Author: Connie Limon
Other names the Chinese Crested is known as are:
. Chinese Edible Dog
. Chinese Ship Dog
. Chinese Hairless
. Chinese Royal Hairless
. Pyramid or Giza Hairless
. South African Hairless
. Turkish Hairless
The "crest" in its name refers to a copious shock of silky hair
that graces the dog's head.
The Chinese Crested is found everywhere, but has never reached
great popularity. It has often been exhibited in circuses and
carnivals as a "freak." However, this little dog has many
assets that go unrecognized.
There are two types of the Chinese Crested:
. Hairless
. With a full coat, which is called the Powderpuff
The Powderpuff is just about identical to the hairless except
for the coat. The two are interbred and shown together. If you
breed a hairless to a hairless or a Powderpuff to a hairless
you can end up with either type or both types of puppies.
Breeding a Powderpuff to a Powderpuff will always produce the
Powderpuff type puppies.
Some authors claim the origin of the Chinese Crested is Africa.
Others find its origin in Mexico or any of several other warm
countries. The Chinese Crested is known to have been carried by
trading ships from and to many different ports where it was
bought and sold. Therefore, its origin is shrouded by sea
tales.
The date of origin of the Chinese Crested is considered to be
during the thirteenth century. Oriental countries concentrated
on breeding miniaturized dogs, so the Chinese Crested ancestors
probably include some of these small, hairless mutations.
The Chinese Crested originally enjoyed a pampered life with few
duties except those associated with being a good companion. Very
early in the development of the Chinese Crested breed it was
probably used as a ratter on trading ships and was even
sometimes eaten by human residents of these trading ships (how
horribly awful to think of eating such a beautiful creature).
Personality
The Chinese Crested is said to be "a nimble and cunning
playmate." He is a vigilant and sensitive house dog. The
Chinese Crested is a loving and obedient pet. He socializes
well with other pets and is only a little cautious of
strangers. The Chinese Crested is lively and active, but is
rarely seen in agility contests. He is easily trained and
should do well in obedience work.
Appearance
The Chinese Crested is fine-boned and graceful. He stands about
11 to 13 inches tall and weighs 5 to 12 pounds. He is
athletic-looking and well muscled. The legs of a Chinese
Crested are straight and strong. The Chinese Crested has a
copious shock of silky hair that graces his head. Hair is
absent over much of the remainder of its body except for tufts
of hair on the tail and feet.
The Powderpuff has a flowing double coat of silky hair that
covers its entire body. It is seen in any coat color or
combination of colors.
Exercise Requirements
As with most toy breeds the Chinese Crested needs a minimal
amount of exercise which can be obtained in your backyard.
Grooming
The Chinese Crested needs to be kept clean with frequent baths
using a good shampoo followed by a moisturizer like baby oil or
baby lotion. This routine is especially true for the hairless
type.
The Powderpuff requires regular brushing and combing. The teeth
need cleaning regularly.
You will need a good-quality bristle brush and a safety razor
(to shave the face) for the Hairless variety. For the
Powderpuff coat you will need a good-quality bristle brush, a
wide-toothed comb and clippers.
The skin of the Hairless type responds well to frequent oiling
by massaging baby oil or Nivea face cream into the hairless
parts. This helps to keep the skin on the Chinese Crested
Hairless type smooth and nicely moisturized.
The Powderpuff puppy requires frequent brushing with a bristle
or pin brush particularly when the puppy coat changes to the
adult coat, at which time daily grooming may be needed. The
coat of a Powderpuff Chinese Crested should be brushed in
layers with the lie of the coat.
After bathing, grooming and blow-drying, the face should be
shaved using clippers (10 mm blade). Take a line from the outer
corner of the eye to the ear and in a gentle curve from the ear
down to the "Adam's apple." This cut is similar to the face of
a Poodle. In the U.S. the Powderpuff face is not shaved. Finish
off the entire body with a wide-toothed comb if desired. The
comb will find any remaining tangles in the coat. Of note in
the Chinese Crested is that the dog's nails should be
moderately long.
About The Author: Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at
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