Chinese crested

Formerly worshiped … or eaten, today affectionately known as powder cans, Chinese Crested Dogs are gaining more and more fans. Chinese Crested Dog is a small companion dog in two varieties: hairy and naked. A rather light-weight dog, with a straight back, elegant in movement. Very intelligent and smart, sensitive, badly tolerate rough treatment. Cheerful and alert. Some believe that it arose from the relationship of a naked Mexican dog (xoloitzpointli) with a chihuahua.

Nature

Despite the eccentric appearance, the Chinese crested dog has a quite ordinary character and many advantages. He is gentle, balanced, cheerful and always willing to play. Effective in showing affection, the guardian has great attachment. Deprived of man, he will be unhappy. Feels great among children, both small and older. He is very patient, willing to follow their instructions and as one of the few dogs he recognizes their authority.

Crested is distrustful of strangers. He treats them with caution and avoids contact, which makes him proud and haughty. The owner can wrap a finger around him, so he must not give in to everything. It is quite susceptible to environmental influences, e.g. in a noisy house, it can become noisy.

If you do not want to bark for any reason, do not allow this behavior. He can live with other pets, but he clearly prefers his own breed. He likes walking, but does not require much movement.

Chinese crested. Training and education

The Chinese are intelligent and can be taught many tricks. He often initiates games himself, which can be used while learning. However, it must be handled very gently. Puppies should be socialized and familiarized with new situations.

Skills

Originally Chinese Crested Dogs were primarily companion dogs. They were used as live hot water bottles – they warmed the beds and were helpful in treating many ailments, including rheumatic changes.

Currently, these little dogs are excellent friends of the family, they can also successfully compete in agility competitions.

Who is this race for?

The ideal owner for the crested dog is a peaceful home man, leading a stable life. However, this dog breed is great for families with children and the elderly.

Hairy quadrupeds can be kept by allergy sufferers because they do not lose their hair and cause allergies.

Chinese crested. Advantages and disadvantages

Disadvantages

• sensitive
• in winter he feels cold, and in summer – heat
• distrustful of strangers

Advantages

• does not require a lot of traffic
• suitable for both children and the elderly
• willing to play and learn

Chinese crested. Health

Crested dog enjoys good health. There are allergies to pure wool, so neither dog beds nor clothes should contain it.

In addition, hairless dogs are more sensitive to cold, and in summer – to sunburn. If they stay in the sun for a long time, they need to be lubricated with UV creams.

Feeding

The Chinese like to eat and are not fussy. The food should be medium-protein and well-balanced. In winter, you can increase the portions slightly.

Chinese crested. History

Hairless quadrupeds were found in many regions of the world, so it is not possible to accurately determine the origin of Chinese crested dog. His traces can be found both in the Americas and in Asia Minor. Some believe that it arose from the relationship of a naked Mexican dog (xoloitzpointli) with a chihuahua.

In China, the crested dog was known many centuries ago. He appeared in two types. Smaller dogs, so-called temples, also called vault guards, were closely guarded by monks. They served as an oracle: they closely watched their reaction to the questions asked. They were also considered an excellent remedy for rheumatism, their warm skin effectively warmed up the sick places. They enjoyed the imperial court too, where they were laid on velvet cushions and pearl necklaces were put on their necks.

The second type of crested dog, much larger and more massive, was considered a special delicacy in Asian cuisine; he was fattened and eaten on public holidays. 

For the first time, the Chinese crested dog was shown at an exhibition in Westminster in 1885, and later in 1926 at an exhibition commemorating the 150 years of Philadelphia. Then for a long time this breed was forgotten.

Crested got to England in the mid-1960s. In 1975, a breeding club was established in the USA. At the beginning of the 1980s, the British Kennel Club (breeders’ association) recognized the hairy variety of the crested dog and since then they have the same rights at exhibitions as their naked brothers.

The Chinese Crested owes its unusual appearance to a spontaneous genetic mutation. The gene responsible for lack of hair (N) is a lethal gene (causes death of animals shortly after birth or dying of the embryo in utero), therefore it is impossible to breed dogs with two NN genes. Therefore, hairy individuals (with the n gene) must be involved in breeding this breed. In the same litter puppies are born (with Nn genes) or with hair (with two nn genes).

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Chinese Crested Dog – IX group FCI, decorative and companion dogs

• Country of origin: China, patronage: Great Britain
• Primary use: companion dog and used for therapeutic purposes
• Character: mild; balanced, cheerful dog, very devoted to his family; is distrustful of strangers
• Size: available in two types: light, with a delicate bone, so-called deer, and stocky, with a stronger body – the so-called pony type; height at the withers of dogs 28-33 cm, bitches 23-30 cm
• Coat: in a variety of bare tufts of hair occur on the head, ears, lower limbs and tail; the skin is delicate, soft and warm to the touch, it can change color during the year, brightening for the winter; in the hair variety (powder puff), the coat consists of undercoat and delicate, long coat hair
• Ointment: all colors and combinations thereof are acceptable
• Reaching puberty: 1.5 years-2 years
• Lifespan: 12-15 years
• Molting: not molting; requires frequent bathing, and the hairy variety – systematic combing
• Activity: high; need traffic, but long walks are not necessary
• Training: the basics of obedience are indicated; is doing well on the agility track
• Vulnerability to training: quite high; intelligent dog
• Attitude towards children: friendly and tolerant, happy to follow their instructions
• Attitude towards other dogs: friendly to his herd, distrustful of strangers
• Weather resistance: resistant; for a hairless variety during heavy frosts, clothes are recommended, and in summer – cream with a UV filter
• Apartment: can live in a small apartment and in a house with a garden, but is not suitable for keeping outside
• Preparation for exhibitions: the hairless variety shaves fine hair on the face and torso; the hairy variety needs bathing, combing and hair cutting on the muzzle
• Possibility to buy a puppy: generally, there are no problems with buying

Interesting facts

Chinese crested dogs are quite barking dogs. Some joke that they are guarding dogs because they so eagerly inform the owner about everything that is happening in the surroundings.