The Peruvian dog - a curious and exotic companion

Today we are going to meet a dog race that you may not have heard before. He Peru's hairless dog (also known as Peruvian dog, Viringo dog or simply viringo) is an old breed of dog without hair of Peruvian origin characterized by your hot skin. This dog is a pride for the Peruvian nation, and is considered as National Heritage according to Decree 27537 of the Nation published in 2001. Registered as a pure breed since 1995, when the International Cinological Federation (FCI) He recognized and recorded it in his nomenclature of breeds under number 310. The Peruvian dog is also seen as An exotic race and is highly recommended as a company animal for those who are allergic to dog hair.

Origin of the Peruvian dog

This breed was first recorded at the beginning of the 16th century, when Spanish explorers were invited to the homes of the nobles of the Inca Empire. The Incas called this dog "Allqu”, Which literally meant“ dog ”. This same fulfilled an important role within this society, even becoming part of local customs and stories and myths of the region.

Moche (or Mochica) culture called these dogs "Viringos”And they were in charge of distributing this name. Even today, in the regions between Piura and Trujillo, They are called viringos dogs. As for their age, archaeologists have discovered bones of this race of dogs dating from pre -Columbian era. However, these appear in ceramics from many pre -Inca cultures throughout Peru. According to these pieces, the Peruvian dog was able to make its appearance between 300 B.C. and 1460. Despite enjoying a great popularity in your country of origin, the Peruvian dog (like many other races without hair) It is not too well known in the rest of the world, especially in Europe, where they are considered exotic dogs.

Main characteristics of the Peruvian dog

They are distinguished among other hairless dogs for being thin, slender, elegant lines, long legs and refined lines. Among the key data of this breed are:

Morphology: No hair, thin and slender.
Size: Between 50 and 65 cm.
Weight: 13 to 25 kg.
Average life expectancy: It varies between 10 and 12 years.
Eyes: Round and dark. Hypersensitive to light.
Ears: Highlights.
Line: Fine, long and hairless.
Paws: Long and thin.
Fur: Soft, flexible and warm.

Its absence of hair is due to a genetic alteration they have, because it is proven that it is normal for dogs to have fur, since it protects and isolates their skin from the environment. This is one of the reasons why the Viringo dog It is more prone to sick than other dogs. Another curious fact is that Not all Peruvian dogs are totally bald. Some have a little hair on their heads, others have some strands distributed throughout their body, and there is the bald variety, which is the most popular. As for its color, there is an immense variety that goes from black slate to brown brown, passing through gray scales. Some specimens have white or pink spots on their skin, usually on the legs, head or chest.

Peruvian dog behavior and character

Usually, they are usually Very sociable dogs, both with humans and other animals. They take wonder with children and are usually very faithful companions. His behavior could be characterized as intelligent, curious, ingenious, quiet and fun. In addition, his friendly and affectionate character does it Ideal as a company animal for any dog lover.

Peruvian dog lifestyle

The Viringo dog is an apt partner for any type of housing, including apartments. They are usually indoor dogs and it is recommended that they sleep inside the house, which does not exclude them from walks and other activities abroad. They are very delicate skin animals due to their absence of hair, so it is not recommended to let them out too much on the hottest summer days or in the coldest in winter, since their skin can burn, irritate or cracked. It is recommended to take these hairless dogs daily and, if possible, accompany it with some games and some socialization with other dogs.

Health and care

By not possessing hair, certain special care is necessary to keep the Viringo dog in good health.

General Health of the Peruvian Dog

Sadly The Peruvian dog without hair is very prone to different genetic ailments and diseases Due to the consanguinity of this race. The most common ailments usually occur in the teeth, such as losses of teeth and malformations in the jaw. For this reason we must be attentive to any complaint or ailment that our partner can present and take it to a veterinarian to find the problem and solve it. You can also consult with the veterinarian in a preventive way to include a calcium supply in the Viringo dog diet to extend the life time of its teeth. In addition, we must be attentive to fulfill the entire vaccination picture recommended by the veterinarian, and keep up to date the necessary deworming.

Peruvian dog skin care

The skin of the Peruvian dog without hair is extremely sensitive. If it is unprotected, it is very prone to suffer solar burns, dryness or cracks. For this reason it is recommended to apply sunscreen on your skin before going for a walk during the summer. In addition, it should be treated as far as possible that these walks are during the morning or afternoon to avoid the hours of greater sun exposure. This dog is very sensitive to low temperatures, so during the winter it has to stay warmed to prevent it from being able to get sick. For the walks during this time of the year it is best a garment for dogs to protect it from the cold.

