The Chinese Crested Powder Dog (Powder Puff) is a flirtatious and loving pet with stunning charm, an easy-going character and luxurious coat. This is a miniature, kind and fluffy dog that will bring bright positivity to your home. And the difficulties of caring for his fur are compensated by his boundless devotion, love of active games and inexhaustible friendliness.
History of the Hairless Chinese Crested Dog breed
Chinese Crested Dog
Direct evidence that the Celestial Empire was the homeland of the Chinese Crested Dog has not yet been found. Yes, Asian nobles have always been greedy for live exotics and traditionally preferred small hairless dogs, but most of these pets were “foreigners” brought from other countries. If we talk specifically about CHS, modern researchers offer three relatively plausible versions of their origin. According to the first of them, miniature “crested dogs” are direct descendants of the extinct African hairless dog, which sailed to China with trade caravans. The second theory is based on the external similarity of the “Chinese” to the Mexican hairless dog. True, it is not entirely clear by what routes animals from the then unknown American continent made their way to Asia. The third possible homeland of Chinese hairless crested dogs is the territory of modern Thailand and Sri Lanka, whose inhabitants have had trade relations with China since time immemorial and, accordingly, had the opportunity to send their four-legged charges there.
The modern stage of the breed’s development occurred at the end of the 19th century, when New York journalist Ida Garrett brought the first “Chinese” to the United States. The woman was so delighted with the decorative “crested” birds that she devoted 60 years of her life to breeding them. At the beginning of the 20th century, professional breeders also became interested in pets. In particular, the American breeder Deborah Woods started the first stud book of Chinese Cresteds already in the 30s of the last century. In 1959, the first club of CHS fans appeared in the USA, and in 1965, one of Mrs. Woods’s charges set off to conquer Foggy Albion. British breeders also did not remain indifferent to exotic dogs, as evidenced by the opening of numerous nurseries in different parts of England between 1969 and 1975. At the same time, the red tape with recognition of the breed by canine associations dragged on for a long time. The KC (English Kennel Club) was the first to capitulate in 1981, and 6 years later the FCI joined in, approving the right of Chinese Cresteds to breed. The AKC (American Kennel Club) held on the longest, declaring the “Chinese” an independent breed only in 1991.
Hairless Chinese Crested Dog
Chinese Crested Powder Puff Dog
Features of wool grooming
Many people are interested: which type of Chinese Crested is easier to care for - hairless or downy? Both require grooming. Hairless corydalis have their muzzle trimmed, the hair on their paws smoothed out, and their whole body depilated or epilated. If these procedures are neglected, the dog will look unkempt. This is especially true for haircuts. The puff also needs to be cut. And you have to do this regularly.
How to trim a hairless dog's face?
To cut your hair you will need a trimmer or clipper. Without experience, it is better not to start such an operation, but to immediately turn to professional groomers. The haircut is done on a special grooming table. It is needed in order to properly fix the corydalis during the procedure. The haircut begins from the neck, gradually moving to the muzzle. The cheekbones are treated, the cheeks are slightly removed. You can leave sideburns - tufts of fur on the cheeks.
Epilation and depilation of hairless dogs
Almost all hairless dogs have weak hair all over their body. These hairs need to be removed. The easiest way is shaving. To do this, take a razor, shaving foam and carefully treat the pet’s body. However, after a few days, stubble will appear on the skin. This means that this method of depilation during preparation for the exhibition is not suitable.
You can use depilatory creams. They are applied according to the instructions. This is also a simple and painless way to get rid of body hair. However, stubble appears just as quickly. Modern electric epilators are also suitable. But the process will be painful, although the effect will last longer.
Some owners use wax strips or pull out hairs with tweezers. Everyone has the right to choose what suits them best. After removing the hair, the skin is treated with a disinfectant. And one should not persist in the desire to make the dog the most beautiful, unless of course we are talking about exhibitions. A pet should not be subjected to such tests. But if you have a show dog, teach it to grooming from childhood.
Grooming a Powder Dog
Not only a naked dog can look impressive, but also a downy dog. The haircut completes her appearance. Remove hair from the neck and head. First, the face is treated, leaving sideburns on the cheeks. You can visually lengthen the muzzle by removing the hair at the transition to the forehead. Then they proceed to the neck. The wool is cut in the shape of a large triangle.
