It was believed the Peruvian Inca Orchid dogs -- officially Perro sin Pelo del Peru -- were crossed with the sighthounds brought by the Conquistadors to produce the modern breed. However, since statues, drawings and other artifacts dating before Pizzaro's time document hairless dogs very similar to what is seen today, it is more likely the breed descended from the hairless dog of Mexico, the Xoloitzcuintli. Historians say the Peruvian Hairless was brought to the Americas 2,000 to 3,000 years ago during the migration from Asia across the Bering Strait. Many theories abound to the origin of the Peruvian Inca Orchid, but they are believed to have been around since A.D. 750 when they appeared in the settlements of the Moche people of Peru.

The name derives from the tradition of keeping dogs in rooms adorned with orchids.

Dogs were higly valued by the Incan Indians who ruled over a vast civilization in ancient Peru. Unlike other breeds with a heavy strain of hairlessness, these animals are sighthounds. Like other sighthounds such as the Borzoi, the Peruvian Inca Orchids are trim, fast, and very graceful.

Like the Chinese Crested, there is also a hairless variety with the Peruvian Inca Orchid. This variety is very colorful, though no color in particular is preferred. These hairless dogs are usually pink or white with splotches of color splashed on their smooth soft skin. They have also been known to turn a redder shade of pink when they are stressed or upset, similar to a blushing human.

The coated variety is usually white with large spots of color. Under the coat, the skin may be mottled, just like the hairless variety. The coat itself can be either long or short, and can also be slightly curly.

The origianl Peruvian Inca Orchid was most likely one with hair, and the hairless variety occured in a mutation of the genes. Dogs with hair and without hair can be born in the same litter. The coated variety has a full set of teeth as an adult, the hairless variety does not. Another difference between the two varieties are the ears. Hairless dogs have upright ears, which they can fold back. The coated variety has dropped ears.

There are a very small number of these dogs in the United States- they are among the rarest of rare breeds.

be between 20-26 inches tall and weigh 26-50 pounds. They are very affectionate and loyal dogs.

Due to their lack of coat, they should be protected from the sun and the cold temperatures. They should never be outside in the elements.