Dog or statue? Incredible picture of apparently motionless dog stuns social media
- An image of a dog has taken the internet by storm after people were convinced the pooch was a statue
- Owner Sandra Pineda, from Quezon City, Philippines was humored but not surprised by the attention 2-year-old Piper attracted online
- Piper is a Xoloitzcuintle or Mexican Hairless Dog and has no hair or premolars
- Pineda said regular baths and coconut oil keeps Piper’s skin supple and shiny
- She claimed people often mistake her beloved pooch for a work of art
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.
An image of Piper the hairless dog went viral online due to his unusual appearance
She said many people mistake Piper for a statue due to his unique look and 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’.
Owner Sandra Pineda (pictured) was humored but not surprised by the attention 2-year-old Piper attracted online as he is often mistaken for a work of art
Pineda said baths and being rubbed with coconut oil keeps Piper’s skin supple and shiny
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 a mild dog shampoo on her, and after baths she gets lathered up in virgin coconut oil to keep her skin moisturised and shiny’.
Xoloitzcuintlis 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.