Chinese Crested

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT
fast facts

About Chinese Crested

Weight
7-10 lb
Lifespan
10-12 years
Group
AKC Toy
Best Suited For
Families with children, singles, seniors, apartments
Temperament
Playful, gentle, eager to please, devoted
Comparable Breeds
Chihuahua, Pug
Height
10-12 inches
ADVERTISEMENT

Chinese Crested Basics

If you’ve been looking for a breed of dog that makes an excellent companion in a myriad of ways – avoids barking, gets along with children, and gets along with other dogs – you could do far, far worse than opt for a Chinese Crested. The Chinese Crested dog is considered among the best companion breeds for a number of reasons: not only for those mentioned, but for its appearance, general demeanor, and ability to perform tricks. In other words, acquiring a Chinese Crested for yourself and your family can be a great decision indeed.

There are two kinds of Chinese Crested dogs – the Powderpuff and the Hairless. Both types are odorless, non-shedding, and hypo-allergenic, which makes them a great dog for allergy sufferers. If you have the opportunity to acquire one for yourself and make it a part of your family, you’ll find it makes an ideal pet for households with small children and it’s a dog that won’t make strangers feel unwelcome. If there ever was a “house dog,” this is one.

The Chinese Crested dog is considered among the best companion breeds for a number of reasons.

Origin

Despite what its name suggests, many people do not believe that the Chinese Crested actually originated in China. For one, the Chinese Crested does not keep in line with a number of ancient Chinese dogs like the Pug or the Chow Chow. The Chinese Crested has too recent a history to be counted among those breeds in pure historical longevity.

Where, then, do Chinese Crested dogs hail from? Many believe it’s actually Africa, being referred to as an African Hairless Terrier in texts across the 19th century. (Note: Of course, the 19th century is far off from the origins of the more ancient Chinese breeds.) Because there is genetic evidence of being related to the Mexican Hairless, this further confuses the issue, although following the genetic line will probably lead you to form a more accurate opinion.

Those who do believe the Chinese Crested originated in China note that the Chinese Crested had a lot of maritime experience, being brought around by Chinese sailors. The truth is probably a combination of all of these, as the Chinese Crested was believed to have descended from African roots.

Pedigree

ADVERTISEMENT

Although called “terriers” back in the 19th century, the pedigree of the Chinese Crested deserves to be more associated with the aforementioned Mexican Hairless breed. Because there are two types of Chinese Crested breeds – hairless and “powderpuff” – there is an argument to be made of a wide-ranging pedigree. But many historians believe the Chinese Crested breeds brought around by Chinese mariners in years past would have descended from the African hairless breeds already mentioned.

The actual ancestry of modern Chinese Crested dogs also is tied through the breeds in Europe and America, where they began their formal recognition and widespread fame in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Food / Diet

As a very scrawny and small dog, a large diet is not needed. Because of this reason, nutritional impact must abound. Whole foods like lean meats and cuts of poultry will provide plenty of energy and nutrition. Treats are to usually be avoided except in training purposes.

The Chinese Crested is a highly trainable dog that is open and intelligent enough to learn a wide variety of tricks.

Training

The Chinese Crested is a highly trainable dog that is open and intelligent enough to learn a wide variety of tricks. Because its temperament is patient and friendly, they make very trainable dogs and should be relatively easy for the beginner dog owner to “try a few things out.” It’s generally a good idea to train the Chinese Crested with positive reinforcement, as they are prone to becoming shy due to their size and temperament.

Weight

Weighing only up to about ten pounds, this is indeed a tiny breed – and one you’ll want to teach your kids to be very gentle with.

Temperament / Behavior

ADVERTISEMENT

One of the main attractions of the Chinese Crested is its personality. Friendly, patient, and non-barking, it makes many people feel that they’ve made an instant friend, even if the dog is actually friendly to everyone. It’s important, however, that the Chinese Crested doesn’t become too shy around strangers, as even friendliness and non-aggressive personalities have limits.

Common Health Problems

It’s easy to over feed these dogs because of its small stature, so be careful. Ask yourself how much less food you would eat if you were only 10 pounds and you get an idea of just how small a diet these dogs can live on. The hairless variety of Chinese Crested is actually prone to tooth decay, so that will be something to keep an eye on during your regular visits to the veterinarian.

