If you're a couch potato, the Chinese Crested is the dog for you. They will stay in bed for hours on end, seemingly oblivious to what you are thinking.
In contrast to most dogs, Chinese Crested are agile enough to jump fences as high as six feet and compete in agility, despite their dislike of exercise. With their pack, they create powerful ties in just a couple of minutes, even though they aren't outgoing at all. We don't offer our arms wide to strangers around here. For the first time in the game, a Crested will fall head-over-heels for you. You can find everything you need to know about the features of the Chinese Crested dog breed here!
Highlights
- A Chinese Crested might be a good choice if you reside in an apartment building.
- A lack of teeth and receding hairlines are linked genetically. Instead, it's a trait shared by all members of the breed.
- If a Chinese Crested is left alone in the yard or on a walk, he is at risk of injury or even death. Big dogs may consider him prey, despite his little size. He has little trouble saber-tying, and he can leap even the tallest of fences with no problem.
- When it comes to Chinese Crested with kids, parents should consider the ages and characteristics of their children before getting one. They are particularly vulnerable to harm as a result of their diminutive height.
- According to some, Chinese Crested are just like any other dog, and even more so than some other breeds.
- They're tenacious in their ways.
- Like miniature guard dogs, Chinese Crested bark and wail. Unless you're looking for a mellow canine buddy, look elsewhere.
- Chinese Crested are a breed of dog that prefers to spend time with people they know and love. They will climb and dig their way out of their cages if they are separated from their masters. Their inclination to develop separation anxiety makes them destructive when left alone for long periods of time.
- If the Chinese Crested is not properly socialised, it can become shy and frightened.
- Low- to non-shedders, Chinese Crested have a tidy exterior.
- Your dog will be healthy if you buy from a puppy mill or an irresponsible breeder. For the sake of her future generations, a responsible breeder will conduct temperament and health tests on all of her breeding dogs.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
Up to 12 pounds
Lifespan
10 to 14 years
Height
11 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder
History
The Chinese Crested's ancestry is obscure. They appear to be common all throughout the world, although they have been mostly spread in Central and South America due to genetic mutation. Only the Chinese Crested comes from Africa and was imported to China in the 13th century. Shipboard dog collections were common among Chinese seamen, who reportedly traded canines with local merchants whenever they docked. As a result, the breed was dispersed throughout the Middle East, Egypt, South Africa, and likely Central and South America as well!
As recently as the early 1800s, they were first shown by European artists in paintings and later pictures, including canines of the Chinese Crested kind. During the late 1800s, the hairless dog breed was popularised by the American Ida Garrett, who advocated for a variety of different breeds. The Chinese Crested slowly acquired popularity in the United States and Europe thanks to a small group of dedicated breeders (among them the eponymous Gypsy Rose Lee). The AKC recognised the breed in 1991, following a century of struggle.
Personality and Temperament
As a playful and affectionate dog, the Chinese crested can rapidly win the hearts of those who care for it, leading to a life expectancy of 12 to 13 years.
To describe the Chinese Crested, we'd say it's a cross between a playful pixie and a sweet lapdog. In addition to being devoted to his family and eager to please, he gets along well with other animals and is friendly to people of all kinds. In other words, his manner should be upbeat and observant.
Care
Because they are petite, intelligent, and calm, Chinese crested dogs may fit into a wide range of lifestyles. As compared to other popular breeds, they don't need as much activity and are easier to teach. For its silky fur and hairless skin, a Chinese crested requires special grooming care.
Health
However, despite its delicate appearance, the Chinese Crested Dog breed has few of the usual genetic illnesses that have plagued other breeds for decades (or centuries) of careless breeding.
Atopic Dermatitis
An allergy to allergens breathed or absorbed through the skin is the cause of this type of allergic skin illness. Dust mites, pollens, and moulds are among the most common triggers, and the illness can develop at any age, most commonly in puppies between the ages of three and six months. Infected ears, paws, and perineum are among the most prevalent symptoms, with infected dogs licking, gnawing, or scratching the sensitive areas for long periods of time.
A typical complication is the development of secondary skin infections, which can be treated with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs. Tablets or topical therapies may be used. Vaccines tailored to a dog's specific immune system may also be helpful in some cases.
Cerebellar Ataxia
This can be a progressive ailment in some dogs, but it is a congenital condition that hampers coordination from birth. As well as an unsteady gait and/or weakness in the limbs, those with this disorder walk with an unnatural, goose-stepping gait. Due to recurrent injuries and a lack of quality of life for some dogs with a debilitating neurological disease, they may be euthanized.
Hypotrichosis
Hypotrichosis is a term used to indicate the genetic trait of low hair growth in the breed, not necessarily a medical problem. Each cell in the body contains two copies of every gene, and all Chinese Crested Dogs that lack hair have one copy of the hypotrichosis gene and one copy of the long-haired gene. The two long-haired genes in Powderpuff dogs come from the same mother. Two hypotrichosis genes in an embryo are a fatal combination that results in all embryos being resorbed and not developing to full term.
