Chinese Crested Dog: photo and care, description and character of the breed

The Chinese Crested Dog is a decorative hairless breed; their height does not exceed 30 cm and their weight is 6 kg.

A distinctive feature of the dog from other hairless breeds is the crest on the head . Chinese crested cats can be either completely hairless or covered with soft outer fur, and both are born in the same litter. Usually there are from 3 to 5 puppies in a litter , but sometimes a bitch carries 8–10 puppies .

Breed characteristics

Short description
Origin:	China
Conditions of detention:	Apartment, including a small one
Purpose:	Decorative, indoor
Color:	Any, in different combinations, the presence of vague dark spots of a round shape
Wool length:	For the hairless variety: absent on the body, small tufts of hair on the head (crest) and tail For the powderpuff variety: soft, long, with undercoat
Adult dog size:	Females: from 23 to 30 cm; Males: from 28 to 33 cm; Weight does not exceed 4-5 kg
Average life expectancy:	13 – 15 years
Walk:	Not required
Physical activity needs:	Low
Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FIC) classification:	Recognized in 1987. Group 9; Section 4. Hairless dogs
Puppy price:	From 10 to 50 thousand rubles.

History of the origin of the species

The origin of the Chinese Crested Dog is shrouded in numerous secrets and legends . Judging by the name, China can be called the birthplace of this breed. However, there is another version, according to which the breed has an “African origin,” and it was from the African continent that the Chinese Crested began to spread to other continents.

It is likely that Egyptian sailors on their sailing ships initially brought this breed to the southern part of the Eurasian continent, from where it spread to South America and China. This interpretation is supported by the fact that Egyptian navigation has a rich history dating back thousands of years, and artifacts confirm that the “hairless” dog was known to the Egyptians. At the same time, the geographical isolation of China up to the 2nd century BC is taken into account.

It is this period that can be considered the time when the Chinese Crested appears on the territory of the country and its active breeding begins.

How the Chinese Crested from China gets to central Europe is not known for certain . Since the 16th century, images of the Chinese Crested Dog have increasingly appeared in works of art, in particular in paintings by Flemish and Swiss artists. Later, in the 17th century, information about this breed appeared in printed books and magazines.

Thus, the Chinese Crested was known not only in Europe for a long time, but it received true recognition only in one country - England, where it came through the efforts of the collector Taunton at the end of the 19th century. Initially, the breed does not attract much attention from dog lovers, but gradually becomes very widespread and conquers both the European and American continents.

However, despite such an “ancient” origin, the breed received official recognition only in 1987. Since then, the number of Chinese Crested kennels has been rapidly increasing around the world, and fans of this small dog are charged with the positive emotions that come from it.

Crossbreed

The Chinese Crested Dog has an exotic appearance, which provokes the appearance of mixed breeds. Accidental matings are also common.

Common crossbreeds include:

Pug and Chinese Crested mix. This cross is called Khokhlomops. She looks like a hairless pug with high-set ears and tufts of hair on her face. The skin appears rough, reminiscent of a hippopotamus.
Mixed Chihuahua and Chinese Crested. This mix looks like a hairless Chihuahua, with a deformed muzzle and a crest on the top of its head. It was these mestizos that more than once received the title of the ugliest dog in the world.
Spitz and Chinese Crested mix. The rarest cross. Spitz and Hairless Crested mixes are practically never found, and their cross with Powder Puffs looks quite cute.

Unfortunately, most mestizos suffer from genetic abnormalities and have a short life expectancy.

Distinctive features

The Small Chinese Crested Dog can be easily identified by the following characteristic features::

The head is small, elegantly shaped, smooth, with no furrow.
The skull is rounded and elongated.
The ears are strong, erect (for the Powderpuff species they are drooping), low set, and not cropped.
The stop is not expressed.
The muzzle is short, slightly narrowed, flat.
The cheeks are narrow.
Eyes with a wide set, medium; very dark, almost black, shiny. The whites are not visible.
The nose is narrow and can be of any color.
The lips are tight.
The teeth are strong, strong, and can be of different lengths.
The jaws are strong.
bite .
The neck is slightly arched, dry, smooth, elegant.
The body is proportional and elegant.
Skin without wrinkles, bare (for the bald type), even, clean, smooth, spotty.
The back is straight.
The hips are rounded, with pronounced muscles.
The chest is rounded.
Shoulders are narrow.
The limbs are elongated, straight, perpendicular to the body.
The paws are narrow, long, “hare-like”, and the stance is straight.
The claws are long.
Movements are smooth and energetic.
The tail is thin, long, and in its natural state hangs down; during movement, slightly curved towards the body.
color , in different combinations, the presence of vague dark spots of a round shape.

