In a world of Photoshopped photos, it’s hard to decipher what’s real and what’s fake anymore. But we can assure you – there is no Photoshop trickery going on here.
Regardless of our assurance, many people on the internet can’t seem to figure out if this dog is a statue or…well, a dog! When you see the photo and video – you’ll probably be scratching your head as well because this dog is one of the most unique creatures we’ve ever laid eyes on.
The owner of the interesting looking dog posted a photo online and people have created a bit of a game about it – is the owner pulling our chain or does their dog really look like that? Because let’s face it – it does look like a metal statue.
Sandra Pineda, from Quezon City, Philippines, shared a photo of her dog Piper online and within an hour – she was stunned that it had racked up over 10,000 likes.
When she logged back on to see why her photo had seemed to catch so many people’s attention, she began reading the comments and that’s when she discovered everyone’s intrigue. There was a question being repeated again and again – “Is that a dog or a statue?!”
Pineda has confirmed once and for all that Piper is her loving and adoring real pet dog. Piper is a Mexican Hairless Dog, also known as the impossible-to-pronounce Xoloitzcuintli.
Pineda, a medical student, bought Piper when she was just 2-months-old last March.
The 22-year-old student first thought all of the commenters were joking around, she was confused as to whether their questions were serious – then, she decided that the curiousity over her dog was actually quite the compliment.
“It was so funny to see all these compliments coming through of people thinking Piper was a statue,” she told Caters. “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 realised they were serious. They just couldn’t believe that she was a real dog,” she continued. “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.”
(The photo above is not Piper)
Even though Piper is certainly a real dog, Pineda does sort of treat her like a statue – giving her a regular polish of coconut oil to keep her skin nice and moisturized which gives her that metallic-looking shine.
“I really like the fact that she’s hairless, it’s really easy to deal with,” Pineda said. “We use a mild dog shampoo on her, and after baths she gets lathered up in virgin coconut oil to keep her skin moisturized and shiny.”
According to National Geographic, Xoloitzcuintlis have been around for approximately 4,500 years and played a vital role in Mayan and Aztec culture.
The dog breed is one of the most ancient in the entire world and its unique hairlessness is the result of a genetic mutation that is also responsible for the dog’s lack of premolars as well. The breed was used a healer, an occasional food source, but most importantly – a guide to the Underworld.
Although the breed has an ancient history, Piper is just a good girl and happy with her life with Pineda (with no ties to the Underworld). But often times, people tend to be put off by her unique look.
“Some people don’t see Piper’s beauty or her regal look which baffles me because I think she’s gorgeous,” Pineda said. “I think people should give Piper, and all Xolos and other hairless dogs a chance, because they’re really the sweetest and funniest pups you will ever meet.”
Watch the video below and let us know what you thought at first glance – dog or statue?
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