Is The Chinese Crested Dog Right For You?
- 1The Chinese Crested dog breed has two varieties: Hairless and PowderPuff.
- 2The hairless Chinese Crested's skin needs to be treated like human skin.
- 3The Chinese Crested dogs are known for their loyal, intelligent, and friendly nature.
- 4They are excellent companion dogs and need constant human leadership.
HISTORY
Thought to be a native of Africa, Chinese Cresteds were used on Chinese ships to catch rats. Before they became ratting dogs, they were used by Aztecs to warm their beds at night, and fill their bellies during the day. Once thought to be related to the Mexican Hairless, geneticists have now discovered that these dogs are more closely related to the Basenji, helping to solidify the theory that they are African natives. They were recognized by the AKC in 1991.
Quick Facts
Size
Toy/Small
Lifespan
10-12 years, not a long lived breed
Hair Length
Long
Male Height
12 inches (30cm)
Male Weight
10 pounds or less (4.5kg)
Female Height
12 inches (30cm)
Female Weight
10 pounds or less (4.5kg)
Litter Size
2-4 puppies per litter
Personality
The Chinese Crested is a superb companion that is lively, playful, and great with children. They are very smart and should not be shy if they are socialized early, but can be sensitive to loud noises if they are not used to them. They are good at learning tricks and play well with others, but children should be taught to be gentle with them, as their hairless body does not absorb impact as well as their hairrier counterparts, making them especially prone to injury. .
Color
All colors and patterns are acceptable in the Chinese Crested.
Health Concerns
The mating of hairless with hairless Chinese Crested dogs can result in stillborn puppies. The hairless variety is prone to:
Appearance
There are two different varieties of the Chinese Crested: Hairless and Powderpuff. Their respective titles are fairly self explanatory, though the Hairless still has tufts of hair on their head, legs, and tail. They are both tiny dogs, with thin, wiry frames. Their skin is a sort of mottled color, when it is exposed, and their hair is soft and fluffy. They have pointy ears and a head of hair worthy of an 80s rock band.