Chinese Crested dogs come in two varieties. Depending on the presence and thickness of the coat, they are divided into hairless and powderpuffs:

Bald Chinese Cresteds have no fur on their bodies and their skin appears bare. But if you look closely, the dog’s body is covered with thin, soft fluff, which can have varying degrees of density - from extremely low to clearly visible. None of these options are a departure from the standard. The fur is usually located on the hind legs and slightly on the shoulder blades. However, hair may also be present in small tufts along the spine and on the hips. In any case, the coat consists of sparse, usually coarse hairs that must be removed regularly every 1.5-2 months. The chest, sides of the body and belly are smooth, hair is completely absent.
Powderpuffs have soft, long hair all over their body and also have an undercoat.

No matter what variety the Chinese Crested belongs to, what distinguishes this breed is the presence of hair on other parts of the body . These are characteristic small tufts of hair on the head (bangs, tuft, any length, lush, thick or sparse are allowed, falling in a curl) and tail (characteristic plume).

The Chinese Crested can be conditionally divided according to another characteristic - constitution. Depending on the structure of the croup, they are called “deer type” and “pony” (another common name is “conics”):

Deer type . Dogs of this variety have a thinner bone structure and look more elegant than their relatives.
Ponies are strong, stocky representatives of the breed. They are distinguished by an emotionally calm, confident, balanced character. There are short hairs on the body, while the neck, head and paws are covered with thick hair.

Regardless of the classification of the adult, Chinese Crested puppies can be born either completely naked or with fur on the rump. In this case, “naked” and “powderpuffs” can appear in the same litter.

Photo of an adult dog

Photos of puppies

Features of character and behavior

The Chinese Crested is an example of devotion to its “pack”, in which it includes all family members. Friendly to people and other pets, this dog will get along with both owners and guests and will bring exceptional joy from communication. No breed can compare with it in its desire to constantly be near a person.

Physical and emotional contact is very important for the Chinese Crested, and owners should always remember this.

The Chinese Crested can be timid and hesitant in unfamiliar situations. Therefore, if frequent joint “outings” are planned, it is recommended to accustom the Chinese Crested to a change of environment from puppyhood. Otherwise, unnecessary problems may arise with adaptation to places unknown to her, and, instead of the joy of interaction, it will turn out to be “a complete hassle.”

A dog of this breed requires constant care and attention, in the absence of which it can become nervous, expressing its dissatisfaction by constant barking. She needs to be provided with regular caresses, touches, active games and contact with people. Then her cheerful, cheerful and affectionate character will be fully revealed, and she will bring daily pleasure from communication.

Advantages

The undoubted advantage of the Chinese Crested is its docile nature. She is an ideal friend and companion who does not require special invitations to play. The Chinese Crested cat responds gratefully to any interaction and can instantly improve the mood of its owner.
Very well suited for people who have no experience in keeping dogs , as it practically does not require special knowledge in the field of dog breeding.
It is believed that the Chinese Crested is suitable for allergy sufferers, as it has little or no hair. However, you need to keep in mind that allergies are usually caused not by fur, but by proteins that are secreted by the skin, saliva, and urine of the animal. The common belief about “hypoallergenic” dogs is wrong. If future owners suspect allergies, it is necessary to first pass tests for allergens of this particular breed in order to avoid the need to part with the animal after it gets into the house.
The Chinese Crested does not show aggression and is always friendly.
Another advantage is that there is no need for walking.

Flaws

The disadvantages of the Chinese Crested are few and boil down to the following:

The breed is not suitable for people who are often away from home for long periods of time. Those owners who do not have the opportunity to spend a lot of time with the dog should not choose the Chinese Crested. They cannot stand loneliness. Soft toys can only partially satisfy the high degree of necessary human communication. Any prolonged absence of the owner or other family members is perceived by them as a “tragedy”, which adversely affects the nervous activity of dogs. They become nervous and irritable. Adaptation of an adult dog to another family is impossible without damage to the animal’s psyche.
The second problem that owners may encounter is tooth damage due to frequent chewing of various objects. It must be borne in mind that this behavior of the pet is a consequence of its isolation, so you should not leave the dog unattended for a long period.
It is not advisable to keep a dog in a family where there are small children aged 1 to 4 years. Given the relative fragility of the bone structure, it can be reluctantly damaged in the game.

