Chinese Crested Dog
Temperament:
The Chinese Crested Dog looks like a delicate creature, but is surprisingly adaptable and robust. It takes a lot of getting used to on the outside, but impresses with its loving nature, good behavior and is an excellent family dog. As it is easy to train, it is also suitable for beginners. He does not need a lot of space, but sufficient exercise, care and family contact.
Characteristics
There are two varieties of the Chinese Crested Dog. One variant (Powder Puff) has an undercoat and a thin, long topcoat that looks like a veil. The second variant (Hairless) is the better known, where the dog is naked except for the hairy paws, the tip of the tail and the head.
In breeding, the "Deer type" has prevailed, the dog is delicately built, small and slender. However, there is also the "Cobby type", which is stockier and more strongly built.
The dogs' skin is soft and warm, but their body temperature is not higher than that of other breeds. In addition, care is taken during breeding to ensure that the skin is rather dark to protect it from the sun. Pigmentation increases in summer and decreases again in winter. The coat is usually white to light gray.
The Chinese Crested Dog has large, high-set ears covered with a fringe of hair. The eyes are dark and set wide apart. The nose is rather long and pointed. The long, slender neck merges into a relatively long back. The chest is deep and fairly broad.
The breed often has problems with missing teeth, as the hair gene is linked to that of the teeth. The eyes are also often problematic, as a displacement of the lens can lead to glaucoma.
Because they are hairless, the dog is often considered suitable for allergy sufferers, but this has not yet been proven. In any case, they do not shed, as they do not lose the little fur they have. They are also practically odorless.
The dogs reach an average age of 10 to 12 years if kept, fed and cared for well. The average weight is around 5 kg.
The dog's nature is gentle, intelligent and playful. If he is allowed to let off steam and play regularly, he adapts to small living spaces and is very calm at home. He is intelligent and accepts rules, which makes him easy to train. It does not tend to be dominant, does not hold grudges and is very trusting. The breed reacts very sensitively and affectionately to people.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
The Chinese Crested Dog has no special dietary requirements and can be fed with high-quality dry or wet food. Fresh food is also possible.
However, it should be noted that the breed requires more food compared to dogs of the same size. Due to the lack of coat, the body has to produce more heat, which increases the basal metabolic rate. The energy supplied with the food is burned off much faster than in breeds with a sufficient coat.
Health & Care
The lack of a protective coat makes dogs very susceptible to all weather conditions. They must be protected from excessive wetness and cold, in the cold season with suitable dog clothing. When it rains, they should not be outside for too long to avoid catching colds.
Just like humans, dogs also need to apply sunscreen in summer, especially light-colored and less pigmented animals. In addition, the dog's skin must be regularly cared for with a skin cream all year round. As this is also licked off, it should be free from chemical or incompatible ingredients.
Even the few hairs must be brushed and cut regularly so that they do not hinder the dog. The hair on the head and ears in particular should be trimmed so that it does not obstruct the dog's vision. However, this minor grooming is easy to do yourself and does not require a groomer.
After walks, the dog must be thoroughly checked for minor injuries, which can easily occur due to the lack of protection of the coat. These should be disinfected and treated immediately to avoid infection. After cutting the claws, the cut edges should be filed down so that the dog does not injure itself when scratching.
Suitable accessories
As the Chinese Crested Dog gets cold quickly, it must have enough opportunities to warm up. It needs dog blankets and a softly padded basket. An animal cave is also very suitable for this breed, as it provides an all-round protected source of warmth. On particularly cold days, the dog will also happily accept a hot water bottle in a soft fabric cover.
The Chinese Crested Dog definitely needs suitable clothing for walks. In wet and cool weather, a raincoat that covers as much of the bare skin as possible. In winter, a dog coat is required that is warmly lined and also covers the entire body.
In summer, a light dog shirt can help to increase protection from the sun. The delicate dog should not be secured with a collar, but with a chest harness, as otherwise there is a risk of strangulation and injury to the windpipe.
For skin care, the dog needs a purely natural skin cream, which should consist of food-grade ingredients. It should be absorbed quickly, otherwise the dog will leave greasy stains. Ask your trusted pet shop for more information.
A brush is sufficient for grooming the few hairs. Claw clippers, a dog toothbrush and toothpaste are also necessary.
Toys are essential for the playful Chinese Crested Dog, and there is a wide range to choose from depending on the dog's preferences.
Origin & History
The exact origin and parentage of the Chinese Crested Dog is not known. The breed has been found for centuries in China as well as in South Asia, Europe and Africa.
What is certain is that it is closely related to the Mexican and Peruvian naked dog. The breed was already known in the 12th century BC, and in China, one of its presumed countries of origin, it was probably bred as early as the Han Dynasty around 206 BC.
At that time, it was used as a guard and hunting dog. It traveled to other continents with the seafarers and became increasingly popular as a pet dog.
In the USA, it was a sought-after show dog until the 1920s. In 1987, the Chinese Crested Dog was recognized as a breed by the FCI.
