Peruvian Hairless Dog Breed Info And Characteristics

The Peruvian Hairless Dog (Perro Sin Pelo de Perú, Perro Peruano, Inca Hairless Dog, Viringo Dog) or Peruvian Inca Orchid (although this is considered a separate breed by the AKC since it was created from a few dogs brought from Peru) is an ancient breed of Sighthound originating from, as its name suggests, Peru. Although it is considered an Incan Dog, the breed was in existence long before the Inca Empire. The evidence for that can be found in the pottery from the Moche, Chimú, Chancay, and Vicús, pre-Inca cultures from the coastal regions of Peru, in the form of ceramic hairless dog figurines as well as ceramic vessels with depictions of hairless dogs from around 750 A.D. However, scientists believe that the Peruvian Hairless Dog breed is much older (at least 3.000 years old), but they are still unsure how these dogs ended up in Peru in the first place. There are actually three theories about that. According to the first theory, Inca Hairless Dogs are descendants of Mexican Hairless Dogs, which were imported to Peru by Ecuadorian sea-traders. The second one says that they descended from dogs which had arrived in America through the Bering Strait crossing with the migrating tribes from East Asia. The third theory suggests that Viringo Dogs actually descended from African Pariah dogs (Mediterranean hounds in particular), which were brought to South America either by Asians, North Africans or Polynesians. Continue Reading →

Xoloitzcuintli Dog Breed Info And Characteristics

The Xoloitzcuintli or Mexican Hairless Dog, as they call it in English speaking countries, is a Primitive type pariah breed originating from Mexico, Central America. Besides Peruvian Hairless Dog, this is the only such breed in the class of primitive dogs by the FCI, and it’s included in the group 6: Primitive Types. Some experts believe that the Mexican Hairless is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, considering it is more than 3.500 years old. Unfortunately, as of yet, there is no clear evidence about the true origin or exact ancestors of this dog. According to some recent genetic studies of this breed, Xolo dogs evolved naturally through interbreeding and genetic mutation from the ancient dogs that originated in the Old World – they are anatomically very reminiscent of Mediterranean Sighthounds. However, it cannot be accurately determined when or how these dogs reached Central America. An early theory suggests that Xolo dogs came in the Americas over the Bering Strait crossing together with migrating peoples. Another theory suggests that they, under the influence of very humid and warm climate, actually evolved in such way from dogs brought into Mexico by Spanish traders during 1500s. Continue Reading →

Canaan Dog Breed Info And Characteristics

The Canaan Dog or Kelef K’naani (Dog of Canaan) is a Primitive type working dog originating from Middle East, Israel. It can be said that this breed is relatively new since it was first time mentioned during the 1930s, but that is actually quite misleading. The fact is it was developed at that time from semi-wild, scavenger dogs, which were redomesticated through a selective breeding programme by Dr. Rudolphina Menzel. She and her husband Rudolph were appointed for this task by the Haganah (Jewish paramilitary organization) with the goal to create a super efficient service and working dogs. However, these semi-wild dogs were actually an ancient pariah breed, which was estimated to be more than 2.000 years old based on some anatomically similar dog remains excavated in Ashkelon. It is believed that this breed originated in the biblical land of Canaan, hence such name. For centuries, these dogs have been mainly kept by Bedouins and Druse, who have primarily used them as guard and herding dogs in the desert. So, yeah, the Canaan Dog is indeed a very, very old breed. By the FCI, it belongs to the Primitive Types group (Basenji, Pharaoh Hound, Mexican Hairless Dog) in the class of primitive dogs. Continue Reading →

Pharaoh Hound Breed Info And Characteristics

The native country of the Pharaoh Hound is Egypt. NOT! :) This dog breed is actually originating from Malta. Yeah, it is true that this breed has its roots back in Ancient Egypt, there are scientific and historical proofs for that. The breed was developed from dogs brought from Northern Africa by the ancient Phoenicians, but it further evolved at this island. So, the phrase “Egyptian Pharaoh Hound” is just a common misguidance. Anyway, in its native land they call him Kelb tal-Fenek, which means Rabbit Dog. This is a Spitz type dog included in the Primitive Types group by the FCI, and it is believed to be the one of the first domesticated primitive dogs. It is estimated that this breed was domesticated some 5000 years ago. Quite an old buddy, don’t you think? Main Pharaoh Hound characteristics are playfulness, agility, intelligence, loyalty, speed, alertness, independence, and emotional sensitivity. His lifespan is between 11 and 14 years. Continue Reading →

African Basenji Dog Characteristics And Traits

The African dog breed Basenji or Congo Dog belongs by the FCI to the Primitive Types group in the class of primitive dogs, which encompasses the strain of dogs that evolved from Asian pariah dogs. So, what is a Basenji dog? This is a light weight hound with great athletic abilities that is very agile and lightning fast. It originated in central Africa in antiquity. Some of the main Basenji dog characteristics are alertness, agility, curiosity, resourcefulness, intelligence, independence, playfulness, courage, cleverness, and stubbornness. Looking at all of these characteristics  is enough to understand why this dog can’t easily become obedient. He’s so hard to train. In fact, he is probably the hardest of all primitive dogs to train. The funny thing is that the Basenji is actually a fast learning dog, who can understand your commands easily, but he will simply refuse to obey them in certain situations! Continue Reading →