The Chinese Crested Dog is a very rare unusual breed of dog whose origins are believed to have been in South Africa rather than in China. It's believed the dogs were taken to China by sailors on board their trading boats in the l500s.
In 1965 the first Cresty was imported into England from the very few living in the U.S.A, shortly there after the first Cresty was brought into Australia. There is thought to be only several hundred Chinese Crested Dogs throughout Australia today.
Appearance:
There are two types of Chinese Crested Dogs the Hairless and the Powder Puff. The Powder Puff is covered all over with a soft veil of hair, while the Hairless has a smooth hairless body with hair on it's feet, head and tail only. They are small, finely built dogs, with bitches ranging in height from 23-30cm (9-12in) and dogs from
28-33cm (11-13in) at the withers.
Temperament:
Chinese Crested Dogs are quite outgoing and bright little dogs and can form strong attachments to their owner or family, in some cases to the exclusion of everything else. The breed however, can be nervous with strangers. It is also recommended against buying a Chinese Crested Dog for a family with children under the age of six or seven years. They may feel threatened by a teasing child and may snap.
Litters & Cost
Litters can range from 1-4 puppies with an average of 3. You can get both Hairless and Powder Puffs in the same litter. Powder Puff puppies sell from around $300 while the Hairless pups start at around $700.
Health & Lifespan:
Hairless dogs have an unusual mouth structure with canine teeth often pointing forward instead of backwards like most other dogs. They also have a problem with soft and loose teeth which can easily fall out, resulting in the dog being toothless by the time it is only four years old. Care should then be given to feeding it only soft food. The hairless should also never be allowed to sun bake as it will easily sun burn and moisturiser should also be applied to the skin to keep it soft. Acne can also be a problem, ranging from blackheads to full blown pimples.
Grooming:
The Hairless dog benefits from being bathed weekly, a medicated soap will help with pimples. A light shave to remove odd hairs followed by a moisturiser is all that is needed. The Powder Puff also should be bathed every 2-3 weeks using a mild baby shampoo and a conditioner after. It should be brushed every 2-3 days to remove tangles.
Useful qualities:
Early Chinese sailors used the Hairless dog as a hot water bottle, the Powder Puff was generally eaten. The breed is also said to have medical qualities and is claimed to relieve arthritic and rheumatic conditions by placing the dogs on the affected part of the body. Nowadays however, most Chinese Crested Dogs act as companions to their owners.
House pet potential:
Chinese Crested Dogs are suited to either a suburban backyard, a unit or townhouse. They require little or no daily exercise. They neither shed coat or have fleas. They are not great barkers but are known to yap at strangers.
Training:
Chinese Crested Dogs are considered easy to house train. The breed is considered to be an extremely intelligent little dog, often teaching themselves little tricks. There are a few that are also involved with obtaining their obedience certificates at the present time in Australia.
Most Chinese Crested Dogs in Australia are owned by specialist breeders or exhibitors. However, they are a showy little dog with a happy temperament which would suit a single person living in a flat, or a family with older children.
|
