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Utility · Peru

Peruvian Hairless Dog

A walker's guide to the Peruvian Hairless Dog: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Medium, 4 to 25 kgActiveHairlessSkin careCold sensitiveThree sizesSighthound build
Exercise a day60 min plus
Energy3 of 5
Walk styleLight, swift, reserved
With other dogsReserved, non-confrontational

Overview

The Peruvian Hairless Dog, or Perro sin Pelo del Peru, appears on pottery made long before the Inca empire. It comes in three sizes, from a small dog of four kilos to a large one of twenty-five, and in hairless and coated varieties. The hairless dogs often have a tuft on the head and skin that ranges from pink to slate grey.

The build is that of a light sighthound: deep chest, long legs, tucked waist and a swift, graceful trot. Temperament is typically gentle and devoted at home, reserved with strangers and quiet in company. Many are sensitive and do not take kindly to being grabbed or rushed.

Exercise and walking needs

An hour a day across two walks suits most sizes, with a chance to stretch out in a secure field now and then. They are quick and enjoy a sprint, but they are not tireless and will settle readily once home.

Skin is the daily consideration. Sun burns it, cold chills it, and brambles scratch it. Dress the dog for the weather and keep to clear paths.

Daily minimum60 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeEnclosed or long line

On the walk

  • Recall: Reasonable for some, poor for others with a strong chase instinct. Treat it as a sighthound: enclosed areas or a long line until proven.
  • Skin: Sun cream on bright days, a coat or jumper in anything below mild, and a check for scratches and ticks after every walk. Ticks are easy to spot on bare skin.
  • Strangers: People will want to touch the dog because it looks unusual. Most Peruvians dislike that. Politely keep hands off until the dog chooses to approach.
  • Other dogs: Usually non-confrontational and happy to avoid trouble. Rough players can bruise and scratch the bare skin, so choose company carefully.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Ask the owner for the sun cream and coat they use and keep both in the van.
  2. Walk at cooler times in summer and avoid midday sun on bare skin.
  3. Dry the dog thoroughly after rain; without a coat it chills fast.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • Which size variety is the dog, and is it hairless or coated?
  • What skin care routine does the owner follow, and what should you apply before a walk?
  • Does the dog have all its teeth, and does that affect what it can carry or chew?
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