Teeth cleaning

The teeth of the Chinese Crested Dog often become coated with plaque and then, due to their fragility, are destroyed. This occurs due to a thin layer of enamel, as well as a lack of calcium. To teach your dog to brush its teeth, show that it is not at all scary by teaching it to the procedure in infancy. Regular pastes and brushes are prohibited; they produce their own hygiene supplies for dogs.

It cleans teeth better in the morning and every day, turning an unpleasant activity for a dog into a favorite procedure. First, squeeze a pea of paste onto the brush and let it taste, usually corydalis like this. Then gently massage your gums and teeth with your finger. Dogs react too negatively to such manipulations; only over time you will be able to use a toothbrush in her mouth.

If the dog is categorically against cleaning, you should wait and try again after a couple of days. In addition, special rinses are produced for dogs. Allowing you to maintain cleanliness in your mouth, killing germs and unpleasant odors.

Care and maintenance

No special conditions are required for keeping the Chinese Crested . Having a soft bed is welcome, but not required. The dog will happily spend most of its time next to its owner - in the arms or on the sofa.

The Chinese Crested requires not only constant attention and communication. Caring for this breed, although not particularly difficult, does involve a large number of regular procedures.
You need to bathe your dog once a week . It is best to use gels that soften the skin and shampoos that increase volume and add shine (for the tuft and plume on the tail). For washing, soft sponges made from natural materials are usually used. After bathing, you can dry the dog with light touches with a terry towel and be sure to lubricate the skin with a moisturizing cream of liquid consistency.

The skin of the Chinese Crested, regardless of the variety, requires care with special creams, especially in the summer.

Ears must be cleaned of dirt and wax every 3-4 days . Before carrying out this procedure, it is recommended to restrain the dog in any convenient way (the “swaddling method” is often used, as with infants). The use of special products is recommended, but the use of ordinary water is also acceptable. Cleaning is carried out extremely carefully, since the ear cartilage of the Chinese Crested is a weak point.
Eyes need regular monitoring . It is best to examine them daily immediately after sleep, in the morning. The eyes should be black and shiny. If a change in color or loss of shine is detected, the dog should be taken to a veterinarian.
Teeth must be brushed to remove plaque and tartar once every 2 weeks . The procedure begins when the puppy's molars appear - from about 6-8 months of age. However, like other dog breeds, Chinese Cresteds do not like these manipulations. To accustom her to brushing her teeth in the future, you can apply a “play” technique to the puppy - with a finger wrapped in clean gauze, imitate “biting” while massaging the gums. The use of special toothpastes enriched with vitamins is mandatory.
The Chinese Crested's claws also require close attention . Due to the special structure of the paw, the so-called “hare’s paw,” the claws grow quickly and practically do not wear down during walks. Therefore, they need to be trimmed as they grow. Given the diminutive nature of dogs, it is recommended that the procedure be carried out in a veterinary clinic so as not to damage the living part of the claw.

Nutrition

The feeding of the Chinese Crested has its own characteristics.

These dogs, despite being highly physically active, usually do not have enough exercise and are prone to weight gain.
It is preferable to feed dogs dry food, giving preference to the Premium and Premium Plus classes (Hills, Natural Holistic, Purina Pro Plan for miniature and dwarf breeds), which contain vitamins and minerals.
The ideal option would be dietary food for both a puppy and an adult dog.
As a treat, Chinese dogs can be given boiled vegetables (carrots, cabbage, pumpkin, zucchini) and fruits (chopped apples), no more than once a week.

We also accept a natural diet.

In this case kefir , cottage cheese (no more than 1%), weak meat broths , lean meat (veal, soft part of beef), fish (low-fat varieties of sea fish), fresh yolk (once a week), vegetables and fruits are used. .

It is not recommended to include raw meat in the menu.

Lamb, pork, bones, poultry, river fish, potatoes, all types of legumes, onions, and any confectionery and flour products are completely excluded from the diet.

Feeding a puppy under the age of 8-9 months consists of 4-5 daily feedings in small portions, the daily volume is 50-60 grams. (half a handful). The main rule in feeding a puppy is adherence to the regime.
It is necessary to feed your pet at the same time throughout the day.
An adult dog (starting from 9-10 months) eats 2 times a day , the volume of each serving should not exceed 50-60 grams.

It is recommended to arrange fasting days once a week and feed the Chinese Crested with boiled vegetables.

Health

The Chinese Crested is sensitive to any changes in living conditions . In addition to the characteristic diseases that require veterinary intervention, these dogs need to create comfortable mental conditions - constant contact with people. The immune system of the breed is not particularly strong. Stress caused by the need to be alone for a long time does not promote health.