Appearance of a Chinese Crested Dog
Chinese Crested Dog Puppy
The Chinese Crested Dog is not the most easy-to-keep breed, but this disadvantage is fully compensated by the non-trivial image of its representatives. According to the standard approved by the FCI, Chinese Cresteds can have a fawn or stocky build. Individuals from the first category are distinguished by a lightweight skeleton (skeleton) and, accordingly, great grace. Stocky animals are almost twice as heavy as their counterparts (the weight of an adult dog can reach 5 kg) and are stockier.
Head
Slightly elongated, the skull is moderately rounded, the cheekbones are not prominent. The muzzle is slightly narrowed, the stop is moderately expressed.
Teeth and jaws
The jaws of Chinese Cresteds are strong, with a correct bite (the lower teeth are completely covered by the upper ones). In hairless individuals, molars often do not erupt, but such a deviation from the standard is considered quite acceptable, since it is genetically determined.
Nose
The lobe is of medium size, the color can be any.
Ears
Relatively large, set vertically. The exception to the rule is the downy-type Chinese Crested, which may have floppy ears.
Eyes
The KHS has small, wide-set and very dark eyes.
Neck
Dry, long, with a graceful curve, which is especially noticeable in a moving animal.
Muzzle of a Hairless Chinese Crested Dog
Frame
The body length of individuals of the deer and stocky types varies greatly. In the first case, the body will be of normal proportions, in the second - elongated in length. Representatives of the Chinese Crested breed have a wide chest, slightly curved ribs, and a tucked belly.
Limbs
The front legs of hairless Chinese Crested dogs are straight and thin. The shoulders are narrow and “look” back, and the pasterns are miniature and stand almost vertically. The hindquarters are level, with muscular thighs and low hocks. The paws of Chinese crested cats are of the hare type, that is, narrow and elongated in length. The toes are covered with “boots” made of airy wool.
Tail
Naked Crested and Powder Puff
Long, straight type, with a spectacular plume of soft wool. When moving it is kept raised, when at rest it is lowered.
Wool
Ideally, hairless cats should only have hair on their paws, tail and head, although there are frequent exceptions to the rule. Powder puffs are completely overgrown with soft veil-like hair, under which a small undercoat is hidden. At the same time, both hairless and downy dogs have a charming “forelock” on the head.
Color
In world cynology, all types of colors of Chinese crested dogs have been declared permitted. The inhabitants of Russian nurseries have only 20 officially recognized colors:
Hairless Chinese dog on display
- solid white;
- White black;
- white-blue;
- white chocolate;
- white-bronze;
- white-cream;
- solid black;
- black and white;
- black and tan;
- solid cream;
- creamy white;
- solid chocolate;
- solid bronze;
- bronze with white;
- sable;
- chocolate with white;
- chocolate and tan;
- solid blue;
- blue with white;
- tricolor.
Important: hairless, downy, fawn or stocky type - all these varieties of Chinese Cresteds have equal rights, so a dog can be disqualified at an exhibition only for its non-compliance with the breed standard, but not for external features.
Good to know
The special quality of the Powder Puff coat is explained primarily by the small amount of undercoat, and the dominant grooming hair in a healthy state, according to connoisseurs of the breed, resembles a veil: it is long, delicate and silky. Nevertheless, this is exactly dog hair in its structure and characteristics, but not human hair, with which common myths about the breed identify it.
Using elastic bands for bangs
The pet industry offers a huge selection of various rubber bands and hairpins for decorative breeds of dogs, but not every one of these cute details will benefit your powder pouf.
You shouldn’t give up using them completely - it’s not only beautiful, but also very convenient. Choose jewelry that will definitely not stretch the wool, thereby damaging it. It is preferable to make ponytails from bangs using soft silicone rubber bands, but even these are not advisable to wear for too long - only as needed. Learn to tie bright ribbons of natural composition on wool - it’s beautiful and more or less harmless for the condition of the hair.
Jewelry should not damage the dog's fur.
Protecting wool from weather factors
It is important to constantly protect your pet’s fur from adverse environmental factors:
- temperature changes;
- rain and snow;
- direct sunlight.
