Peruvian Hairless: The next White House dog?

I still think a mixed breed shelter puppy would make a great First Dog, but in the interests of global goodwill, President-elect Obama may have to consider an offer from Peru.

The Peruvian Hairless Dog is not the prettiest canine you'll ever see, but it has a regal history and fits the parameters required by the new president's two daughters, one of whom has allergies.

 "They do not cause any type of allergy and are very friendly and sweet," Claudia Galvez, director of the Friends of the Peruvian Hairless Dog Association in Lima, Peru, told Reuters. The association has offered to send a four-month-old male Peruvian Hairless to the Obamas as a gift.

In fact, the Peruvian Hairless is bald except for a tuft of hair that grows on the top of its head. It is sometimes toothless, but is also odorless and doesn't attract fleas. The breed dates back 3,000 years, and its image is sometimes depicted in pre-Hispanic ceramics. It was popular among Inca kings.

I couldn't find any mention of the dog on the American Kennel Club Web site, but it is considered the national dog of Peru.

Could it be the next dog we see prancing on the White House lawn? I still think a shelter dog is the best choice.

What do you think about the Obama dog being a Peruvian Hairless?

Comments

[Martin]

As the owner of two Peruvian Hairless dogs, I have to say a PIO would be an excellent choice.

I may be a little biased, though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROgkZ_x9FAw