Any change in behavior - decreased activity, disinterest in communication and games - requires immediate contact with a veterinarian. Self-treatment with Chinese Crested can be fatal.

Vaccinations

Chinese crested vaccinations are carried out according to the scheme of primary vaccination at 8-9 weeks and revaccination at 12 weeks against diseases to which all dogs are susceptible: distemper, hepatitis, enteritis, parainfluenza and coronavirus.

Throughout their lives, dogs are vaccinated annually , following the general rules for vaccinations: the pet must be healthy and dewormed.

Diseases

The health of the Chinese Crested requires constant monitoring. The following diseases are typical for this breed:

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a lack of sufficient tear fluid. As a result of insufficient moisture, the cornea becomes irritated and the conjunctiva becomes red, which can lead to complete blindness . To prevent this from happening, the eyes of the Chinese Crested must be examined daily, and at the slightest suspicion of illness, consult a doctor.
Folliculitis – crusts on the skin, peeling. Usually of a bacterial nature, treatment is carried out only with antibiotics .
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a necrosis of the femoral head characteristic of small breeds of dogs. Unfortunately, diagnosis at an early stage of development (2-3 months) is difficult. The disease usually develops rapidly at the age of 8-12 months, treatment is only surgical .
Cystitis, pyelonephritis. To avoid such cases, it is recommended to reduce or eliminate the walking of the Chinese Crested in the cold and damp seasons.
Allergy to gels and shampoos.

Walk

The undoubted advantage of the Chinese Crested is the absence of the need for mandatory daily walking. Keeping a dog in an apartment will be appreciated by owners who are not prone to frequent walks. At the same time, in order to maintain cleanliness in the apartment, the dog must be trained to use a tray (or disposable diapers) immediately after its arrival in the family.

Despite the fact that the Chinese Crested is considered an indoor dog, it should not be completely deprived of active outdoor play. For walks you will need special overalls depending on weather conditions. For the spring period, it is recommended to buy insulated clothing with synthetic padding; in the summer it is preferable to use “breathable” materials. To avoid sunburn, it is best to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and use sunscreen.

During the damp and cold autumn-winter period, it is better not to expose the dog to hypothermia and not to walk it.

Feeding the Chinese Crested

It should be noted that the breed simply needs fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins; with a natural diet, it is also important to take calcium as a supplement.

It is forbidden to feed the dog sweets and baked goods; this affects not only the teeth, destroying them, but also the eyes, while the discharge from the eyes changes color, and dark streaks form in the corners and below. The liver is easily damaged by fatty foods; try to exclude fatty meats from your diet. Allergies can be caused by poultry, especially chicken, so be careful. By the way, the dog’s skin and fur itself, on the contrary, does not cause allergies in humans.

Lard, bones, river fish, smoked food, spices - all this is prohibited for dogs. If we haven’t named everything, from common sense you will understand for yourself what is not recommended for a dog. There are a lot of such products. And the useful ones can be counted on one hand, these are:

Porridges with milk and regular ones;
Cottage cheese, yolk and low-fat kefir;
Beef, rabbit meat;
Fruits, vegetables, herbs, vegetable oil;
Sea fish is low-fat.

Feed your adult dog in the morning and evening, the most nutritious one is dinner and make sure there is water, especially if your choice is packaged food. If your dog becomes restless, lethargic, has a fever, or has a foggy look, be sure to take her to the vet. And everything will become clear, there can be many reasons and the reason is not always nutrition.

Grooming

Coat care depends on the variety of Chinese Crested.

Hairless dogs have no hair . Therefore, body care consists of removing sparse hairs from the rump using tweezers. Hair removal is allowed in a veterinary clinic.
Powderpuffs require daily brushing of their hair, which if not properly cared for can become matted, causing significant discomfort.

Regardless of the type, you need to keep in mind that the Chinese Crested does not shed, so it is not possible to get rid of unnecessary hair on its own . The hair on the head, paws and tail should be brushed daily. A comb with a large distance between teeth is best for this procedure.

The dog's face also requires additional care . It is recommended to shave all hairs weekly, and treat the skin with special disinfectants and moisturizers.

It is not recommended to use drugs intended for humans, as dogs are prone to allergic reactions.

Ear cleaning

The corydalis ears have a large shell. Therefore, reaching all areas is not a problem. The main condition is to clean in a bright place, using lotion and cotton pads. Ask your veterinarian or any doctor how to twist them. Do not use cotton swabs under any circumstances; the dog breed has very delicate ears and tissues, they can be easily damaged.

