Overview: The Chinese Crested breed is quite rare in North America, however if you ever do see one you are likely to remember it permanently as they have a distinct look to them – chiefly due to their lack of hair. It should be noted that while most of the Chinese Crested breed comes as the nearly hairless variety, there are also some born that are known as “Powderpuff”. The powderpuff dogs sport a full, fluffy white coat. Both varieties of the Chinese Crested breed are small, generally weighing in between ten and fifteen pounds.
Temperament wise, this breed is one of the most affectionate there is, oftentimes to the point of being clingy. The Chinese crested breed can definitely be described as a “Velcro dog” that becomes very attached to one person. This extremely loyal breed is even known to suffer severe emotional distress should their “chosen person” for any reason no longer be in their life.
It is very important that this breed is socialized from an early age, and taken out as soon it is deemed safe to do so. Failure to adequately socialize the Chinese Crested breed with strangers and other dogs can lead to a very timid and fearful adult dog.
Exercise Requirements: While most Chinese Crested dogs will be happy to spend the majority of their day indoors as long as they are in close proximity to their owner, they do enjoy the outdoors and should be provided with a long daily walk. The stimulus and exercise that a walk provides will make for a better behaved, well adjusted dog.
Grooming: Being almost entirely hairless, the Chinese Crested is naturally very easy to groom, and can do with only an occasional brushing of the hair they do have. This makes them an excellent choice for those who suffer from allergies. Of course, the Powderpuff variety does require additional grooming, and should be brushed at least once weekly.
Training: Smart and eager to please, dogs of the Chinese Crested breed are able to learn many tricks, and tend to pick up things quickly. However, like many miniature dog breeds they may take a bit longer than average to housebreak, as they are all small breed with an equally small bladder.
Health Concerns: Like many small dog breeds, the Chinese Crested breed has a long life expectancy that frequently exceeds thirteen years. However, the Chinese Crested breed is known to be prone to a variety of potentially serious conditions, such as deafness, acne, skin conditions, dental issues, Legg Perthes diease, allergies and luxating patella.
Special Note about The Chinese Crested: Owners of the non Powderpuff Chinese Crested should take special care in a variety of weather conditions. For example, the Chinese Crested can experience sunburn in especially sunny weather conditions, and will undoubtedly feel the cold on even moderately chilly days. It’s important to provide the Chinese Crested with a full coverage sweater or coat when taking it out in the fall and winter.
Chinese Crested (and PowderPuff) Breed
Overview: The Chinese Crested breed is quite rare in North America, however if you ever do see one you are likely to remember it permanently as they have a distinct look to them – chiefly due to their lack of hair. It should be noted that while most of the Chinese Crested breed comes as the nearly hairless variety, there are also some born that are known as “Powderpuff”. The powderpuff dogs sport a full, fluffy white coat. Both varieties of the Chinese Crested breed are small, generally weighing in between ten and fifteen pounds.
Temperament wise, this breed is one of the most affectionate there is, oftentimes to the point of being clingy. The Chinese crested breed can definitely be described as a “Velcro dog” that becomes very attached to one person. This extremely loyal breed is even known to suffer severe emotional distress should their “chosen person” for any reason no longer be in their life.
It is very important that this breed is socialized from an early age, and taken out as soon it is deemed safe to do so. Failure to adequately socialize the Chinese Crested breed with strangers and other dogs can lead to a very timid and fearful adult dog.
Exercise Requirements: While most Chinese Crested dogs will be happy to spend the majority of their day indoors as long as they are in close proximity to their owner, they do enjoy the outdoors and should be provided with a long daily walk. The stimulus and exercise that a walk provides will make for a better behaved, well adjusted dog.
Grooming: Being almost entirely hairless, the Chinese Crested is naturally very easy to groom, and can do with only an occasional brushing of the hair they do have. This makes them an excellent choice for those who suffer from allergies. Of course, the Powderpuff variety does require additional grooming, and should be brushed at least once weekly.
Training: Smart and eager to please, dogs of the Chinese Crested breed are able to learn many tricks, and tend to pick up things quickly. However, like many miniature dog breeds they may take a bit longer than average to housebreak, as they are all small breed with an equally small bladder.
Health Concerns: Like many small dog breeds, the Chinese Crested breed has a long life expectancy that frequently exceeds thirteen years. However, the Chinese Crested breed is known to be prone to a variety of potentially serious conditions, such as deafness, acne, skin conditions, dental issues, Legg Perthes diease, allergies and luxating patella.
Special Note about The Chinese Crested: Owners of the non Powderpuff Chinese Crested should take special care in a variety of weather conditions. For example, the Chinese Crested can experience sunburn in especially sunny weather conditions, and will undoubtedly feel the cold on even moderately chilly days. It’s important to provide the Chinese Crested with a full coverage sweater or coat when taking it out in the fall and winter.