The Peruvian-born dog named Chiribaya Shepherd, which presence date backs from a thousand years, is getting a major recognition both in Peru and abroad.
Named after the ancient Chiribaya culture of southern Peru, this unique breed is being formally acknowledged for its historic and cultural value.
Archaeological evidence confirms the breed’s deep roots in Peruvian history. In 2006, anthropologist Sonia Guillén discovered the mummified remains of 42 Chiribaya shepherds in Ilo, specifically in the Chiribaya estate near the Osmore River in Moquegua.
Her research revealed that these dogs were not mere companions: they played a vital role in herding South American camelids such as llamas and alpacas for pre-Inca coastal communities.
The high regard these societies had for the dogs is evident in the funerary rituals they received.
Today, the remains of these dogs are displayed at the Chiribaya Museum in the district of El Algarrobal, offering a glimpse into a unique bond between humans and animals that dates back centuries.
An international milestone
On March 28, 2025, the Chiribaya Shepherd received international recognition from the American Canine Federation during its general assembly in Sorocaba, Brazil.
The Peruvian Canine Association and the Peruvian Canine Union, proposed this recognition.
This recognition officially establishes the breed's physical characteristics, allowing the lovely Chiribaya Shepherd to be registered as a distinct Peruvian breed, opening doors for greater visibility and preservation.
One such opportunity will come on May 18 during the International Dog Show Circuit at Lima’s Magic Water Circuit, where the public will be able to appreciate the lovely Chiribaya Shepherd.
Preserving heritage
Efforts to solidify the Chiribaya Shepherd’s status continue in Peru. A bill currently in Congress, proposed by legislator Magaly Ruiz, aims to declare the Chiribaya Shepherd as part of the Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Nation.
The proposal is grounded in archaeological findings from the Osmore River basin and supports ongoing campaigns to promote the breed's recognition.
With growing awareness and institutional support, the lovely Chiribaya Shepherd is reclaiming its place as a symbol of Peru’s rich cultural and biological heritage, both at home and abroad.
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(END) FGM/MAO/JMP/ MDV
Published: 5/5/2025