Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a unique and distinctive dog breed known for its unusual appearance and charming personality. Recognized for its hairless body (though a coated variety exists), the Chinese Crested is both a toy breed and a loyal companion, making it popular with dog lovers who appreciate its quirky yet endearing nature.
1. Appearance
- Size: The Chinese Crested is a small breed, typically weighing between 8 to 12 pounds and standing around 11 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder.
-
Coat: There are two types of Chinese Crested dogs: the Hairless and the Powderpuff.
- Hairless: This variety has a smooth, hairless body, though it usually has a crest of hair on the head (resembling a "topknot"), a plume on the tail, and tufts of hair on the feet and legs.
- Powderpuff: The Powderpuff variety has a soft, flowing coat that covers the body, with a silky texture and a moderate amount of grooming required.
- Face and Expression: The Chinese Crested has an elegant, almost exotic look with large, almond-shaped eyes and a gentle, inquisitive expression. Its small, triangular ears are typically held erect or slightly forward.
2. Temperament
- Affectionate and Loyal: Chinese Cresteds are known for their strong bond with their owners. They are affectionate and love to be close to their humans, often following them around the house and cuddling in laps.
- Friendly and Social: These dogs tend to be friendly with family members, including children, and get along well with other pets, though they may be somewhat reserved or cautious around strangers.
- Alert and Intelligent: Despite their small size, the Chinese Crested is alert and aware of their surroundings. They are intelligent and can be trained, but they may also have a stubborn streak at times.
- Energetic: Though they are small, Chinese Cresteds are lively and enjoy playtime. They are curious dogs who enjoy exploring and will benefit from daily exercise and mental stimulation.
3. Health
- Life Expectancy: The average lifespan of a Chinese Crested is around 12 to 14 years.
-
Common Health Issues: While generally a healthy breed, Chinese Cresteds can be prone to a few health concerns:
- Skin Issues: The Hairless variety is prone to skin conditions, such as rashes, sunburn, and acne, due to their lack of a full coat. Regular skin care and sunscreen may be necessary.
- Dental Problems: As a small breed, they may be prone to dental issues, so regular dental care and vet check-ups are important.
- Joint Issues: Like many small breeds, Chinese Cresteds can experience patellar luxation (dislocated kneecap) and other joint problems.
- Sensitivity to Temperature: Due to their lack of coat, Chinese Cresteds are sensitive to both hot and cold temperatures. They may need to wear clothing in cold weather and should be kept cool in hot weather.
4. Care and Grooming
- Hairless Variety Grooming: The Hairless variety requires regular skin care, including moisturizing and sunscreen application to protect their skin. Their hairless body may also be prone to pimples and dryness, so it's important to keep their skin clean and hydrated.
- Powderpuff Variety Grooming: The Powderpuff requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats. Regular brushing and occasional baths are needed to maintain the coat’s silky texture.
- Nail and Ear Care: Their nails should be trimmed regularly, and their ears should be checked for cleanliness to avoid infections, especially since the breed's ears can be quite floppy or large, increasing their vulnerability to dirt buildup.
5. Training
- Chinese Cresteds are intelligent and can be trained with patience and positive reinforcement. They respond well to treats, praise, and gentle guidance. However, they may be somewhat independent or stubborn at times, so early training and socialization are important.
- Socialization is essential, as these dogs can be wary of strangers or new environments. Proper exposure to different people, pets, and situations will help them become well-rounded and confident dogs.
6. Best Environment
- Chinese Cresteds are well-suited to apartment living due to their small size and moderate exercise needs. They do well in environments where they are not left alone for long periods, as they are highly social and form strong bonds with their owners.
- Because they enjoy human companionship, they thrive in homes where they are treated as part of the family and are given plenty of attention.
Conclusion
The Chinese Crested is a unique and affectionate breed that can make an excellent companion for those who appreciate its special qualities. Whether you choose the Hairless or Powderpuff variety, they both offer love, loyalty, and an enjoyable presence in the home. While they may require specific grooming and skin care, the effort is well worth it for the bond you'll share with this sweet, energetic dog.
