Chinese Crested Dog

Breed Description

The Chinese Crested Dog is one of the most exotic and mysterious breeds, surrounded by many legends and myths. Its exact origin is unknown, but it is believed to have ancient roots going back thousands of years. These dogs are mentioned in historical sources as companions of Chinese nobility and even as sacred animals in temples. Their graceful features and unusual appearance combine antiquity and elegance, making them unique among other breeds.

According to one version, the Chinese Crested Dog descends from hairless dogs from Africa or Mexico, which Chinese traders brought to China in ancient times. There, systematic breeding began aimed at enhancing their exotic appearance and reducing their size. These dogs became popular in Chinese culture due to their unusual qualities: they were considered symbols of grace and elegance, and were used for hunting small rodents in the homes of wealthy families.

The Chinese attributed mystical properties to these dogs. It was believed that they could drive away evil spirits and bring good luck. Additionally, due to their hairless skin, they were used for medicinal purposes: people believed that the dogs could warm diseased areas of the body and help treat various ailments. They were kept by both nobles and monks, making the breed popular in both elite circles and religious life.

During the age of great maritime discoveries, Chinese Crested Dogs began their journey around the world. Chinese traders took these dogs on ships, where they served to control the rat population and also became unique gifts and commodities for European and African ports. This led to the breed spreading to other parts of the world, including Europe and America. In Europe, they were initially seen as an exotic curiosity, but gradually their friendliness, loyalty, and unique appearance were appreciated.

The modern development of the breed began in the 20th century when American and British dog breeders started systematic breeding of the Chinese Crested Dog. A special role in preserving the breed was played by Deborah and Conrad Bleckley, who began popularizing these dogs in the U.S. Thanks to their efforts, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1991.

Today, the Chinese Crested Dog is an elegant and affectionate companion, valued for its unique appearance and gentle nature. Its history reflects the journey from an exotic symbol of Eastern culture to one of the most recognizable and popular breeds in the world.The price for a small Crested dog ranges from 40,000 to 90,000 rubles.

Appearance

The Chinese Crested Dog is a small yet highly expressive breed that stands out due to its unique appearance. Its size can be described as compact, with a height ranging from 28 to 33 cm at the shoulders. The average weight of a Chinese Crested Dog varies between 3 to 5 kg, making it light and agile, perfectly suited for apartment living. These dogs have a characteristic hairless skin, which is only covered by a small amount of fur on the head, ears, and tail, making them stand out among other breeds.

Additionally, the Chinese Crested Dog features graceful and refined body proportions, giving it an elegant and almost “royal” appearance. It possesses a lively, intelligent gaze and a posture that emphasizes its confidence and individuality.

The average lifespan of a Chinese Crested Dog is around 12 to 14 years, which is a good indicator for small breeds. Despite their miniature size, these dogs display robust health, although they require special care, particularly for their skin.

Отличительные черты

Голова

The head of the Chinese Crested dog is graceful and proportional, with elegant lines. The skull is slightly rounded, and the transition from the forehead to the muzzle is smooth yet noticeable, emphasizing a harmonious silhouette. The dog's head gives it a refined and sophisticated appearance that matches its overall look.

Морда

The face is elongated and narrow, tapering slightly towards the nose. The lips are thin and fit snugly, emphasizing the neatness of the shape. The nose can be of different colors depending on the coat, but it always harmonizes with the overall appearance of the dog.

Уши

Ears are large, set high, either upright or drooping depending on the breed. In hairless individuals, the ears are often covered with long hair, adding an exotic touch to their appearance. In fluffy dogs (puffs), the ears are usually completely covered with fur, creating a soft and fluffy look.

Глаза

The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and slightly slanted. They are dark, expressive, with a friendly and curious gaze. The eyes are an important part of the dog's appearance, as they convey its gentle and intelligent nature.

Зубы

In the Chinese Crested Dog, teeth often represent a breed characteristic. Hairless individuals may exhibit an incomplete dental arch or improper bite, which is related to genetics. Fluffy dogs (powderpuffs) usually have complete and correct teeth. Regular dental care is important for maintaining health.

Корпус

The body of the Chinese Crested Dog is elegant and light, with a well-defined ribcage and a taut abdomen. The back is straight, with a gentle transition to the lower back. The croup is slightly sloped, emphasizing the grace and poise of its movements. The dog's body is balanced and harmonious.

Конечности

The limbs are long, slim, and straight, giving the dog an elegant appearance. The paws are narrow, with long toes, resembling "rabbit" ones. The pads are firm with a good texture, making movements light and confident. The limbs emphasize the breed's refinement.

Хвост

The tail is long, thin, and set high. It rises upward when the dog moves, but it never curls over the back. The tip of the tail is often adorned with a "plume" of long hair, which is especially characteristic of hairless dogs.

Шерсть

The hairless variety has soft, smooth skin with hair on the head ("crest"), legs ("socks"), and tail. The coated ones have soft, long, and dense fur with a silky texture. Both types of fur require specific care to maintain their health and appearance.

Окрас

The coat of a Chinese Crested dog can be nearly any color - from solid to spotted. Hairless dogs often have contrasting patches on their skin, giving them an exotic appearance. Fluffy varieties allow for a wide range of color combinations.

Character

The Chinese Crested dog has a bright, friendly, and energetic personality. Despite its small size, it is full of confidence and always shows interest in the surrounding world. These dogs are highly attached to their owners and love being the center of attention. They tend to form close bonds with family members and can become true “shadows” to their owners, following them around the house and wanting to be close at all times.