Staying under the scorching sun is unlikely to benefit anyone, much less a small dog, especially if it is a powder puff, and even more so if it is dark in color. The sun's rays destroy the pigment, the wool fades and becomes very fragile.
Such “beauty” is a mockery of the dog and its fur
If the dog is litter box trained, then it is better not to walk it at all in bad weather. Be sure to buy your baby’s wardrobe not only warm winter clothes, but also light summer clothes - they should protect the body and fur from heat and cold.
Pay close attention to your pet's wardrobe
Avoiding synthetic bedding
Synthetic bedding negatively affects the quality of wool, causing it to electrify, become thinner and break. The best option is dog mats made of satin, 100% natural.
What to do if there is already synthetic flooring on the floor in the rooms? You will have to choose between the coating and the beauty of the wool.
From puppyhood, you need to teach your dog to lie on the “correct” rugs
Food quality
The organization of feeding and a properly structured diet have a huge impact on the health of any dog and specifically on the condition of its coat, which is especially important for the Powder Poof breed. And not in all cases, even high-quality ready-made food can completely solve the problem - you need to be able to choose it wisely
Of course, even more difficulties may arise with the preparation of a natural menu - it must not only be perfectly balanced, but also moderate in calories.
Such a “natural” will definitely not do the dog any good
Breeders usually strongly recommend that buyers of their puppies not experiment with natural food, but rather choose high-quality professional food for the dog at a level not lower than super-premium class. Listen to these tips from experienced people: it is best to continue giving the dog in a new place the same food that it was used to in the kennel, and only then you can try to gradually switch the animal to a new type of food, if it is more suitable for the individual characteristics of the pet.
Even a well-chosen food will not immediately improve the coat - but after about three months you will see convincing results. However, good nutrition will improve the quality of not only the coat, but also the overall life of your pet.
An experienced groomer is well aware of the rules for caring for the coat of a Chinese Powder Dog. But the owner of this little furry miracle is responsible for daily care, which is of enormous importance. Therefore, every owner of a powder poof will have to become at least a little bit of a groomer.
Photo of Chinese Crested Dog
Personality of the Chinese Crested Dog
Chinese Crested Dog with a Beloved Owner
Sociable, friendly, adoring its owner - if your CHS does not have at least these three qualities, think about whether this is really a Chinese Crested dog. The breed's amazing attachment to humans has given rise to a number of myths about its mental talents. For example, many owners of “Chinese dogs” are seriously confident that their pets have a tendency towards telepathy and are able to predict desires.
There are also many stories about the so-called “medicinal value” of the breed. True, this applies more to “naked ones”, whose skin seems hot due to the lack of hair on it. According to the owners, hairless Chinese crested dogs alleviate pain from arthrosis and rheumatism, performing the function of a living heating pad. It is difficult to judge how true such stories are, but it is a proven fact that CHS really know how to create a harmonious, peaceful atmosphere in the house.
One of the main phobias of the Chinese Crested breed is loneliness. An animal left for a long time in an empty apartment literally goes crazy, notifying others of its misfortune with a loud howl. However, in order to bark from the heart, “puffs” and “chubs” do not always need a reason, so if at some point your pet gets carried away with “oratorios”, take care of his education. But don’t overdo it: you still won’t be able to turn a crested vocalist into a silent one.
Representatives of this breed are not tied to the sofa and are quite mobile. The back seat of a car, a bicycle basket or a regular leash - choose any method you like and feel free to take your pet out into the world. In addition, mischievous “tufts” are always happy to play with a ball, squeaker and other dog entertainment. Well, if any member of the household, including children, joins the process, the “Chinese”’s joy will know no bounds.
In CHS, love for a person often reaches the point of obsession. Puppies intuitively copy cat behavior: they rub against their legs, try to perch on their laps and play cuddles with their adoring owner. Trying to cultivate emotional coldness and sedateness in Chinese Cresteds is useless, and for the animal’s psyche it is also a deliberately harmful activity. If the prospect of constant close contact with your pet seriously stresses you out, you will have to opt for another, less sociable breed.
