1. The Origin Story
The Peruvian Inca Orchid (or “PIO”) are living history in an elegant sighthound body. Their story begins over a thousand years ago, even before the Inca Empire. They were beloved by the Moche and Chimu people, and depictions of them on pottery dates back to 750 AD.
Spanish explorers arriving in the 1500s were charmed by these graceful pups. Nestled among orchids in the homes of Incan nobility, they were also often called Moonflower Dogs. They were only brought out to play when the moon rose, to protect their delicate skin from burning in the sun.
While they’ve been part of the AKC’s Miscellaneous Class since 1996, these special sighthounds are finally getting their big moment in the spotlight! Starting January 1, 2027, the PIO will officially join the Hound Group, a well-deserved nod to their ancient heritage. The breed remains extremely rare in the US, where the majority of PIOs can trace their lineage back to eight dogs that were imported in 1966.
The PIO population nearly went extinct during the Spanish conquest, only surviving in small, remote areas until 1989, when Peru adopted PIOs as its national breed and listed them as protected. Because of a semi-lethal genetic defect tied to their hairlessness, bringing these puppies into the world is challenging and requires an incredible amount of love and responsibility.
2. The Look
What makes a PIO a true head-turner is that stunning, “less is more” minimalist look! They come in three perfect sizes to fit any lap: Small (9–17 lbs), Medium (17–26 lbs), and Large (26–55 lbs).
They are best know for their smooth, silky soft skin, though every now and then a “powderpuff” sibling pops up in a litter with a coat of their own! Their skin comes in a wide variety of rich solid tones like slate, chocolate, or copper. Many also sport a mottled pattern of pink or white spots. The hairless gene also effects tooth development in most cases. Powderpuff pups aren’t effected, but hairless pups often lack molars or premolars. These “primitive” smiles don’t stop them from eating normally though! Though coated pup usually have partial or fully folded ears, the hairless “prick” ears stay straight to the tip. Don’t let their delicate, dainty appearance fool you, though. Underneath their smooth skin is a lean, agile sighthound built for zoomies and incredible speed!
3. The Charm
The true magic of the Peruvian Inca Orchid lies in that mystical aura and their famous “velcro” personality. In ancient times, they were actually considered little healers; their naturally warm skin acted like a living hot water bottle. Legend has it that a snuggle from a PIO could soothe everything from a stomach ache to asthma.
Today, that healing touch translates into an intensely loyal bond with their family. These dogs are incredibly clean, quiet, and move with a graceful, almost cat-like elegance. These wonderful companions are a piece of ancient history and a living work of art. While they might be a bit shy or “wait-and-see” with strangers, their devotion to their favorite human is absolutely unmatched. For someone looking for a truly one-of-a-kind soul to share their life with, these enchanting pups are simply breathtaking.
