At first glance, it appears to be a rather impressive canine statue. But on closer inspection, the viral photo is actually a living, breathing dog. The hairless dog Pipe belongs to Sandra Pineda, from Quezon City, Philippines, who was stunned when the picture of her pet received 10,000 likes within an hour of them posting it. Pineda, 22, first brought black-colored Piper, a Xoloitzcuintle or Mexican Hairless Dog, home when he was just two months old in March last year. She said many people mistake Piper for a statue due to his unique look and the fact he doesn't have hair. Pineda told Unilad: 'It was so funny to see all these compliments coming through of people thinking Piper was a statue.' They were all really confused and asking me whether she was real or not.' At first, I thought it was a joke, but then I realized they were serious. They just couldn't believe that she was a real dog.' I guess I'm so used to her I don't see it as much as other people, but my friends and family told me they can definitely see it.' It's actually really flattering to think that my beautiful dog could be mistaken for a work of art'.
Sandra said she gives Piper a regular polish with virgin coconut oil. She said: 'I really like the fact that she's hairless, it's really easy to deal with.' We use mild dog shampoo on her, and after baths, she gets lathered up in virgin coconut oil to keep her skin moisturized and shiny'.Xoloitzcuintli's have been around for 3,500 years and are worshipped in Aztec culture. Skulls of dogs resembling the Mexican hairless and dating back 3,300 years have been found in Mexico. The Mexican hairless is considered intelligent, even-tempered, affectionate, and playful. The dog is also protective and will bark at intruders. Some Mexican hairless dogs tremble easily, which could be related to nervousness or lack of warmth.