Comedones
The Chinese Crested's skin is prone to comedones, or blackheads, and most of the grooming activities detailed here are aimed at preventing and clearing these blocked pores. They can cause skin irritation and infection in sensitive regions like the groyne if left untreated.
Patellar Luxation
Many petite, fine-boned breeds, like the Chinese Crested, are susceptible to patellar luxation, where the kneecap falls out of its usual position, resulting in intermittent lameness or a skipping gait.
Diabetes Mellitus
As with many other dog breeds, the Chinese Crested has a higher incidence of diabetes, which manifests as an inability to absorb glucose from the blood and symptoms include increased appetite, weight loss, and excessive thirst in older dogs. Insulin injections are required for successful management due to pancreatic damage caused by an autoimmune reaction.
Hemangiosarcoma
The early stages of hemangiosarcoma, a malignant development of blood vessels on the spleen's surface, are frequently devoid of symptoms. There may be dramatic weakness or fainting as a result of internal blood loss when these tumours are huge. In some circumstances, removing the spleen surgically can be curative.
Recommended Health Tests
- Patella Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
- PLL DNA Test
- PRA-RCD3 DNA Test
Nutrition
Good diet is essential for Chinese crested dogs, just like for any other breed of dog. An excellent small-breed dog food should do the trick. Aside from regular grooming, many owners choose to feed their dog’s allergy-specific food in order to keep their pets' skin in good condition. Acne medication has even been shown to help some Chinese crested dogs.
Hairless dogs are easy to identify if they have gained too much weight because they have no hair on their bodies. In between their hips and ribcage, their waist should be narrowed. Your dog's supper should be smaller if you can't see it.
Feel along your dog's rib cage through the hair for the powderpuff variety. The rib cage and hip bones should be plainly visible, but the ribs should not protrude much. As well as smaller portions, puzzle feeders can help your dog eat more slowly and burn off some additional energy.
Grooming
In addition to regular exercise, these dogs need additional attention and care in the grooming department. Like other long-haired breeds, powderpuff Chinese crested dogs require regular brushing and nail trimming and cleaning of their teeth.
These dogs' lack of hair need extra care when left outside. As a result, their skin is likely to be rashes, irritated and scratched. This is not the breed for you if you want a dog that you can take outside and play with.
Exercise
Doing some mental and physical exercise every day is the greatest way to keep your Chinese crested dog happy. Just a few brief walks each day will suffice for this breed. Despite their athleticism and love of games, they are a diminutive species that is prone to breaking easily. Although they aren't built to withstand the rigours of a typical child's play, they can be a good fit for families with older children who want to learn how to train canines.
Training
When it comes to obedience training, Chinese crested dogs are quick study and respond well to methods based on positive reinforcement. This breed's intelligence also implies that they are sensitive to diverse emotions and can feel worried when severe training is used, thus avoiding correction-based teaching.
Aside from agility, flyball, and lure coursing-related canine sports, some dogs are also excellent at them. Despite their diminutive stature and diva-like appearances, these women are powerful competitors on the field of battle. Keeping your dog mentally and physically fit is as simple as providing him with puzzle toys and training him new tricks.
Children and Other Pets
Chinese Crested are infatuated with children who are kind and compassionate. It's important for children to realise that they need to be careful around these small animals.
For the safety of both the dog and the child, it's important to educate youngsters on the proper way to approach and touch dogs, and to remain vigilant during any encounters between dogs and children to prevent any biting or ear- or tail-pulling. You should teach your youngster the importance of respecting dogs' privacy and not to disturb them while they are having a meal or napping. A dog should never be left alone with a child, no matter how affectionate the dog is. Crested enjoy playing with other animals.
Puppies
Make sure your Chinese crested dog puppy is up-to-date on its vaccinations and health screenings as soon as possible. Once a powder puff puppy is born, it should be obvious whether or not it will grow fur around its body. If properly socialised and taught as a puppy, this breed will fit right in with your family.
Chinese Crested Dog-Related Breeds
Consider these petite or hairless dog breeds if you're a fan of the Chinese crested dog:
Pekingese
It's a little dog that originated in China, the Pekingese. Despite the fact that it looks nothing like the Chinese crested dog due to its long hair, this breed is just as friendly and devoted. It also has a tendency to take matters into its own hands, which could get it into trouble.
The Shih Tzu
Similar to the Pekingese, the Shih Tzu can be described as a long-haired toy dog that has a lot of character. The Tibetan Terrier is intelligent, alert, and active, and may have been used as a guard dog in the past.. Stubbornness in training manifests itself in the form of a desire for independence in this breed.
Chihuahua
This bright and devoted dog is one of the rarest in the world.
Xoloitzcuintli
This is a poorly-known toy breed that hails from Mexico and has very little hair. It was once revered by the Aztecs as a sacred animal, but now it is a devoted friend and watchdog known for its keen sense of duty.