The Charming Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a rare, unique breed of dog with a modern nickname "Dr. Suess Dogs", a reference to the way the Crested resembles the imaginative creatures in the author-illustrator's well known books. They are also referred to as "Velcro Dogs" because they love nothing more than being close to their owners. The Chinese Crested dog is intensely social. Once a Chinese Crested falls in love with you, they will follow you forever. They will be eternally and thoroughly devoted to you. If you are looking for a small, affectionate, unique, and playful dog, the Chinese Crested may be the perfect breed for you.
Chinese Crested History
Background
The Chinese Crested is a breed of dog that has a fascinating history.
Although the exact origin of the breed is not known, it is believed to have evolved from the African Hairless Dogs which were reduced in size by the Chinese, who seemed to like smaller toy breeds. Chinese Crested dogs were highly valued and believed to have magical powers to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. For centuries Chinese sailors sailed the high seas with the Chinese Crested breed on board, and that puppies were frequently traded with local merchants at port cities. Today, the breed can still be found in ancient port cities around the world. It is a known fact that during the time of the plague, hairless Chinese Crested dogs were stowed onboard ships to hunt vermin which were heavily infested with fleas carrying the dreaded disease. Spanish explorers found Chinese Crested dogs in Mexico and in other parts of Central and South America as early as the 1500s. British, French and Portuguese explorers likewise found the breed in various parts of Africa and Asia during the 1700s and 1800s. Early missionaries, who frequently traveled with the explorers, documented nearly every aspect of their journeys to these places. Their diaries describe finding the breed in many of these countries. By the mid19th century, Cresteds began to appear in numerous European paintings and prints. During the 1850's and 1860s several Chinese Cresteds were taken to England and placed on exhibit in a local zoological show. The press reported their appearance, and serval photos of the dogs were published. Unfortunately, despite public intrest, no breeding program was established and the breed soon died out in the country. At about the same time, Cresteds began showing up in America. Harpers Weekly carried a large, two page print entitled "Sketches at the Dog Show at Gilmore's Garden." At least two Hairless and possibly one coated (Powderpuff) Crested were shown in the sketch. The American Kennel Club discovered Crested entries from a number of dog shows held in the late 1800s. In the 1880s, Ida Garrett, a young New York journalist, became intrested in Cresteds and other hairless breed. Over the course of 60 years, Garrett bred, exhibited, and wrote extensively about hairless breeds in particular. She traveled widely and imported several prized Crested dogs from around the world to her home in the U.S. During the 1920s, she became acquainted with Debra Woods of Homestead Florida, and assisted Woods in obtaining a number of her earliest Chinese Cresteds, as well as other hairless breeds. The two women became close associates. For nearly 40 years, they jointly promoted Chinese Cresteds - Garrett through her prolific writings, speaking engagements and dog club activities, and Woods through her extensive breeding, advertising, exhibiting, and registration service. They remained lifelong friends until Garrett died in the 1950s. By the 1950s Chinese Cresteds entered the spotlight when Gypsy Rose Lee, a famous American singer/dancer/entertainer, obtained a Crested from her sister, June Havoc. Lee went on to become an ardent breeder and protector of the breed, and is credited with helping publicize the Crested worldwide. In fact, most active Crested kennels in the world can trace the ancestry of their dogs to the Crest Haven (Debora Woods) and Lee lines. Chinese Cresteds are known for their unique appearance, with their hairless bodies and tufts of hair on their heads, tails, and paws. They are cherished as loving companions and continue to captivate dog enthusiasts around the world.
Breed Information
Everything you need to know regarding the Chinese Crested Breed
Chinese Crested’s are highly unique and are chosen by dog owners specifically because of their special traits. A slender, finely boned dog who is elegant and graceful, a true beauty.
There are many qualities that set this breed apart from others, which is why they deserve a name that matches their individuality. One of the first things that you will notice about the Chinese Crested is the coat, or lack thereof.
This exotic look adds to the breed’s distinctiveness. Cresteds are also elegant in physique and come in a variety of coat/coatless colors, including apricot, black, blue/slate, cream, chocolate and white.
Aside from the physical attributes, Chinese Crested dogs also have some special quirks and behaviors that make them stand out.
They are known for being lively and dexterous, being able to leap and climb despite their small size. However, in spite of this agility they are also the perfect couch potato companions. They can read your mind and will lie in bed for hours without moving a muscle. Despite their laziness, Chinese Cresteds are athletic dogs. They can jump very high and do fantastic in agility competitions.
