Peruvian Inca Orchid vs. Xoloitzcuintle Differences

The first aspect we investigate in this breed comparison is the origin of both dogs. Both are ancient breeds that emerged in the American continent during pre-Hispanic times. Their origins date back to the ancient civilizations that flourished there, becoming emblems of the larger cultures. They classified by the International Canine Federation (FCI) within the same group (5) and section (6), where we find non-hunting primitive type dogs.

Origin of the Xoloitzcuintle or Mexican Hairless Dog

In the case of the Xolo, we find a breed of Mexican dog that was revered by the Aztecs as a guide of souls to Mictlán, i.e. the afterlife. Some legends say the breed was crated by Xolotl, the Aztec god of death and the underworld. He did so by taking a splinter of the Bone of Life to give a gift to mankind.

According to research conducted by the National University of Mexico (UNAM), the Xoloitzcuintle dog is believed to have emerged some 2,000 years ago in a part of ancient western Mexico. Beyond the remains found in tombs and sacred sites from the pre-Columbian period, sculptural and pictorial representations confirm that the Xoloitzcuintle was used in sacred rituals for the Aztec civilization.

In many of these ceremonies, Aztec dogs were sacrificed at specific sites. Their meat was considered a sacred food and was subsequently consumed by members of the community. This practice was both a demonstration of respect and devotion to the deities, as well as an act of communion between members of the community.

Learn more about the different types of Mexican dog breeds.

Origin of the Peruvian Inca Orchid or Peruvian Hairless Dog

The Peruvian Hairless Dog is also known as the Peruvian Inca Orchid, Peruvian viringo or Chimú dog. They are native to the southern part of pre-Columbian America, specifically from a territory that today belongs to Peru. Its breeding and worship reached its maximum expression during the Inca Empire (Tahuantinsuyu in the Quechua language).

Archaeological findings confirm that its origins date back to at least the 6th century BCE, i.e. to the Pre-Incan period. In fact, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is represented in ceramics from different pre-Incan cultures, such as Vicús, Mochica, Chancay, Chimú and others. Since its remains have been found in tombs of prestigious families of these civilizations, it is understood that it has been associated with both the sacred and the nobility.

The most reliable records indicate that its participation was particularly common in healing rituals performed by shamans, mainly among the Incas. This is because the Peruvian dog was attributed certain therapeutic properties, such as the relief of rheumatic pain or the improvement of asthma. In fact, this popular belief remained alive in Peruvian popular culture for many centuries, mainly in rural areas. It was of great help in preventing the Peruvian dog from becoming extinct after European colonization.

The main reason why many people confuse the Mexican Hairless Dog and the Peruvian Hairless Dog is that both are among the few hairless dog breeds that have not become extinct. Despite their similarities, there are some key differences between the Xolo and the Viringo also in morphological and aesthetic terms. They are:

Body size and weight

In both breeds, three subtypes or varieties are recognized based on size, but there are differences in height at the withers and body weight of each variety of Xoloitzcuintle and Peruvian dog. They are:

Xoloitzcuintle dog sizes

Here is a size chart for the different types of Mexican Hairless Dog:

• Toy: height at the withers varies between 9-10" (23-26 cm), with a body weight of 4.4-15.4 lb (2-7 kg).
• Medium: they can be from 15-20" tall at the withers (38-51 cm), with a body weight of between 15.4-30.9 lb (714 kg).
• Standard: height ranges from 20-30" (51-76 cm), with a weight of 24.3-39.7 lb (11 kg-18 kg).

Peruvian Inca Orchid sizes

Here is a size chart for the different types of Peruvian Hairless Dog:

• Small: height at the withers varies between 10-16" (25-40 cm), with a body weight of 8.8-17.6 lb (4-8 kg).
• Medium: they can be from 16-20" tall at the withers (40-50 cm), with a body weight of between 17.6-26.5 lb (8-12 kg).
• Large: height ranges from 20-26" (50-65 cm), with a body weight of 26.5-55.1 lb (12-25 kg).

Head and facial region

The Xoloitzcuintle and the Peruvian Inca Orchid both have a broad and strong skull that tapers towards the muzzle, giving their head the characteristic wedge shape. However, the naso-frontal depression or stop is more well defined in the Xolo.

Another morphological difference is that the eyes of the Peruvian dog can be slightly almond-shaped or somewhat rounded. Those of the Xoloitzcuintle always have a well-defined almond shape.

Finally, the Xoloitzcuintle tongue may have black spots in the form of stripes or polka dots on the pink base. This trait is not common or desirable in the Peruvian Hairless Dog. This is not always due to genetics, so always check the reason why your dog's tongue is turning black.

