Dog Breeds > Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested Dog is one of the rarest dog breeds in the world. There are actually types – the Powderpuff and the Hairless. These two types can be deceiving; this is because you won’t be able to easily identify that they are of the same breed if you just look at them. The hairlessness trait, although incomplete, is a dominant gene. The Powderpuff trait, on the other hand, is a recessive gene.

Energy Playfulness Intelligence Grooming Popularity

Fascinating Facts

The history of the Chinese Crested Dog is a controversial one. There are records that this breed originally came from Africa and was once called “African Hairless Terriers”. These dogs were brought along during trading and were traded to Chinese dealers to search for rodents in ships. They were later named the Chinese Crested Dogs.

This breed has won the World’s Ugliest Dog award eight times. This type is an active participant in many dog shows because of this breed can easily learn and execute tricks.

Physical Appearance

The Hairless Chinese Crested Dog is indeed hairless except for its head, feet and tail. The Powderpuff Chinese Crested Dog, on the other hand, has long-haired coat. Both can be of any color. One nice feature is their eyes, which has the same color as their coat or skin. They have a wedge-shaped head and erect ears.

Being part of the Toy Group, Crested Dogs are small. They grow up to 10 inches and weigh not more than 10 pounds.

Grooming

One great characteristic of Chinese Crested Dogs is that they have no doggie stench unlike other dog breeds. For the Hairless type, bathing often is necessary. Massage oil on their skin to keep it supple. Some Hairless Chinese Crested Dogs are allergic to Lanolin, so be mindful when applying oil or cream. Because they are hairless, they shed little to not at all.

For the Powderpuff type, brushing everyday is needed so that their hair won’t get entangled. Hair growth with this type is not as fast as other dog breeds. Just like the Hairless one, they shed very little, too.

Mood

Chinese Crested Dogs are alert and agile. They are the quiet type and do not bark much. They can get very attached to their owners so constant attention is important. They enjoy being subordinates to humans and they get along well with other dog breeds and other pets.

With Children

Chinese Crested Dogs are ideally pets for children because they are very affectionate and amusing. However, teach your kids to be gentle with this breed as this dog breed get injured easily.

Training & Exercise

This breed is highly trainable and can actually perform tricks. They like to entertain and impress people. Training them is easy because they can immediately recognize leadership, making them submissive at once.

Health & Life Expectancy

One main concern with Chinese Crested Dogs is their dental problems, especially for the Hairless type. Regular eye exam is important because some dogs of this breed are affected with Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA, a state which can lead them to blindness. This breed is also prone to autoimmune diseases and allergies.

Crested also have the tendency to develop Progressive Neuronal Abiotrophy (PNA), also known as Canine Multiple System Degeneration (CMSD). This is a movement disorder that develops as early as 10 weeks to 14 weeks of age. Dogs affected with this disorder exhibits difficulty in moving and frequent falling after 6 months of age.

Regular check-up with a veterinarian even at an early age can prevent some health problems. The lifespan of a well-cared for Chinese Crested Dog is 15 years or more.

If you are thinking of breeding Chinese Crested Dogs, it is important that you consider the dominant trait of the ones you have. Keep in mind that all Chinese Crested Dogs have the Powderpuff trait, hence even the Hairless type can produce a Powderpuff. Some dogs can produce both types in the same litter. However, two Powderpuff Chinese Crested Dogs cannot produce a Hairless one.

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