The Chinese Crested dog is an intelligent and curious breed that enjoys exploring its environment. It happily plays, performs tricks, and actively participates in family life. Despite its small stature, it possesses good guarding instincts and will be cautious around unfamiliar people or situations. These dogs strike a balance between playfulness and attentiveness to their surroundings.

The habits of the Chinese Crested dog include a need for active play and regular physical activity. They enjoy short walks and also appreciate time spent in their owner’s arms. It is important to note that this breed often forms a strong attachment to one person in the family and may be somewhat wary of strangers, though it does not show aggression.

While the Chinese Crested dog is a loving and loyal friend, it also requires a lot of attention and care, especially regarding its skin. These dogs do not tolerate solitude well and may become sad or even destructive if left without interaction for long periods.

Care and Maintenance

Caring for a Chinese Crested dog requires attention to its unique features, especially its skin, which is nearly hairless. Its skin is sensitive to external factors, so it should be regularly cleaned with gentle products to avoid dirt accumulation and clogged pores. Special moisturizing creams are necessary to prevent dryness and irritation, particularly in cold or hot weather. On sunny days, it is advisable to use sunscreen to protect the dog from burns.

Bathing should be done every two weeks or as needed, using a mild shampoo designed for dogs with sensitive skin. Additionally, it’s essential to clean the ears regularly, as this breed is prone to dirt buildup. Dental care is particularly important since this breed is susceptible to dental problems; therefore, tooth brushing should be part of the regular care routine.

The Chinese Crested dog enjoys attention, comfort, and social interaction. It happily spends time with its owner, enjoying playful activities, walks, or simply relaxing nearby. These dogs love soft beds, cozy blankets, and other comforts that create a sense of coziness and safety.

However, this breed does not tolerate loneliness or cold well. A Chinese Crested dog may become stressed when left alone for long periods and feels unwell without social interaction. In colder weather, it needs clothing to maintain a comfortable body temperature, as it loses heat quickly without fur. The dog also dislikes rough handling or a harsh tone-it is sensitive to intonations and responds better to gentle, kind communication. It’s important to consider its delicate nature and treat its emotional and physical well-being with care.

Training and Education

The Chinese Crested dog has a lively and clever character, making it quite intelligent yet independent. It responds well to training, especially when the learning process is playful and not too strict. It’s important to consider its sensitivity and gentle nature: aggression or excessive strictness can cause the dog to become withdrawn and avoid interaction. Positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, is the best way to encourage good behavior.

This breed is suitable for experienced owners who are willing to invest time in raising and socializing the dog. The Chinese Crested can be a bit shy around unfamiliar people, but with patience and affection, it quickly bonds with its owner. It becomes very attached to its owner and may form a special connection with one family member. Despite this, it will seek to be part of the family and require a lot of attention.

The Chinese Crested listens to an owner who shows patience and gentleness in their interactions. It responds well to a loving yet confident tone. The dog gets along well with other pets, especially if socialized with them from a young age. However, like any breed, it requires proper training to avoid becoming overly independent or dominant in relationships with other animals. Zoonik offers puppies of elite breeds with a full package of documents.

How to Choose a Puppy

When selecting a Chinese Crested puppy, it’s important to consider both physical characteristics and temperament traits that reflect the breed’s uniqueness. The first step is to contact a reputable kennel where breeders specialize in this breed. A good breeder will provide comprehensive information about the parents, their health, pedigree, and temperament. The puppy’s parents should be balanced, sociable, and meet the breed standards.

The puppy should display curiosity, activity, and healthy confidence. A healthy puppy is friendly, playful, and not afraid of contact with people. However, it shouldn’t be overly intrusive or, on the other hand, too timid. Choose a puppy that demonstrates good socialization and interest in the surrounding world-this is the key to developing a balanced character.

The puppy’s appearance also matters. Hairless puppies should have clean skin, free from redness, rashes, or peeling. In the fluffy variety of the breed, the coat should be soft and without bald patches. The eyes should be clear and shiny, without discharge, and the ears and nose should be clean. The puppy should be well-nourished but not overly fat, with strong legs and free movements.

Documentation plays a crucial role. The puppy should come with a certificate or puppy card confirming its lineage and a veterinary passport with vaccination and deworming records. The puppy’s parents should be tested for genetic diseases common to the breed, such as skin, eye, or dental issues.

The Chinese Crested bonds closely with its owner, so make sure you’re ready to give it enough attention. This breed is ideal for those who can offer a lot of emotional warmth and time for interaction. Choose a puppy that fits your lifestyle, and remember that making the right choice at the puppy acquisition stage is essential for harmonious relationships and a healthy, happy life for your pet. Zooinika is the best way to find a purebred from trusted breeders.

Health and Diseases

The Chinese Crested Dog generally has good health, but like any breed, it is susceptible to certain specific diseases. One of the main issues that owners of hairless representatives of the breed may face is skin condition. They can develop dermatitis, allergies, and various skin diseases, as their skin is more vulnerable and exposed to environmental factors. Regular grooming and the use of specialized skincare products help minimize these problems.

Additionally, Chinese Crested Dogs may suffer from dental diseases, as this breed often has a predisposition to plaque and tartar formation. Therefore, regular teeth cleaning and veterinary visits for professional cleaning are important parts of their care.

Moreover, there is a risk of developing some genetic diseases, such as eye problems, including glaucoma and cataracts. Owners of Chinese Crested Dogs may also encounter issues with kneecaps, as conditions can manifest as dislocations, requiring careful attention to the dog’s joints and limiting physical activities if predisposition exists.

When choosing a puppy, it is important to check the health of its parents and ensure there are no hereditary diseases to minimize risks for the pet in the future. Regular veterinary visits and quality preventive care play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the Chinese Crested Dog.