Description:
The Chinese Crested is a small, elegant, graceful dog, almost hairless except for the plume on his tail, socks on the feet, and the crest on the top of his head tapering off on the back of the neck. The hair is soft and silky. (There is also a fully-coated variety called the Powder Puff which requires more grooming.) The head is wedge shaped with a slightly domed skull. The large ears stand at attention and the paws look like rabbits' feet. The toes are so long that the dog can use them to grasp things. Dewclaw removal is optional. The almond-shaped eyes are wide set. The body is rectangular, slightly longer than the height at the withers. The dog is fine-boned, but not excessively fragile. The plumed tail reaches at least to the hock. It is carried gaily when the dog is in motion and hangs down with a slight sickle-shaped curve when the dog is at rest. The Chinese Crested Dog can be any color, and the colors on the coat and skin sometimes change with the seasons as exposure to sunlight will tan and deepen the pigment. (Because of this, the hairless variety needs protection from long exposure to sun or extreme cold.) The skin color can be spotted, bi-colored or solid. The hairless variety’s skin feels warm.
History:
Scholarly dog fanciers can't agree on where the Chinese Crested Dog originated, although it is believed they evolved from African hairless breeds. Seafaring traders and explorers reported encountering small hairless dogs as long ago as AD 1000 in China, Africa, Turkey and the New World, most likely because the dogs were traded among merchants and sailors. Chinese sailors used the dogs to hunt vermin on ships during the Middle Ages. By the mid-nineteenth century, Chinese Cresteds were appearing in European art.
This breed was first exhibited in the West in 1885 but the first American breed club was not established until 1979. Full AKC recognition was granted in 1991. The Chinese Crested Dog has been gaining popularity as a cheerful companion dog in both the United States and internationally. The breed is a frequent competitor in dog shows, obedience, rally and agility trials. But it is still considered an unusual breed; in fact, some claim this breed is actually a member of the species Canis africanis rather than the Canis familiaris, to which most domestic dog breeds belong.
Notes:
A healthy and hearty dog, the Chinese Crested is very clean, with no doggy odor. The breed is not prone to fleas or ticks, but the exposed skin needs special care to prevent skin problems and irritations, including frequent baths and applications of moisturizer to keep the skin in good condition. Light-colored dogs sunburn easily and should be protected with a good sunscreen. Many Chinese Cresteds are allergic to lanolin and wool. Dental care is especially important in hairless dogs, as they often lose many teeth as adults. Chinese Cresteds are prone to patellar luxation and progressive retinal atrophy. Both Powder Puff and hairless dogs can appear in the same litter.
Talents:
Agility, and performing tricks.
Personality:
The Chinese Crested is sweet and lively, playful and cuddly. Exceptionally loving, this breed likes to hug and smile and is affectionate with children. An entertaining companion, Chinese Cresteds are intelligent and very alert. They like to climb and run and are generally very athletic. Some Chinese Cresteds also like to dig. Puppies should be well socialized and exposed to loud noises when young to avoid potential timidity. If owners do not baby them, these dogs can grow up to be very well-adjusted.
Behavior:
Children: Best with older, considerate children.
Friendliness: Loves everyone.
Trainability: Slightly difficult to train.
Independence: Fairly independent.
Dominance: Low.
Other Pets: Generally good with other pets.
Noise: Average barker.
Indoors: Fairly active indoors.
Owner: Good for novice owners.
Grooming and Physical Needs:
Grooming: Hairless: Very little grooming needed; Powder Puff: Regular grooming needed.
Trimming & Stripping: Hairless: some trimming of body hair may be needed.
Coat: Hairless, long coat (Powder Puff).
Shedding: Very light.
Exercise: Moderate exercise needed.
Jogging: A fair jogging companion.
Apartments: Good for apartment living.
Outdoor Space: OK without a yard.
Climate: Hairless: Best in warmer climates; Powder Puff: Does well in most climates.
Longevity: Average (10 to 15 years).
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