Chinese Crested Dog

Hairless: Any fur of the hairless is usually white; its skin is pink and black. 
Powderpuff: A variety of combinations of colour: mahogany, lavender, copper and blue, the Powderpuff may have these colours in solid form or spotted.

Hairless: Some hairless breeds have a thin layer of fur that can grow enough to be groomed
Powderpuff: Medium

Hairless: Smooth, soft skin; small single coats of hair on the head, tail and paws. 
Powderpuff: A full and generous silky double coat.

Very dark brown eyes which appear almost black.

Hairless: Graceful and fine-boned. Some types of this breed may be bulkier than others. The skin of the hairless is smooth and not too wrinkly, warm to touch and feels like human skin. Graceful, well proportioned head. Tail straight and high is carried upwards when the dog walks but hangs when the dog is still. 
Powderpuff: As above but with a generous double coat of fur.

Now bred as a companion dog the Chinese Crested is a loving dog that is happiest among its people. Far more of a lap dog than a ratter, the dog is known for its neediness and want for human contact.

If socialised and treated well an adult Chinese Crested is curious and playful, and is happy to indulge its owner in a few light-hearted and gentle games. Any rough play is not tolerated by this breed.

Like other small dogs the Chinese Crested is easily spooked and can become agitated by sudden movements and noise. If the dog is held too much and feels as though its only protection is in the arms of its owner it becomes very timid and nervous. Feeling this way can lead the Crested to behave antisocially.

This dog is not known for its overwhelming intelligence but it makes up for a lack of brainpower by being exceptionally attentive. The Crested always wants to please its owner.

The Chinese Crested is thought to have been used as a ratter by ancient Chinese mariners, but this hunting talent has today been substituted with companionship. As a result the prey drive of a Crested is next to non-existent. In fact, a dog of this breed is more likely to become prey due to its size.

Although relatively sociable, the Crested is not comfortable during first contact with strangers. They become agitated especially if the stranger is of a dominant character. Lots of barking and some nipping may occur.

This dog is not independent. It will follow its owner to the ends of the earth; it is not happy when isolated or separated from its owner.

Because it is a companion dog the Chinese Crested much prefers to be in the company of its pack. If left indoors for a long period of time it will become destructive; if left outdoors it will attempt to escape from wherever it finds itself.

The Crested is not easy to train and training requires great patience and tolerance. The dog is sensitive and will not respond to anything that resembles harshness or discipline. However, if you succeed in the training of a Chinese Crested you will notice how immensely loyal and obedient the dog becomes.

The Crested believes itself to be bigger than it is. It barks to warn and to control, and will do so regularly throughout the day.

This breed sometimes exhibits a stubborn streak. It is not advisable to let a Crested roam free for two reasons:
1) unless exceptionally well-trained it will not respond to a recall
2) it can run very fast.

If it finds itself in an enclosed space or at home for long periods of time without exercise and fresh air the Chinese Crested will notify you of its displeasure by destroying your furnishings, doors, window sills and carpets.

Toy breeds are often prone to obesity because their owners treat them too well. Overfeeding, spoiling with human food and lack of exercise do not work in the favour of the Crested.

Because the Crested is highly strung it is very alert to any noises around it and will bark instinctively if it hears something untoward. This can be something as innocuous as the firing up of a gas boiler. The Crested makes a worthwhile guard dog but be prepared for plenty of instances of crying wolf!

A smart choice of first dog is the Chinese Crested (especially the Hairless) due to its lack of need for vigorous exercise and grooming. However, care should be taken because some of the characteristics of this dog are challenging.

The Crested is well-suited to any living environment and can live quite happily in a flat. A garden or green space must be properly fenced because the Crested can jump and leap quite high. Indoors, the Crested does not need a lot of space; you being there is all that matters.

One to two walks a day is sufficient for this breed; if you have access to a secure area you should let the dog run off its energy. The more chance of exercise you give this breed of dog the calmer it will be.

A nervous dog at the best of times, the Crested does not enjoy car journeys or travel of any sort. It will seek reassurance and may vocalise its unhappiness.

The Chinese Crested gets very jealous especially when the attention of its owner is directed towards something like a cat. The Crested is not afraid to indicate its unhappiness by biting or charging at the cat.

Although the Crested can get accustomed to other dogs of the household it is more likely to vie for your attention. It will become jealous if your time is not spent petting the Crested.

The jealousy the Crested exhibits of other animals translates to further anti-social behaviour in respect of children. Furthermore, the breed does not react well to being teased or played with roughly; it becomes impatient and angry and has a tendency to bite. Additionally, young children who play too roughly with a Crested are likely to hurt the dog.

This breed of dog is better suited to households of one or two reasonably sedentary people. The Crested is far-better suited to living with an elderly couple than a family with young children or with a person whose life is hectic and time-restrained.

The Powderpuff sheds moderately; the hairier types of Hairless will also shed in moderation.

13 to 18 years.

The Chinese Crested is not a hardy and resilient dog. It has small, fine bones and is easily hurt.

Understandably, the Hairless variety of the Chinese Crested tolerates heat very well. However, even in the summer the Crested needs access to fresh water. Due to its double coat the Powderpuff does not do as well in the heat.

The Hairless Crested does not tolerate the cold; the Powderpuff is marginally more tolerant.

These dogs will eat to obesity, especially if fed human food and exercised less than they should.

• Allergies
• Dental problems
• Legg-Calve disease
• Obesity
• Patellar luxation
• Skin problems

Supposedly the Crested originated in ancient China and was a dog favoured by some of the ruling families to protect their homes and valuables. The Crested also has a long history of use as a ratter on Chinese trading ships. The first Crested arrived in the United States in 1885 and enjoyed some degree of popularity but from the 1930s onwards until more recently it was not a breed of choice.