour the plain yoghurt over the fruit, filling each mould to the top.
  5. Place the mould or tray in the freezer for at least 3-4 hours, or until fully frozen.
  6. Pop the treats out of the moulds and serve immediately.

How much: Small dogs can have one treat per day; medium/large dogs can have two per day. These count towards the 10% treat allowance, so reduce your dog's main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Peruvian Hairless Dog, and at what times?

Feed your adult Peruvian Hairless Dog at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Their stomachs empty in a few hours, so regular meal times help keep them comfortable. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.7

What should a Peruvian Hairless Dog eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for their age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts. Always avoid alcohol, yeast dough, and caffeine too.8

How often should I bathe a Peruvian Hairless Dog?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 14 days to keep their skin clean and healthy. Since they are hairless, their skin needs regular care, but you can adjust based on how dirty they get. Always use a gentle, pet-safe shampoo. Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Peruvian Hairless Dog need brushing?

Hairless Peruvian Dogs have no coat to brush, so brushing is not needed. The coated variety has a short coat that can be brushed weekly. Focus instead on moisturising their skin every three days as part of their care.23 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Peruvian Hairless Dog's nails, and how often?

Trim their nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.9 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Peruvian Hairless Dog need?

This agile dog enjoys daily walks and play, plus activities like running, lure coursing, or agility. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They are lively as youngsters and calmer as adults.5 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Peruvian Hairless Dog's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth daily with pet-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks without pushing anything into the canal. Hairless dogs naturally have fewer teeth, so dental care is extra important. For any concerns, consult your vet.9 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Peruvian Hairless Dog live?

Their lifespan varies, but senior years usually start around age 10. With good care, regular vet check-ups, and a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy a long life. For specific numbers, ask your vet or breeder. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Peruvian Hairless Dog good with children and other pets?

They are gentle and loving with their own family, but reserved with strangers. They can be good with children if raised together, but early socialisation is key. Their temperament with other pets varies, so introduce them carefully and supervise.123

Can a Peruvian Hairless Dog be left alone?

They are very attached to their household and happiest close to their people, so they may struggle with long periods alone. They can be left for short times if well-adjusted, but separation anxiety is possible. For specific advice, ask a good breeder or trainer.13

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 310: Perro sin pelo del Perú fci.beused for recognition, sizes, coat, colours, temperament, history
  2. AKC Official Standard of the Peruvian Inca Orchid images.akc.orgused for sizes, temperament, coat
  3. UKC Peruvian Inca Orchid ukcdogs.comused for recognition, history, temperament, colours
  4. Peruvian Hairless Dog - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, colours, history, litter fact
  5. AKC breed page: Peruvian Inca Orchid akc.orgused for activities
  6. home.dartmouth.edu home.dartmouth.edu
  7. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  9. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.