Chinese Crested

History

Surprisingly first ever born in Africa during the early 1900s, the Chinese Crested received their breed name after the Chinese trading ships added them to their crew to help protect against small rodents on the ships. Though no physical evidence exsits today, it is believed that the Mexican Hairless bloodlines run in the creation of the Chinese Crested breed. The Chinese Crested wasn't only just used on the Chinese trading ships, however they were used by Native Americans as food while other dogs were kept to keep them warm during their nights sleep. Today, this breed is most popular for winning physical appearance contests and being kept as companions within our homes.

Appearance

Though many are unaware, there are two types of Chinese Crested. The hairless and the powder-puff coats. The hairless variety of Chinese Crested only have hair on their head, tail and paws, while the powder-puff variety is fully covered in a long, somewhat curly coat, similar to the poodle. Both males and females measure 6-12 inches in height and weigh 5-10 pounds in weight. Both of the varieties of the Chinese Crested are available in any color of skin or coat color and pattern. A tiny wedge shaped head tapering into a scissor bite and two small, triangular shaped ears that should stand tall on their head. This breed has small, muscular legs and very tiny paws. Please note for breeders that both the hairless and powder-puff varieties are born in the same liters.

Temperament

Meant for households with older children who understand they cannot play rough around the breed, the Chinese Crested is a wonderful breed for most families including the elderly. This breed is generally very accepting of other small breeds and non canine pets. Loving, loyal and fragile are the three best words to describe the breed, as they require a gentle and friendly owner who uses positive reinforcement training methods. This breed is suitable for both apartment and country living situations. A daily walk is required as well as playtime in doors. Please note that the Hairless variety of the Chinese Crested needs to have a safe play area so they do not damage their skin. This breed is known for being particularly quiet inside and for not becoming a barker. As always, only positive reinforcement training methods are ever recommended.

Grooming

The Powder-puff variety Chinese Crested requires daily brushing and bathing when needed. Professional grooming is recommended every so often. The hairless variety of Chinese Crested require baths often and special oil or lotion massaged into their skin daily to protect their skin. Please fully educate yourself about these care requirements and products prior to adding a Chinese Crested Hairless to your household.

Special Notes

Prone to weight gain, skin issues, "tusks", wool and other allergies. Please fully educate yourself about the Chinese Crested both hairless and powder-puff varieties prior to adding one to your family to ensure you are able to meet the care requirements for this breed and that this is the correct breed for you. Do not add this breed to your family unless you are able to make a life long commitment to your new addition. Do not add this breed to your home unless you can provide life long physical and financial care. All dogs originate from wolves (Canis Lupus). Each breed of dog was originally created by mixing different breeds together in an effort to bring forth certain characteristics. Once a breeder has created acceptable “breed characteristics” within their bloodline and these “breed characteristics” have shown to be reliably reproduced in the offspring for three (3) generations, the bloodline may be upgraded from the category of “foundation stock” to “pure-bred”. The same “pure-bred” breed standards vary from different continents, countries, territories, regions, breed clubs, and canine pure-breed registries depending on the goals of their breeders. Dog DNA testing companies can have accurate results for a specific bloodline of a small colony of dogs. However, there are tens of thousands of different bloodlines in the world which have not yet been tested for marker baseline results by Dog DNA testing companies as of 2017. For this reason Dog DNA testing companies do not guarantee the 100% accuracy of their breed lineage results and will also show different marker results for the same pure-bred breed in different continents, countries, territories, regions, breed clubs, and canine pure-breed registries depending on the goals of their breeders.