Predisposition to diseases
Keratoconjunctivitis. If we “translate” the name of the disease into human terms, then it is inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea. When a dog suffers from this disease, the first thing that happens is the eyes become red and inflamed. Tears flow, yellow (purulent) discharge may appear in the inner corner of the eye. If your pet is not treated in time, the crested dog may go blind. Keratoconjunctivitis sometimes acts as an underlying disease (congenital underdevelopment of the lacrimal canal), but often it is a symptom of an infectious disease (for example, plague). Often, keratoconjunctivitis develops after operations performed on the eyes (removal of the third eyelid or consequences after the use of anesthesia). Do not self-medicate; let the veterinarian examine the dog, determine the cause of the inflammation and prescribe effective medications. The Chinese Crested breed often suffers from broken legs. This type of injury occurs as a result of jumping from a height.
Therefore, it is very important not to let your dog on sofas, armchairs and other “elevations”. Otherwise, the fragile thin legs will not withstand the sudden load, the dog’s hind legs will fail, and only a veterinarian can cure the animal by applying a cast.
Dislocation of the kneecap. It is also often registered. This occurs due to dislocation of the knee cap, its tendons and the quadriceps femoris muscle. It is not that difficult to guess that your pet has this problem. The animal is limping, trying to keep its paw in a half-bent position, a simple touch causes extreme pain in the small dog. Don't even try to straighten your knee yourself! Otherwise you can only make things worse. After an examination, the veterinarian will determine what is more effective in this case: manual reduction or surgical intervention. Allergy. This breed is hypoallergenic, since there is little hair on it (however, in humans, allergies are caused not by the wool itself, but by a protein in the epithelial cells). However, the dog itself often suffers from allergies: to food, medications, shampoo, sun, etc. Change your diet, but still take him to the clinic for an examination to rule out the infectious or parasitic nature of the rash and itching. A downy dog, however, like a bald dog, is predisposed to blackheads on the skin. This is due to the fact that hairless dogs produce more sebum, but normally it does not leave the glands. If you do not wash your dog on time, then its skin will be covered in acne, which will turn from simple black dots into suppuration. However, very frequent washing is not suitable; it will lead to even more sebum production. Do not touch acne, do not press, do not injure the skin! In addition, acne can be not only the result of poor hygiene, but also a symptom of allergies or skin diseases. And sometimes these are hairs that cannot “break through” the skin and grow in, as a result the follicle becomes inflamed and festers. Difficult birth. This problem is not recorded very often, but it does happen. Sometimes contractions disappear during the birth process. This is bad for both the expectant mother and the unborn puppies. Urgently call a veterinarian to your home, do not hesitate for a minute. Sunburn. And it doesn’t matter whether the dog is fluffy or hairless, its skin is very susceptible to sunburn. Therefore, it is extremely important to ensure that the pet is not in direct sunlight and is not exposed to the scorching sun for long. Otherwise, your Chinese Crested will get burned, and then you will have to treat her and watch her suffer until the burns go away. In crested dogs, tooth loss is sometimes recorded too early. This may be due to improper feeding, lack of nutrients, infectious diseases, inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, and heredity. However, often the reason is improper care of the teeth and the dog itself.
Education and training
Training a Chinese Crested Dog
Often on zooforums you can find complaints about the narrow-mindedness and poor manners of the KHS, although in fact the “crested animals” are smart, inquisitive and quite trainable creatures. And yet, not a single dog, even the most intellectually developed one, will train itself, so if you expect an innate sense of tact and behavioral aristocracy from the animal, then it is completely in vain.
Raising a puppy begins at birth or from the first minutes of its appearance in the house. First, teach your baby to sit and don’t let him climb into your bed (yes, KHS are exceptional charmers, but they should sleep on their own bed). If the puppy misses his mother and brothers too much, at first a heating pad is placed on his mattress, creating the illusion of a warm dog’s belly. And don’t forget that the psyche of Chinese crested dogs is very fragile, so squeeze your own emotions into a fist and never yell at a child who has messed up.
Problems with the toilet, which breed owners often complain about, arise mainly in individuals who were poorly or too late explained how to use the equipment for canine needs. In general, Chinese Cresteds are born “diaper-eaters” and “hawkers”, that is, they cannot endure for long and prefer to do their “deeds” with a newspaper or in a tray rather than wait for a walk. However, it is quite possible to accustom them to the outdoor toilet, and the methods used are the same as for dogs of other breeds.
