The Peruvian Inca Orchid is a lean, deep chested sighthound that comes as a hairless and coated variety, but the hairless version has been thought to have therapeutic benefits because of a higher body temperature making the dogs “hot water bottles” with a pulse. In fact, the internal and external temperatures of these dogs is exactly the same as other breeds. The reason a POI seems warmer is because the absence of hair leads to an immediate and direct emanation of heat whereas heat in hairy dogs filters through hair by natural ventilation.  The POI just might be the only breed with a standard that addresses the subject of body temperature.  Still, cuddling with a Peruvian Inca Orchid is a win/win for both dog and human.

Image: Photo of Mary Harrington’s Perro sin Pelo del Peru dog, “Yana,” bred by Claudia Galvez, Capac Cuna kennel in Lima, Peru. The photo was taken when she was young, and sadly, Yana died of cancer in early 2018 at the age of 11. Her owner shares that Yana’s playfulness, loyalty, expressiveness and affection surpassed her great beauty. She is missed greatly and always loved.