Coat and colors

Although most Peruvian Inca Orchid and Xoloitzcuintle dogs are almost completely hairless, some individuals may have sparse, smooth hair on some parts of their body. There is a subtle difference between these breeds. In the Peruvian dog, very sparse hair may appear on the head, tail, tips of the limbs and on the back. In the Xolo, these sparse hairs are rougher and usually concentrated on the forehead, nape of the neck and on the feet and tip of the tail.

In addition, both Dog breeds allow a variety with hair. This is very rare, especially among viringo dogs. In Xoloitzcuintle dogs with hair, preference is given to uniform, solid and dark colors. While in the viringo all shades and combinations are allowed, except the merle pattern.

Learn more about the different types of hairless dog breeds with our related guide.

There are no significant differences between the Xolo and the Peruvian Hairless dog in terms of temperament. Both tend to be very friendly and affectionate with their family members, but they can be somewhat distrustful in the presence of strangers. This is because these dogs are always alert and have a great protective instinct. They require early socialization to live more peacefully with individuals outside their family nucleus.

When comparing these breeds, they both show a predisposition to training. When well motivated, they can learn a wide variety of tricks, commands and tasks with ease. It is also highly recommended that the Xoloitzcuintle and the Peruvian Inca Orchid begin training from the moment they arrive at home, preferably in their first months of life. This will accelerate the learning curve and help prevent all kinds of behavioral problems.

If we can to establish a breed comparison based on temperament, we could say that the Xolo is a little more active and playful than the Peruvian Hairless Dog. The latter tends to maintain a rather calm behavior. Both are very patient and protective, becoming excellent companions for children with the correct socialization. In addition, they easily adapt to living in apartments, as long as they have an enriched environment for dogs.

If you adopt either a Mexican or Peruvian Hairless Dog after they have matured, you may need to learn how to socialize an adult dog.

We have made a breed comparison between the Peruvian Hairless Dog and the Mexican Hairless Dog based on physical characteristics and temperament. However, you may still be unsure how this influences whether you wish to adopt one or the other. For this reason, we look at some of the most important differences btween the two breeds.

Perhaps the main relevant difference when choosing between the Xoloitzcuintle or the Peruvian Inca Orchid is life expectancy. While Xolos can live up to 15 years, Peruvian Hairless Dogs rarely live past 12 years of age. In other words, the Xoloitzcuintle dog usually lives longer than the Peruvian Inca Orchid.

In this sense, it is also important to be aware of the common diseases in each of these hairless dogs in order to provide them with the most appropriate care. Due to the high consanguinity, both breeds have a marked predisposition to certain hereditary disorders, but they do differ somewhat. Let's look at the differences below:

Common diseases in the Xoloitzcuintle

Some of the common diseases of the Xoloitzcuintle are:

• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Patellar dislocation
• Liver disorders
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Hypothyroidism

Common diseases in the Peruvian Inca Orchid

Many experts claim that the lack of hair in this breed derives from the manifestation of a genetic syndrome called ectodermal hypoplasia or Canine Ectodermal Dysplasia (CED). This syndrome leads to a type of congenital hypotrichosis, a disease characterized by the absence of hair and accessory glands in areas of the skin where they should be present.

In addition, they predispose the Peruvian Hairless Dog to other symptoms and conditions, the most frequent being:

• Abnormal tear production and accelerated nail growth: as with alopecia, both are associated with problems in the development of the ectoderm (the outermost or distal germ layer of the embryo).
• Skin depigmentation: his may be progressive in many individuals, meaning it advances as they age. According to the FCI, it should not cover more than 20% of the dog's body or appear on the nose.
• Comedones and folliculitis: comedones or comedos are the result of the accumulation of keratin in the hair follicles. In the Peruvian Hairless Dog, this happens so frequently and intensely that it often causes folliculitis. This is inflammation of the hair follicles, usually of bacterial origin.
• Endocrine disorders: such as Cushing's Disease or hypothyroidism in dogs.
• Some types of cancer: the most common being skin and soft tissue cancer, followed by canine breast cancer.
• Eye problems: such as glaucoma and cataracts, both of which can lead to blindness.

Since a dog's coat serves a naturally protective function, it should be noted that the absence of fur leads the Xoloitzcuintle and the Peruvian Hairless Dog vulnerable to cold and intense heat. They are also more exposed to allergies, infections and other skin problems. Their particular genetic inheritance that leads to defects in the development of the ectoderm, also leads to oral problems. These include malformations of the teeth and jaw, as well as the absence or loss of teeth.

For all these reasons, if you decide to adopt a dog of these hairless breeds, keep in mind the need to reinforce its preventive medicine. This means establishing a regular deworming and vaccination schedule when they are a puppy, as well as regular veterinary checkups.

Learn more with our guide to vaccination schedules for puppies and adult dogs.

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