Explore Other Breeds
1. Afghan Hound
2. Beagle dog breeds
3. Border Collie
4. Boxer dog breeds
5. American Cocker Spaniel
6. British Bulldog breeds
7. Chihuahua dog breeds
8. Chow Chow dog breeds
9. Affenpinscher
10. Collie dog breeds
11. Bichon Frise
12. Kerry Blue Terrier
13. Bloodhound
14. Dachshunds
15. Dalmatians
16. Dobermann
17. German Shepherd
18. Golden Retriever
19. Great Dane
20. Greyhound
21. Jack Russell Terrier
22. Labrador Retriever
23. Maltese
24. Mastiffs
25. Newfoundland
26. Pomeranian
27. Poodles
28. Pugs
29. Rottweilers
30. Saint Bernard
31. Shih Tzu
32. Siberian Husky
33. Yorkshire Terrier
34. Brussels Griffon
35. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
36. Barbet
37. American Water Spaniel
38. Brittany Spaniel
39. English Springer Spaniel
40. Flat-Coated Retriever
41. German Shorthaired Pointer
42. Sussex Spaniel
43. Irish Red and White Setter
44. Weimaraner
45. Welsh Springer Spaniel
46. Black and Tan Coonhound
47. Basset Hound
48. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
49. Basenji
50. American Foxhound
51. Bluetick Coonhound
52. Irish Setter
53. Irish Wolfhound
54. Ibizan Hound
55. Harrier Dog Breed
56. Norwegian Elkhound
57. Plott Hound
58. Irish Water Spaniel
59. Redbone Coonhound
60. Akita
61. Alaskan Malamute Dog Breed
62. Anatolian Shepherd Dog
63. Black Russian Terrier
64. Lagotto Romagnoloa
65. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
66. Pointer
67. Otterhound
68. Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen
69. Pharaoh Hound
70. Rhodesian Ridgeback
71. Saluki
72. Scottish Deerhound
73. Treeing Walker Coonhound
74. Whippet
75. Irish Terrier
76. Bernese Mountain Dog
77. Bullmastiff
78. Cane Corso Dog Breed
79. Chinook dog breeds
80. Doberman Pinscher
81. German Pinscher
82. Kuvasz
83. Norfolk Terrier
84. Norwich Terrier
85. Parson Russell Terrier
86. Standard Schnauzer
87. Bull Terrier
88. Cairn Terrier
89. Dandie Dinmont Terrier
90. Fox Terrier (Smooth)
91. Fox Terrier (Wire)
92. Tibetan Mastiff
93. Australian Terrier
94. Bedlington Terrier
95. Border Terrier
96. Manchester Terrier
97. Miniature Bull Terrier
98. Airedale Terrier
99. Rat Terrier
100. Scottish Terrier
101. Skye Terrier
102. Belgian Tervuren
103. Canaan Dog
104. Sealyham Terrier
105. Bouvier des Flandres
106. Bergamasco
107. Briard dog breeds
108. Icelandic Sheepdog
109. Miniature American Shepherd
110. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
111. Norwegian Buhund
112. Old English Sheepdog
113. American Eskimo Dog
114. Chinese Shar-Pei
115. Finnish Spitz
116. Keeshond
117. Welsh Terrier
118. Lhasa Apso
119. Lowchen
120. Cirneco dell’Etna
121. Kai Ken
122. Karelian Bear Dog
123. West Highland White Terrier
124. Australian Shepherd
125. Bearded Collie
126. Belgian Sheepdog
127. Belgian Malinois
128. Cardigan Welsh Corgi
129. Entlebucher Mountain
130. Australian Cattle Dog
131. Finnish Lapphund
132. Pembroke Welsh Corgi
133. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
134. Boston Terrier
135. Azawakh
136. Puli
137. Pyrenean Shepherd
138. Shetland Sheepdog
139. Belgian Laekenois
140. Catahoula Leopard Dog
141. Kooikerhondje
142. Norwegian Lundehund
143. Schipperke
144. Shiba Inu
145. Tibetan Spaniel
146. Xoloitzcuintli
147. Tibetan Terrier
148. Dutch Shepherd
149. Japanese Terrier
150. Thai Ridgeback
151. Pumi
152. Portuguese Podengo
153. Peruvian Inca Orchid
154. Norrbottenspets
155. Mudi
156. Cavapoo
157. Shorkie
158. Pomsky
159. Schnoodle
160. Puggle
161. Maltipoo
162. Labradoodle
163. Cockapoo Dog Breed
164. Lakeland Terrier
165. Chinese Crested
166. Pekingese
167. Poodle
168. Silky Terrier
169. Toy Fox Terrier
170. Vizsla
171. Borzoi
172. Bluetick Coonhound
173. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
174. Clumber Spaniel
175. Cocker Spaniel
176. Curly-Coated Retriever
177. English Setter
178. English Toy Spaniel
179. Havanese
180. Italian Greyhound
181. Japanese Chin
182. Miniature Pinscher
183. Papillon
184. Field Spaniel
185. Gordon Setter
186. Spinone Italiano
187. Giant Schnauzer
188. Great Pyrenees
189. Greater Swiss Mountain
190. Komondor
191. Leonberger
192. Neapolitan Mastiff
193. Dogue de Bordeaux
194. Dogo Argentino
195. Portuguese Water Dog
196. Samoyed
197. American Staffordshire Terrier