Peruvian Inca Orchid

Description

The Peruvian Inca Orchid, also called Viringo, is one of the widely held breeds of dog that belongs to the miscellaneous breed group of Hound designation. It is a distinctively hairless dog that originated in the pre-Inca cultures of Peru. Peruvian Inca Orchids come in various sizes, and have skins that are usually in elephant grey, chocolate brown, mottled, or copper colors.

Height and Weight

Both the male and female Viringos vary in three sizes. Generally, the small-sized members of the breed stand 9 ¾ – 15 ¾ in height as measured at the withers, with a weight of 8.5 – 17.5 lbs. The medium-sized Viringos, on the other hand, usually have a height of 15 ¾ – 19 ¾ in at the withers, with a weight of 17.5 – 26.5 lbs. Finally, those which are in large size normally stand about 19 ¾ – 25 ¾ in height and weigh approximately 26.5 – 55 lbs.

Temperament

Most Peruvian Inca Orchids are affectionate with their family, but can be wary of strangers. They are commonly alert, lively, and friendly around other dogs, though can be very protective as well. Their breed is known to be agile and fast. They generally do not like being left alone, but can do well when trained. These Viringos are usually intolerant of extreme or radical temperatures. These dogs are not recommended for starters, for they basically require a master that can somehow understand, at the very least, the basics of the dog language.

Grooming

The lack of hair essentially makes Peruvian Inca Orchids rather popular for being clean. They can be easily washed with a sponge, and they naturally do not have fleas or any other kind of parasite in their skin. Nevertheless, this does not eradicate their need for proper care. Their skin still ought to be washed from time to time in order to do away with dirt, at the same time, prevent their skin pores from clogging. Since some dogs of such breed are predisposed to acquiring blackheads and acne, the use of moisturizing cream and baby lotions with no lanolin content are highly recommended.

Health Concerns

Due to hairlessness, the members of the Peruvian Inca Orchid breed also have a lesser number teeth as compared to other dog breeds. Some of the few dog health problems that this particular breed is prone to suffer are the seizures, skin lesions, and stroke. Since Peruvian Inca Orchids or Viringos are highly sensitive to toxins, great care should be taken in the use of insecticides.