Chinese Crested

Country of origin: China
Registries: AKC, UKC, CKC
Occupation: Vermin hunter,
companion
Size: 11 to 13 in tall; 6 to
12 lbs
Longevity: 12 to 13 years
Exercise: Moderate
Training: Moderate; challenge
to housetrain
Grooming: Easy

This extraordinary-looking breed is a friendly, active dog that settles happily into urban or family life. It comes in two varieties: the hairless and the “powder-puff ”. Although grooming for the hairless is minimal, its skin needs protection from both sun and cold weather, and it is also prone to teeth and toenail abnormalities. Breeding hairless dogs with the more genetically sound “powder-puff ” ensures the continuity of this striking breed.

Breed name synonyms: Crestie, Powderpuff & Pyramid or Giza Hairless

HISTORY

Since hairless dogs have been recorded in many different parts of the world, it is not easy to trace the roots of the Chinese Crested Dog. Despite what the name suggests, it is a common belief that the Chinese Crested did not originate in China. First breed records date to the late 1800s, but they are unclear about the breed’s true origin.

Explorers and missionaries from the 13th century, often wrote about the presence of hairless dogs in ports around the world. It is believed that these dogs would accompany sailors on their voyages, catch rats on the ships and thus help prevent the spread of the Black Death. The dogs did not contribute to the spread of the disease, because fleas would not infest their furless bodies.

Hairless Chinese Cresteds have won the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest more than any other breed. They owe their present popularity to Hollywood’s love of their unusual look.

PERSONALITY

Chinese Crested Dogs are clownish breed that loves to be in the center of the attention and would do anything to keep you interested in what they do. They are lively, playfull, sweet-tempered and alert. They are capable of making instant friendships with everyone.
Cresties crave human affection and togetherness. Often called ,,velcro,, dogs, they can physically attach themselves to their favorite person and use their paws to hug that person around the neck.
Chinese Cresteds are said to be cat-like, because they enjoy sitting in high places. Being the perfect lap heaters, Chinese Crested Dogs love being pampered and spoiled.

TRAITS

The Chinese Crested is a fine-boned, elegant and graceful toy-dog, with rectangular body shape and alert expression.

Depending on the quantity of coat, it comes in two varieties – hairless and powderpuff. The hairless version has no hair on the body except for long, silky hairs on the tail, lower legs and top of the head. The powderpuff version has more hair. Any coat color or combination of colors is allowed, either solid, mixed or spotted.
Chinese Cresteds weight 5-12lb (2-5.5kg) and their height at withers is 11-13“ (28-33cm).

HANDLING

Chinese Crested Dogs usually do not fit the typical dog personality profile. They are not a good breed for insensitive trainers and harsh treatments, because they can develop avoidance behavior. Cresties want to please their owners, crave companionship and are prone to exhibiting separation anxiety.

Chinese Crested Dogs are standoffish by nature and need extensive exposure to people, other dogs and to unusual sights, sounds and experiences. If not exposed enough, their natural caution can turn into shyness, suspiciousness or even aggressiveness. Unless properly socialized and trained out of that habit, they tend to bite ,,suspicious,, strangers. They are not very patient with children and are often jealous if kids receive more attention than they do.

HEALTH

Since Chinese Crested Dogs are hairless breed they usually suffer from various dermatological conditions. They are very sensitive to heat and cold, and their thin skin is prone to lacerations and dryness. Because they have a lot of exposed skin, they are very susceptible to papules, rashes, acne and blackheads.

The Crested Dog has an average lifespan of 13-15 years and is often concerned with minor health problems like deafness, patellar luxation, tooth loss and seizures and major health issues like progressive retinal atrophy, lens luxation and glaucoma. Occasionally Legg-Perthes disease is noticed in the breed.

Hairlessness is a genetic accident, but the trait was perpetuated both in China and in central and South America for the same reason: hairless dogs make excellent hot-water bottles. Some canine experts believe that all hairless dogs descend from a common source. It is more likely, however, that the genetic trait of hairlessness occurs randomly and, on occasion, is perpetuated through our intervention.

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