Bathroom and toilet of the Peruvian dog

As for the bathroom, this must be every 15 days maximum. The Peruvian dog must bathe with warm water and adequate soap. After the bathroom it is recommended to apply some type of moisturizing oil to improve the texture of your skin, which is usually dry. Before some cases of greater dryness it is good to apply moisturizing creams, but not in excess because some glands could at risk in the skin of the Viringo dog and cause eruptions in your skin. To clean its ears it is advisable to use a cotton moistened with a little water and rub the inside of the ear gently without dropping liquid into the inside of the ear. Similarly you can also clean the lagañas.

Peruvian dog walks

Despite not needing a lot of exercise, It is necessary to get Walk the Peruvian dog daily. This reinforces the social nature of the animal, as it is customary to see more people and other animals. When walking you must take into account the care of your skin, preventing you from receiving sun excessively or too cold. It is also a good idea to bring some soft toy to exercise the Peruvian dog during his walk. If you do not exercise any Peruvian dog, it can transform its energy into anxiety and stress, which can end in negative attitudes such as aggressive and/or destructive episodes.

Peruvian dog feed

This must be as balanced as possible so that the Peruvian dog can count on the amounts of nutrients necessary to be in the best conditions. It is advisable to use good quality food to take care of your partner's health. Next to the food you can give a little fresh water to help a better digestion.

Peruvian dog reproduction

This breed usually does not usually have problems when reproducing, although there may be exceptions. The largest Peruvian dog specimens usually have more young than the smallest size. During pregnancy it is advisable to keep the female in a warm environment, with temperatures no lower than 23 ° C. It is also very important to feed it correctly, with good quality food, to ensure the health of this and puppies. Although two Peruvian dogs are crossless there is always the probability that Some of the young can be born with some hair, although this probability is not too high. The variety with Peruvian dog's hair is quite appreciated by the breeders of these dogs because they have stronger genes than the Peruvian dog without hair and do not suffer from the same conditions as these, such as the premature loss of teeth. The crossing of a Peruvian dog without a Peruvian dog with hair generates a litter where, generally, half of the puppies are born bald and the other half with hair. Puppies from the crossing of a Peruvian dog without hair and one with hair usually get less than puppies whose parents are only Peruvian hairless dogs.

Why does the Peruvian dog without a fur?

The person responsible for this mutation in the Peruvian dog is the gene "Foxi3" Canine ectodermal hypoplasia syndrome. Syndrome also responsible for the fragility in the denture of the Peruvian dog.

Interesting data about the Peruvian dog

Here are some false data and myths about the Peruvian dog that you probably don't know.

It is believed that your body temperature is higher

Totally false. It has already been shown that Its body temperature is the same as that of other dogs. What happens is that, due to its absence of hair, the heat transfer from your body to another medium (your hand, for example) is done more directly and therefore feels hotter.

They considered "medicinal dogs"

How it was believed that these canines were hotter than other dogs were used by the ancient Incas to treat cold -related diseases. For example, if you suffered from a cough or flu it was recommended to sleep with your Peruvian dog hugged to the chest to relieve the disease. At present it has been shown that all this is false, although they are still recommended dogs for allergic people or suffering from asthma thanks to their absence of hair.

Adapts to any climate

Under certain care The Peruvian dog can adapt to any climate. This is the reason why they are so accepted worldwide and considered so exotic in certain regions.

It has no premolars

This is a consequence of the same gene that inhibits the growth of fur in the dog, but it is the easiest way to verify that the Peruvian dog is pure blood and it is not any "mixture."

Different skin tones

You can find Peruvian dogs from light blond to black slate, through brown and gray tones. It should also be noted that the color of the skin of the Peruvian dog can change according to the amount of sun to which it is exposed.

To conclude

He Peruvian dog without hair Or Viringo dog is a friendly companion to whom you will have to take care of very well to keep it as healthy as possible. Remember to take special care during the summer and winter when walking to your new friend, because your skin could resect, burn or suffer lacerations. His sociable, curious and friendly character does so Excellent to have it at home with the children, even if they suffer from allergies or asthma. If you decide to adopt a Peruvian dog, keep in mind that any effort to take care of it will be returned in the form of love, companionship and faithfulness. More about dogs:

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