Meet the peruvian hairless dog

The Peruvian hairless dog is undoubtedly an exotic breed and deserves to be recognized and loved. These dogs are characterized by their uncommon physical appearance, but they are also very agile and excellent runners.

On this occasion we tell you the history of this primitive breed, which is very peculiar and presents outstanding aspects since its origin.

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Origin of the Peruvian Dog

The Peruvian Dog, also known as viringo, (which means naked in the word tallan), has an origin that takes us to pre-Inca times, along with the first civilizations that inhabited Peru.

As with all ancient breeds, the exact origin may be uncertain. Although it is certain that the Peruvian Dog is a primitive specimen, and according to researchers, its appearance dates back approximately 300 to 500 years BC.

The physical evidence found are images of this unique breed, which have been represented in numerous pieces of pottery found in the deposits of the pre-Inca period, which has shown that this breed already existed since ancient times and that it was a companion dog.

A dog surrounded by mysticism

This breed was attributed with healing properties, making it a faithful companion of shamans and healers, with whom it participated in various spiritual ceremonies. Thus, in Inca times, these dogs were used in their magical rituals.

The chroniclers also say that this dog was used for therapeutic purposes, to soothe stomach pains and warm the feet, since the shamans believed that it was a dog with a higher body temperature, which on contact brought improvement.

The breed that refused to be forgotten

The Peruvian dog has a history with some bad moments, due to the misunderstanding of its physical appearance, so this breed, for a long time was relegated almost to oblivion.

In the history of this breed, researchers say that when the colonizers arrived in Peru during the XVI century, they did not have a good impression of this dog, which was presented with uncommon characteristics, so it was referred to as an “evil animal”.

These ideas spread among the inhabitants and began to relegate the Peruvian dog to oblivion. For a long time, it was seen wandering the streets, until it almost disappeared.

In addition to this, at that time of colonization, new breeds of dogs were introduced in America, which contributed to the native breeds being relegated to the background.

The recovery of the breed

When the majority of the inhabitants had forgotten the primitive origins of the Peruvian dog, to the point that many believed that it was a breed that had come from China, it happened that the few people who still recognized their ancestor, made an effort to rescue the breed.

Subsequently, organizations dedicated to the preservation of this exotic and gentle breed arose, which today is so important for Peru, as part of its history and culture, as well as its sites and monuments.

National Heritage of Peru

With time the breed regained recognition in its country of origin and the National Committee for the Protection of the Peruvian Hairless Dog, declared the Peruvian Dog as an official breed and is named Cultural Heritage of the Nation.

On the other hand, the Congress of the Republic of Peru established that the breed should be recognized as living proof of Peruvian culture and recognized as a native breed.

Likewise, the National Institute of Culture, in 2001, established that in all Peruvian museums and archaeological sites, there should be a specimen of the breed and guarantee its breeding and natural development.

The Peruvian hairless dog, a pure breed

In 1985, the breed was officially recognized and registered with the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) as a Peruvian hairless dog, classified in Group V, which includes Spitz-type, athletic and agile dogs.

The breed is located in section 6, primitive type dogs, which means that it is a pure breed and has had no morphological variation since its origin.

In Peru, they have the Kennel Club Peruano (KCP), which is who keeps the registry of the hairless dogs of all Peru. Currently, there are numerous kennels dedicated to promote and protect the purity of the breed.

On the other hand, it is known that in the United States, there is an unofficial registry of Peruvian dogs, called Incas’ Gold. It is considered that the breed is nowadays valued and preserved in the rest of the world.

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Featured Image: larepublica.pe