Despite the fact that, due to their slight build, KHS seem manageable and pliable, they still need to be trained. In particular, the command “No!” Every adult “Chinese” is obliged to understand and perform, just as he must approach the owner when he calls. If desired, the Chinese Crested can be taught simple circus tricks. It is known that “powder puffs” and “chubs” walk well on their hind legs and spin around to the music.
Hairless Chinese Crested Dog
Lifespan
Puffballs are considered long-lived, their lifespan is from 10 to 16 years, depending on conditions and nutrition. According to dog breeders, there was a case when a representative of this breed lived for 18 years. Crested pets have good health and strong immunity.
Veterinarians advise paying attention to the prevention of allergic diseases, problems with joints and teeth.
If a Chinese dog is regularly examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, and treated for helminths and fleas, this will guarantee that the pet will live a long and healthy life.
The main ailments of the decorative dwarf dog include the following:
- eye pathologies;
- problems with the musculoskeletal system;
- renal failure;
- skin diseases;
- dermatitis;
- epilepsy;
- wen;
- difficult childbirth.
Maintenance and care
At home, your pet should feel comfortable and protected, so arrange a secluded corner for him. The best option is a small house, although a bed with sides is also suitable. A growing Chinese Crested dog should have a sufficient number of toys. Both rubber beepers from the store and alternative options like corks, balls and small cardboard boxes will work here. For trips to the veterinarian or travel, it is better to purchase a carrying bag.
Hygiene
Beautiful "puff"
Paradoxical as it may seem, there is no less fuss with the skin of the “nude” than with the fur of powder puffs. Wash hairless CHS once or even twice a week using a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner. If you don’t have any special hygiene products at hand, you can limit yourself to baby or tar soap. Blow drying is also a must.
Blackheads and comedones - black sebaceous plugs that clog pores - must be regularly removed from the skin of hairless Chinese Crested cats. In particular, “millet grains” (white balls) are pierced with a medical needle, their contents are squeezed out and the puncture site is treated with chlorhexidine. Before you begin to remove blackheads, the dog's skin is steamed (a terry towel soaked in heated water and wrapped around the animal's body will do). You can remove comedones with your hands, but in this case your fingers should be wrapped in a sterile bandage soaked in an antiseptic. Pimples, which may be the result of food allergies, can be combated with ointments such as Bepanthen and tea tree oil.
It is worth considering that even hairless Chinese Crested dogs have some hair on their body and belly. Usually these are sparse hairs that spoil the glamorous appearance of the animal, but in some individuals there is also a denser growth. In order to improve the appearance of hair on the body, “naked hair” is removed with a disposable razor, after lubricating the dog’s skin with shaving foam. Another affordable and painless option is depilatory creams from a regular supermarket. An epilator and wax strips give longer-lasting results, but not all CHS are able to withstand such “execution.” However, some breeders manage to teach their pets to endure discomfort even during such procedures. The main thing is not to forget to treat your pet’s skin with antiseptic lotion and lubricate it with aftershave cream.
By the way, about creams. A hairless Chinese Crested dog's "makeup bag" must have them in their makeup bag, since the skin of such animals is prone to dryness and is very sensitive to environmental influences. Buy your pet a couple of nourishing and moisturizing products, and stock up on cream with a high SPF level for the summer.
Owners of downy Chinese “tufted dogs” won’t have to relax either. Of course, powder puffs are washed less often than puffs (2-3 times a month), but they are brushed daily. The fur of the “puff puffs” is very soft, which means that no matter how carefully you care for your pet, tangles are guaranteed. The only question is how dense they will be. If the animal is brushed regularly, it is easier to tidy up the tangled fur. Owners of neglected dogs have only one way out - cutting off matted areas. It’s great if the owner has the time and free funds to take their pet to a groomer. If care is carried out at home, follow a few rules.
- Never comb the dry fur of a puffer. Be sure to moisturize it with a special lotion.
- Secure your dog's crest with an elastic band - this way the hair will be less tangled.
- Choose a smooth fabric like satin for your pet's bed. This will to some extent reduce the likelihood of the fur becoming tangled while the animal is sleeping.
