Peru offers to send a bald dog to the Obamas
What kind of dog will the Obamas bring with them to the White House? A curly Goldendoodle? Maybe a spunky Maltese or a standard poodle?
Well, Peru (as in the country) has a suggestion:
Meet Ears, a 4-month-old Peruvian Hairless dog. He's part of a bald and often toothless ancient breed that was popular during the Incan Empire. The Associated Press reports:
"They do not cause any type of allergy and are very friendly and sweet," said Claudia Galvez, 38, director of the Friends of the Peruvian Hairless Dog Association.
"We want to give a male puppy to Obama's daughters, so they get to experience all the joys of having a dog but without any allergies."
Galvez delivered a letter detailing her offer to the U.S. embassy in Lima Monday and hopes Obama will accept it.
If you're not fully sold on Ears based on his stunningly good looks alone just yet, it turns out that he has more to offer than just a ... wrinkly face.
According to a Peruvian myth, hairless dogs have higher body temperatures than other dogs because of their lack of hair, making them feel warm. Peruvian folklore also has it that hugging one of these dogs is supposed to ease stomach pains and other disorders (Wikipedia).
If he is sent to the United States, Ears will officially be named Machu Picchu (which is really too bad because, truth be told, his name was the only thing that made us think those big flappers were actually something cute). To L.A. Unleashed, he'll always be Ears.
-- Christine Kang
Photo credit: Karel Navarro / Associated Press
I think he's handsome and would make a wonderful dog for the first family.
Posted by: Des | November 12, 2008 at 08:02 PM
it is the chupacabra!
Posted by: David B. | November 13, 2008 at 05:05 PM
He is a very special dog.Obama will be out of his mind if he doesn t accept him, he is just lovly i love him
Posted by: mariella | November 13, 2008 at 08:29 PM
beauty is in the eye of the beholder - in the top picture he looks strong and confident and really healthy - in the lower his face is gentle. Gypsy Rose Lee - very famous in her time - owned 5 hairless chinese dogs and thought they were wonderful.
Just because it's new to you doesn't mean that after a loving relationship - as most dogs offer - you might not want to give him up. He/she might need and give a lot of companionship and devotion. What's wrong with that? Nothing wrong with hugs.
Posted by: Michele Frankovich | November 13, 2008 at 10:00 PM
These are PUPPY MILL breeders breeding a fad PUPPY MILL dog.
These dogs are filled with health problems, as are most of these "get rich quick" puppy mill breeds
Posted by: Sue | November 15, 2008 at 02:25 PM
This kind of dog is the best that I had in my live. Are very kindly, and for the asma and reumatism are very good, has the particularity of absorb the reumatism or arthritis of the persons. The Incas used this dog for cure this kind of ilness. I would like one of this. Please email me if you have one. I like cusy or any
Posted by: Maggie Lazo de Mobley | November 26, 2008 at 03:40 PM
Its so lovely. Obama will definitely accept this
Posted by: Social Networking for Pets | December 11, 2008 at 04:26 AM