Page 38 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | PRIMITIVE DOGS

Peruvian Hairless

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Blonde
Miniature: 10–16in (25–40cm) Miniature: 9–18lb (4–8kg) 11–12 years Dark brown
Medio: 16–20in (40–50cm) Medio: 18–26lb (8–12kg) Black
Grande: 20–26in (50–65cm) Grande: 26–55lb (12–25kg) GRANDE

This gentle, bright, and agile dog is affectionate with
LOST IN TIME
owners but may be shy when around strangers
The pre-Inca Nazca civilization of coastal Peru
is famous for producing the massive geoglyphs,
Records of hairless dogs in South America National Patrimony of Peru. In 2008
known collectively as the Nazca Lines. Among
date back to pre-Inca times; images of a Peruvian Hairless was offered to the various designs and shapes, there are over
them are found on pottery dating from President Obama as a family pet. 70 different animals, including a dog. Created
750BCE. These lively and graceful dogs were Peruvian Hairless dogs come in three between 100–800CE and measuring 167ft (51m)
often seen in the homes of Incan nobility. sizes—miniature, medio, and grande. in length, the dog’s outline was produced by
removing surface gravel to expose the lighter rocks
The Andean peoples believed these Hairlessness—often accompanied by the
below. It is possible that the dog depicted (below)
companion dogs brought good luck and absence of some molar and premolar represents an ancestor of the Peruvian Hairless.
promoted health, and would hug them to teeth—is produced by a particular recessive
relieve aches and pains. The dogs’ urine and gene, but occasionally dogs with coats do
feces may have been used in medicines. occur in litters. The fine skin needs some
When a person died, artifacts of hairless protection since these dogs are susceptible
dogs were sometimes buried with them to to the cold and easily sunburned.
keep the person company in the afterlife.
After the Spanish Conquest of Peru in the Crest of hairs
16th century, hairless dogs were persecuted
almost to extinction. However, some did
Rose ears
survive and since 2001 the Peruvian Hairless
has been a protected breed—part of the

Elephant-gray
Eyes match
skin color

Fine, elastic skin

Tucked-up belly

MEDIO MINIATURE
Pink patches
on legs
Long feet

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