<< News >> Peru's unique hairless dogs saved at ancient ruins
Submitted by coldrum on Sunday, 21 January 2007 Page Views: 2045
Pre-ContactCountry: Peru
They are part of the historic scenery here, but the canine breed almost became history several years back.
"Now we can say they are safe, saved by this project, but a few years ago the Peruvian Hairless Dog was under threat of extinction in Peru," said Pedro Vargas, coordinator of the Huaca Pucllana archaeological project excavating an ancient temple site of the Lima civilisation dating back to 500.
The breed normally has hair resembling a mohawk on the head and a tail brush, but otherwise has naked dark, very warm skin. Its history is long and rather sad, especially after the Spanish conquest starting in 1532.
Native pre-Incan civilisations used the dogs for hunting and as pets for company. They are represented on the ceramic pottery of the Chimu, Moche and Chancay cultures found on the coast.
They were sometimes mummified and buried along with people to help the departed find their way to the world of the dead or to continue serving their owners in the afterlife.
More at Reuters.
Note: the photo was not taken at Huaca Pucllana, and it used only to show the Peruvian Hairless Dog.
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