Life Expectancy

Expect this dog to live around 10-12 years.

Exercise Requirements

Although every dog needs a good amount of regular, healthy exercise, this dog is not a big exerciser and is well-suited for apartment life. Because of its small stature, keep in mind that one mile to you is not the same as one mile to this dog.

Friendly, patient, and non-barking, it makes many people feel that they’ve made an instant friend.

AKC

The American Kennel Club calls this breed a “ fine-boned, elegant toy dog that craves human companionship.”

Coat

With two ends on the spectrum – a puffy coat and a hairless “coat” – the Chinese Crested will have a variety of different needs for grooming. The Powderpuff variety is a recessive gene, and these dogs are entirely covered with a double, very soft, straight coat. Many owners choose to shave their Puff in a “Pony Cut,” leaving long hair on bottom of legs, tail, head and crest for easy care. Puff’s are clean and have no doggie odor. Of course, if you opt for the hairless variety, you don’t have a lot of hair to worry about, do you?

Puppies

As tiny puppies, it’s important to be gentle with the Chinese Crested dog. It’s also important to socialize these dogs properly, as they can be prone to shyness. Exposing them to loud noises, strangers, and a generally open lifestyle will help them to be “used” to general city life in the future. As well-suited city or suburban dogs, they should be used to the presence of people and other dogs.

Photo credit: Eric Isselee/Shutterstock

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

West Paw Design Howl-O-Ween Contest

We love Halloween and we can’t wait for it to get here. That’s why we were so happy to hear from our pals at West Paw Design – they want to…

Cats May Nose Ahead Of Dogs as the Better Sniffers

Dogs have long been using their noses in a working capacity. But experts now say that cats may be even better than dogs as search and rescue animals.

Dogs Can Party With Snoopy This October During Dog Days At Kings Islan

Get ready for a howling good time – Dogs can get their Halloween thrills at the theme park’s Dog Days celebration October has begun and that mean…

Yellow-Bellied Slider

The Yellow-Bellied Slider is an attractive turtle that makes a great pet. They do well in community tanks, as long as they''re housed with similar turtles.

SnapChat Gets Catty With New Selfie Lenses

Even Social Media platforms know that more than ever, pets are people too. Social Media Story Teller Snapchat has recognized that with the introduction of ne…

Limited Nutrisca Dry Dog Food Recall Issued

Tuffy’s Pet Foods, Inc. of Perham, MN is voluntarily recalling specific lots of 4 lb. bags of Nutrisca Chicken and Chick Pea Recipe Dry Dog Food becaus…

Best Dog Kennel Covers

Dog kennel covers make sure that your pet is protected from the elements in the time he spends outside- a must-have acessory for all outdoor kennels.

What Pet Parents Need To Know About Reverse Sneezing In Dogs

Before you freak out, you should know that reverse sneezing is fairly common in dogs, and that flat-face breeds are more prone than others.

Are You In The Know About Organic Dog Food?

If you are considering switching your dog to an organic pet food formula, take the time to learn what organic dog food really is before you buy.

Unexpected Iron Dog Joins The Swedish Adventure Racing Team

Arthur, a stray dog, adopts the Swedish Adventure Racing Team in Ecuador Talk about one tough pooch! Sweden’s Peak Performance team began their journey…

You Down With C.A.T.? Little Sphynx Embrace the Thug Life [Video]

Throw your paws into the air and wave ‘em like you just don''t care! The Thuglife Sphynxies are hardcore cute, so never turn your back on ‘em!

Product Review: Paws Jawz

My battle with getting Pawz rubber boots on Oscar comes to an end, thanks to Paws Jawz It’s 6am. Monday morning, first week of January. It’s Cana…

Vote Now For Your Favorite True Love Contest Picture

PHOTO SUBMISSION IS OVER – VOTING BEGINS! We wanted to make sure that everyone had the same chance to get as many “Likes” (which count as v…

Frozen Yogurt Dog Treats Recipe

The dog days of summer are upon us and our dogs are looking for ways to cool down. We''ve got the perfect solution - this Frozen Yogurt Dog Treats Recipe!

Top 10 Picks From SuperZoo 2014

Was it ever hot this year at SuperZoo 2014 in Las Vegas – and I’m not just talking about the weather. This pet industry trade show was packed…