Peruvian Hairless Dog
peh-ROO-vee-an HAIR-less dog
Peru· Coastal and Andean regions of Peru
The Peruvian Hairless Dog is an ancient companion breed native to Peru, depicted in pre-Columbian pottery and kept largely unchanged for thousands of years, occurring in a hairless variety and a rarer coated variety.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Small to Medium
Exercise needs
1 hour per day
Home size suited to
Small or larger
Grooming frequency
Minimal, skin care needed
Coat length
Hairless or short-coated
Sheds
Very low
Lifespan
11-13 years
Town or country
Both, warm climate preferred
Garden size needed
Small or larger
Where it comes from
Origins of the Peruvian Hairless Dog
Peru's warm coastal desert climate suited a hairless dog naturally, and pre-Columbian civilisations such as the Moche and Inca kept and depicted these dogs extensively as companions and status animals. The breed survived largely unchanged for millennia, its warm skin also valued as a source of comfort against rheumatic pain by some communities.
- Region
- Coastal and Andean regions of Peru
- Climate it was bred for
- Warm coastal desert and temperate Andean valleys
- Original job
- Companionship, vermin control and status symbol among pre-Columbian cultures
The long read
About the breed
Its long history as a household companion in warm coastal and Andean communities produced a lively, affectionate temperament with minimal grooming demands, though its skin requires sun protection and care due to the absence of a protective coat.
As a companion it is intelligent, alert and often reserved with strangers, forming close bonds with its family; it is a good watchdog and generally low-shedding, making it appealing to allergy-conscious owners, though it needs sunscreen outdoors and warmth in cold weather.
Recognised as part of Peru's national heritage, the breed remains relatively rare internationally but is actively promoted and protected within Peru.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Peruvian Hairless Dog greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Peruvian Hairless Dog is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Peruvian Hairless Dog's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
Pre-Columbian era
Ancient companion of coastal cultures
Hairless dogs are depicted extensively in Moche and other pre-Columbian Peruvian pottery and artefacts.
Inca period
Kept across the Inca Empire
The breed continued to be kept as a companion and, by some accounts, valued for warmth against ailments.
1985
Peruvian national heritage status
Peru officially declared the breed part of the nation's cultural heritage.
2001
FCI recognition
The Peruvian Hairless Dog received official FCI recognition.
2000s
International promotion
The breed has gained modest international attention as an unusual and ancient companion breed.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Slender but strong, with a level back and moderate tuck-up.
- coat
- Hairless variety has smooth, warm skin with occasional short tufts on the head, tail and feet; the coated variety has a short, smooth coat.
- ears
- Large, set high, carried erect or semi-erect when alert.
- eyes
- Medium-sized, expressive, in colours matching the skin tone.
- head
- Elongated, with a flat skull and moderate stop.
- size
- Small: 25-40cm; Medium: 40-50cm; Large: 50-65cm at the withers, per FCI size categories
- colour
- Black, elephant grey, copper, mottled, or any colour and combination, often with pink or mottled skin patches.
- temperament
- Affectionate with family, reserved with strangers, alert, lively and intelligent.
- general appearance
- An elegant, medium-sized dog of light build, existing in hairless and coated varieties, with a lively and alert bearing.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Peruvian Hairless Dogs added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
Loading the wall…
Made for the Peruvian Hairless Dog
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Peruvian Hairless Dog illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Peruvian Hairless Dog Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Peruvian Hairless Dog illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Peruvian Hairless Dog Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Peruvian Hairless Dog illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Peruvian Hairless Dog Mug
Ceramic mug with the Peruvian Hairless Dog illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Standard Lead
Padded-handle 1.2m lead in Pawpoint tan.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Peruvian Hairless Dog video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
Watch now