The discharge from the ears should match the light color of wax, like that of a person, without a foul odor. The skin color on the inner surface is light pink, without redness, pimples, or irritation. In addition, once a month, remove the fur from the inside; for this procedure, tweezers are useful or pluck with your fingers. To dull the pain, purchase a special remedy at the pharmacy.

Mating

Chinese crested mating involves a number of rules that must be followed in order to achieve the desired result. In general, crossbreeding between Chinese Crested varieties is permitted in any combination. However, it must be remembered that the gene that determines the degree of hair fouling is dominant. So, when mating a hairless individual and a powderpuff, most likely the litter will be “mixed-haired”, it will contain both hairless and fur-covered puppies.

The constitutional types “deer” and “pony” usually do not mix when crossing. This is especially important for those cases when you plan to show a dog - as a result of mixing, most likely, you will get an intermediate type that will be disqualified.

Otherwise, the crossbreeding of representatives of this breed is subject to the basic rules for mating dogs of other breeds:

carried out on the territory of the dog;
carried out on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning;
despite early puberty (by the first year of life), it is not recommended to mate dogs under 18-20 months of age;
mating of close relatives is not allowed.

Photo review

Photos of Chinese Crested puppies and dogs at first scare away the unprepared viewer, but after just a minute of meeting these “aliens”, you want to hug them until they pass out, enjoying their cheerfulness and playfulness. It’s not for nothing that these four-legged friends are considered one of the best companions.

Key points in training

The Chinese Crested is trainable and can successfully learn many commands from the OKD course . However, it must be remembered that its main purpose is not to “fiercely” protect the owner, but to give him aesthetic pleasure. For this reason, it will be much better to try to teach the dog various circus tricks - jumping on its hind legs, jumping on pedestals, taking a vertical stance.

Read about how to properly train a dog in the article: “Training a puppy: effective methods from dog handlers, learning commands at home.”

Walks

Playful, dynamic, Chinese Cresteds love walks. The dog just needs a burst of energy and regular physical activity. The exclusive exterior and playful character turn daily walking into a responsible event that requires special training and equipment.

Crested dogs love to plow the ground and dig holes (like a burrowing terrier). To keep a gambling dog from destroying the pastoral picture of country garden beds and house lawns, walking on a leash is recommended.

In the spring and summer, before going for a walk, naked corydalis are lubricated with sunscreen balm (protecting delicate skin from burns), and the fur of poufs is treated with lotion from drying out and coarsening.

When going out into nature (forest, country house, city beach), dogs are sprayed with repellent against bloodsucking insects.

How to choose a puppy

Choosing a Chinese Crested puppy is a kind of lottery, since sometimes even an experienced breeder cannot predict the color of a future adult dog.

The main point in deciding which puppy to take home should be the owner’s understanding of the specifics of caring for the fur of these animals.
If future owners are not willing to spend too much time combing their hair, it is preferable to adopt a hairless Chinese Crested.
Assessing his bite can provide some help in choosing the type of puppy. According to the standard, powderpuffs have a regular bite, while hairless individuals have fangs that protrude slightly forward.

In any case, the puppy should be active, sociable, with shiny eyes and smooth skin.

The Chinese Crested is an exceptionally intelligent and quick-witted dog. The almost complete absence of aggressive tendencies makes her desirable in any home. This breed is able to completely adapt to the character of its owners and become an inexhaustible source of cheerfulness and good mood.

5 / 5 ( 1 voice )

Health

The average lifespan of Chinese Cresteds is 10-12 years. Every owner of such a dog should know what problems most often arise with its health and what diseases it is predisposed to:

Perthes disease - characterized by impaired blood supply to the head of the femur, leading to lameness.
Karatoconjunctivitis is characterized by a decrease in the production of tear fluid, the disappearance of the protective film on the surface of the eye, drying and inflammation of the cornea, as well as inflammation of the conjunctiva.
Allergies – causes itching, acne, dry skin.
Difficult birth - due to the small size of the dog, it is often necessary to resort to a caesarean section during childbirth.
Dental diseases often occur due to the small size of the oral cavity.
Patella luxation.
Progressive retinal atrophy – if left untreated, can lead to complete blindness.
Deafness can be either congenital or acquired.
Hypothyroidism is unstable functioning of the thyroid gland.
Diabetes.
Multiple system atrophy - characterized by degeneration of movements. This is a very rare disease in which the puppy moves very poorly, as he grows up the condition worsens and ends with immobility.