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Chinese Crested Dog
This is a friendly and
attractive little breed of dog which is full of fun and very
attached to its owner.
History:
The Chinese Crested Dog is
said to have existed as far back as 1000 BC. It is now extinct
in China, but was very popular there up until the mid-1800s.
It is now more popular in Britain and America. Some experts
suggest the hairless breeds of dog are from a common ancestor,
but there is debate that the varieties found in China, Mexico,
Turkey, and elsewhere are derived from local breeds.
Physical
characteristics:
The Chinese Crested Dog is a
tiny, graceful, and finely-boned dog. The smaller the size,
the more it is valued. Height: under FCI standards 12 - 19.5
in (30 - 50 cm), under South African standards around 11 in
(28 cm) and elsewhere 11 - 13 in (28 - 33 cm) for the adult
dog and 9 - 12 in (23 - 30.5 cm) for the bitch. Weight: up to
12 lb (5.4 kg). The skin is hairless and smooth with a flowing
crest of silk hair crowning its fine muzzled head. The skin is
soft and warm to the touch. The colors of this breed can be
any mix of blue, gray, gold or pink, either as solids or
patched with white. The dog's coat will change color with the
seasons, becoming darker in summer and lighter in winter.
The
skin can easily become irritated when in contact with cloth
and can form skin lesions. The dog does feel the cold, but
should avoid abrasive fabrics if wearing protective clothing.
Wool irritates the skin, so cotton could be used.
As
with other breeds of hairless dogs, "powder-puffs," or pups
with coats, sometimes occur in Chinese Crested litters. These
coats have short, downy-soft undercoats overhung with long,
veil-like overcoats. This is possibly nature's way of keeping
the pups warm; "powder-puffs" are not bred.
Behavior:
The Chinese Crested Dog is
usually quite gentle in its nature and makes a wonderful
companion for its owner. At times, however, this dog can have
a very determined spirit, and a firm hand is required to keep
it in line. However, once it is established who is in control,
the Chinese Crested Dog becomes a loyal and trustworthy
companion. Although its size prevents it from ever aspiring to
be a guard dog, the Chinese Crested Dog performs very well as
a watch-dog to alert its owner.
In
most cases the Chinese Crested Dog gets along very well with
other dogs. Its rather unusual appearance can sometimes
startle other dogs, and care should be taken on first
meetings. This dog is very much a people's dog, and has been
bred to be a companion animal. Because of its unconventional
appearance, strangers may wish to pat and otherwise
investigate the dog. Wise owners will not allow strangers to
initially pat the dog on the head, as this dominant gesture
may make it snap at them. The Chinese Crested Dog can make an
excellent family pet, but care should be taken to avoid rough
games with small children.
This
dog will thrive on its owner's attention, and with patience it
can be quite trainable.
Generally,
the Chinese Crested Dog is kept inside the house. If kept
outside for short periods of time, it must be provided with
adequate shelter. The dog needs protection from the
sun, drafts and the cold.
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