Caring for the ears and eyes of Chinese Crested dogs is not the most difficult. A couple of times a week, pets’ ear funnels should be cleaned with cotton swabs and the mucous membranes of the eyes should be treated with veterinary lotion (folk remedies are contraindicated). You can additionally pluck the hairs in the inner part of the animal’s ear, this will improve air circulation in it. In addition, too much hair interferes with the removal of wax deposits from the ear.
Trimming a Chinese Crested Dog's nails will require extreme concentration. The blood vessels in the claws of the “Chinese” go quite deep, and there is a risk of hitting them with scissors. This is exactly the case when it is better to undercut than to grab too much.
Tousled Miracle
Walks
Representatives of the Chinese Crested breed should be walked daily. In the fresh air, energetic and inquisitive “crested cats” fall into a kind of frenzy, so they are taken out on a roulette leash. And these kids also love to play archaeologists and conduct excavations in flower beds, so it will be difficult to stop an enthused dog without a leash.
Chinese Crested Dog in Clothes
Walks are usually preceded by preparation. For example, in the spring and summer, the body of hairless dogs is lubricated with sunscreen to prevent burns. In autumn and winter, animals are taken outside clothed (relevant for “naked ones”), and in frosty weather it is better to reduce the number of walks to a minimum.
You can't walk with a Chinese Crested everywhere. In particular, it is not recommended to take hairless pets into the forest or go on a picnic with them to bodies of water. A dog’s body, not protected by fur, is an excellent target for mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects, so after such an outing, the CHS will have to be treated for bites and possible allergies. Leaving your four-legged friend to sunbathe in the sun is also undesirable. In “naked” people, this can cause overheating, burns, and skin pigmentation, while in “fluffy” people, under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the hair dries out and becomes coarser.
Feeding
The first and only rule: no unauthorized delicacies and delicacies from your own table. Hairless Chinese Crested dogs have very sensitive digestion and are allergic to a whole bunch of foods, so any attempt to change your pet's menu invariably ends with a trip to the veterinarian. You can understand that you made a mistake and fed your pet the wrong thing by looking at the condition of its skin and fur. Pimples, wen, smudges under the eyes are not the worst symptoms. It is much worse if your Chinese Crested Dog vomits after your treat.
Strict no:
- raw meat and fish;
- milk;
- pork;
- chicken (the strongest allergen);
- any sausage products;
- sweets;
- grapes;
- bones;
- semolina, oatmeal, barley.
Chinese Crested Powder Puff Puppy
Individuals who eat “natural” foods are well suited to low-fat sour milk, water-based porridge (corn, rice, millet), and grated apple. The “Chinese” should have lean meat for dinner, which can be replaced with boiled sea fish once a week. Raw carrots and cabbage, seasoned with vegetable oil, are also acceptable on the Chinese crested menu. If you have an elderly KHS living in your apartment, then her food must be thoroughly chopped or reduced to mince. This is especially true for “naked ones”, who from birth have an incomplete set of teeth, and by old age they completely turn into toothless ones. Crested “oldies”, previously fed on industrial feed, are usually transferred to wet varieties (pates, meat in jelly).
Young and healthy dogs can be fed dry food, but high quality food. Economy class food is not available here. And from the super-premium varieties, it is better to choose hypoallergenic varieties. For pregnant women, KHS dry croquettes are an ideal option, since they contain the vitamins and microelements necessary for the developing fetus. It is more difficult for pregnant “girls” who are treated to “natural food” in this regard, therefore, if you are all for natural nutrition and are not ready to radically change the diet of the expectant mother, buy her a vitamin complex. And don't panic if your Chinese Crested refuses to eat or vomits during the first weeks of pregnancy. This is the most common toxicosis that most bitches go through.
Nutrition
The majority of an adult dog's diet should consist of meat, fish, boiled yolks and various fermented milk products. The animal also requires grains, vegetables, vegetable and animal fats. Boiled yolks should be cooked no more than once a week. For breakfast, you can give your dog porridge (rice, buckwheat or oatmeal) with vegetables and low-fat cottage cheese.
The second meal can be supplemented with boiled meat (chicken, turkey, beef) or fish. Seafood must be cleaned of bones, otherwise it can damage the animal’s digestive system. Crested dog puppies need to be fed several times a day. An individual nutrition schedule is drawn up based on the age and health status of the animal. The dog must have constant access to clean water.
