Chinese Crested Dogs
The Chinese Crested has much to recommend it, as both pet and show dog. It is a handy size, clean and odourless and does not shed. It is dainty, alert, intelligent, courageous and gentle. It seldom requires veterinary aid and is a free whelper. It adjusts to cold or warm climates as its body temperature is 2.2 deg C (4 deg F) higher than that of humans; in fact, it has its own central heating system, the body feeling hotter to the touch after the animal has eaten. It has the ability to grip with its paws in a charming, almost human fashion.
A strange fact about the breed is that in almost every litter there are one or two haired pups, known as 'powder puffs'. Although these haired specimens have been excluded from selective breeding over a period of years, they are still apparent. Many people believe that the powder puffs are nature's way of keeping the hairless pups warm. And some think that breeding a hairless dog with a powder puff results in healthier stock, the powder puff being allegedly the stronger.
If you intend to breed this species, remember that although a reasonable price may be obtained for a powder puff bitch, because she is quite likely to produce hairless pups, the powder puff dog will command only a very moderate price as a household pet.
Origin and history
Up until 1966, an elderly lady in the United States owned the only examples of the Chinese Crested in the world. Mrs Ruth Harris introduced four of these to the United Kingdom. Today the Chinese Crested is thriving, and classes for the breed are being included in an increasing number of dog shows. It is recognized by the Kennel Club and is also shown now in championship classes in the United States.
Chinese Crested Puppies
Good points
- Handy size
- No hairs on the carpets!
- Intelligent
- Devoted companion
- Novelty-always the centre of attraction
- Good with children, the bitch being particularly gentle
Take heed
- Apt to be greedy
Size
Varies a lot, maximum 121b (5.4kg).
Exercise
The Chinese Crested is a lively little dog and enjoys a brisk walk. However, it happily works off a lot of surplus energy running after, and playing with, the chews and other toys that it so likes.
Chinese Crested Information Chinese Crested General Information
A small, active and graceful dog; medium to fine bones; smooth hairless body, with hair on feet, head and tail. Crest. Flat, high or long-flowing; sparse crest acceptable, but full crest preferred.
Colour
Any colour, plain or spotted. Skin should be smooth and soft, and warm to the touch. Head and skull. Long skull, slightly rounded; slight stop; moderately long muzzle; lean cheeks.
Size
Varies a lot, maximum 121b (5.4kg).
Tail
Up and over the back or looped, never curled. Plume on the lower two-thirds of the tail. Sparse plume acceptable but full plume preferred.
Feet
Hare foot, nails moderately lona. Hair sh.ould not come above
Chinese Crested Health care
These dogs lack premolar teeth, and thus it is inadvisable to give them bones. They are also allergic to wool.
Chinese Crested Grooming & Feeding
Grooming
The Chinese Crested needs frequent bathing, and the skin should be regularly rubbed with baby oil to prevent cracking and to keep it smooth to the touch. Care must be taken to prevent sunburn and to maintain the skin free of blackheads - to which they are prone in adolescence - and other hlp.mishes. Facial hair and whiskers
Feeding
Usually a rather greedy dog, this breed should nonetheless be content with 5-70z (142-198g) of branded dog food or the fresh meat equivalent, and a cupful of small dog biscuits. It is a good idea to keep a bowl of biscuits accessible, so that the animal may help itself when peckish, but remove them if your pet shows signs of becoming overweight.