There are a number of foods that should not be given to your crested pet. These include:
- Onion.
- Potato.
- Confectionery.
- Chocolate.
- Alcohol.
- Smoked meats.
- Pickled and salted vegetables, as well as mushrooms.
You can use hypoallergenic dry food to feed your crested dog. There is no need to skimp on dog food. Poor quality feed can cause severe allergic reactions, skin rashes and increased tearing.
Health and Diseases of Chinese Crested Dogs
Chinese Cresteds are relatively strong dogs, but they also have their own list of genetic ailments. Most often in representatives of this breed you can find:
- primary dislocation of the eye lens;
- progressive retinal atrophy;
- cataract;
- dry keratoconjunctivitis;
- hyperuricosuria;
- degenerative myelopathy;
- epilepsy;
- Perthes disease;
- dislocation of the kneecap;
- hyperplasia of joints (hip).
Among ailments that are not caused by heredity, we can note food allergies, which provoke rashes on the skin of naked “Chinese chicks”.
How to choose a puppy
Chinese Crested dog with puppy
Chinese Crested puppies begin to be sold at the age of one and a half months, but nothing prevents you from visiting the nursery earlier to reserve a baby, and at the same time evaluate the conditions in which he lives. It’s a must to get to know the future pet’s parents, or at least one of them. In the end, no one has abolished hereditary diseases.
As for the exterior, it is unstable in Chinese Crested puppies. Animals with black and chocolate fur become lighter as they grow older, in many babies the proportions of the head change (the muzzle lengthens), and the crest of most young animals is not yet very pronounced and looks more like a cap.
If your choice is a hairless Chinese Crested, pay maximum attention to the hair on the baby's head and tail. For example, if the “forelock” and plume are thick, this feature will become more pronounced as it grows older. Sparse hair, alas, will not become more abundant. Sometimes hairless CHS puppies can grow hair all over their body. This is not a defect. On the contrary, such individuals always have a more spectacular crest and tail. The only thing is that such a dog will have to shave and epilate more often. Don’t be shy to look into a baby’s mouth to make sure that all its teeth, or at least most of them, have erupted.
When choosing between a dog or a bitch, keep in mind that even the most intelligent Chinese “boys” mark their territory. In addition, upon sensing the smell of a crested “young lady” in heat, they become uncontrollable and prone to escape. For unsterilized “girls,” the only problem is with estrus, which occurs twice a year and lasts 3 weeks. At the same time, throughout the entire mating season, the baby can leave bloody traces of discharge in the apartment, which not every owner will like.
Key facts
Representatives of this breed are not the best guards, but they are loyal friends and a strong support. Chinese crested dogs support their owner in difficult situations - they lift their spirits and calm their nerves.
The characteristics of the Chinese Crested breed emphasize that these are domestic animals; it is not recommended to keep them outside - Cresteds are adapted to heat, and even a slight cold snap has a bad effect on health.
Chinese Crested is a decorative breed, it requires appropriate care: frequent combing, haircuts in salons, untangling tangles on capricious silk wool. Dogs of this breed without hair require no less expense: cold weather clothing and skin care products will take some of your budget.
“Chinese” is suitable for melancholic people suffering from attacks of sadness and loneliness. The dog's sunny disposition will brighten up gray everyday life and bring carefree joy to life.
Thanks to their friendliness, these dogs easily get along with other animals and people, and they especially love to play with children. Just do not trust the Chinese Crested to small children for a long time - a rather fragile pet can be accidentally injured.
The description of the Chinese Crested breed says that these are smart dogs, but they are not devoid of character, which makes the training process more complicated.
Crested dogs become very attached to their owner and do not leave him a single step, accompany him everywhere and caress him. If you run away from them, they may be seriously offended.
There are two types of Chinese Cresteds - “naked” and covered with long, soft hair. Hairless dogs and dogs with fur can be born in the same litter.
One of the features of Chinese Cresteds is their hypoallergenic, odorless coat with a low shedding percentage.
The life expectancy of the Chinese Crested Dog is quite long, which visually does not correspond to its fragility. Miniature hairless dogs can live 14-15 years with good care.