The Chinese Crested dog is not gregarious but intensely social. They bond quickly with their pack and are cautious around strangers. An extremely sensitive and reactive breed with a high social drive. Continuing socialization is important for this breed due to their overall shy nature around strangers. Also, expect them to want to sleep under the covers with you.
With their 'crested'hairdo, furry socks and feathery tail, you can't mistake the sweet and slender Chinese Crested for any other breed. This frolicsome, ultra-affectionate companion dog is truly a breed apart. The Chinese Crested is a lively and alert toy breed standing between 11 and 13 inches high, they can be hairless or coated. Life expectancy is 13-15 years many reportedly having longer lifespan than this.
The hairless variety has smooth, soft skin and tufts of hair on the head, tail, and ankles. Please note that they have absolutely no tolerance for cold temperatures, therefore clothes will be a must. If you are cold, so are they.
The coated variety, called the 'powderpuff, is covered by a soft, silky double non shedding coat. Therefore they require daily brushing to avoid matting,
Besides the coat, there's very little difference between the powderpuff and his undressed brother. Both varieties are characterized by fine-boned elegance and graceful movement. Cresteds are as fun as they look: playful, loving, and devoted to their humans. With both the hairless and powderpuff there is no doggy odor or shedding. Both varieties are attentive housemates, totally in tune with their family.
Chinese Crested’s are extremely affectionate with their families. They do well with children, although you should consider the age of the children and how they interact with dogs before bringing this breed into your family. They can be hurt easily and shouldn't be left unsupervised with children or even out alone in your yard. With family members who know how to handle dogs, however, they will play games, affectionately cuddle up on the couch, and enjoy an active life. The Chinese Crested dog is a wonderful family dog who is playful, affectionate, and endearing. A stable companion who fill their owners lives with love, laughter, and entertainment.
Chinese Crested dogs are VERY empathetic, attuned to their emotional and physical environment. Happiest when you are happy too. This breed has a moderate need for mental stimulation. Following you around and engaging in activities with you are great ways for them to satisfy their curiosity.
Personality Around Children
Please note that dogs should always be supervised around young children, or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs. Make sure that kids are old enough to distinguish this toy breed from a real toy before you let them play with your pet.
Personality Around Dogs
Please be aware that dogs should always be supervised for interactions and introductions with other dogs, Chinese Cresteds are innately more likely to get along with other dogs, both at home and in public.
The Chinese Crested is a confident, graceful and alert dog sometimes aloof with strangers. It can be strong willed, but not snappy or aggressive. Not known as a "yappy dog", it can, however, prove useful as a watchdog. During training sessions Chinese Crested’s respond best to gentile consistent training. Do not yell or use harsh training techniques or you could permanently loose your pets trust. Remain calm and encouraging and they will follow you to the ends of the earth.
Chinese Crested dogs were bred to travel in boats on the water but are content to go on adventures with you in all modes of transportation.
Grooming
You might think that the hairless variation of the Chinese Crested would require almost no grooming. After all, they have no hair. However, because their skin is exposed, the hairless Crested is prone to skin irritations, allergies, and sunburn.
Careful grooming, including skin treatments specifically for your dog's skin type, 15 to 30 SP sunscreen. Acne lotions may be necessary to maintain a healthy pet.
The Powderpuff version needs to be brushed daily to maintain his fluffy coat. The Powderpuff's coat is different than that of most other dogs. The undercoat is shorter than the longer overlay, which is the opposite of most haired breeds. This makes them easier to brush, but the coat can mat quickly if it goes unbrushed. Bi weekly bathing is recommended.
A fragrance-free or hypoallergenic shampoo with*oatmeal* helps prevent skin problems following baths.
Apply a moisturizing conditioner to your hairless Chinese crested's skin and fur after rinsing the shampoo helps to keep fur soft and skin smooth. Thoroughly rinse the conditioner after allowing it to work for about three minutes.
Apply 100% pure coconut oil to your dog's bare skin several times a week. Because this toy breed is also prone to dry skin, applying 100% pure coconut oil weekly will keep the skin soft and supple.
A quality metal dog-grooming comb with large, wide teeth works well on your Chinese crested's silky coat and prevents tangles and fur mats from forming.
The hairless can be prone to dry skin. Bathing one to two times a week is recommended.
Regularly apply 100% pure coconut oil to their bare skin will keep it healthy and supple.
*Be aware that this breed is allergic to wool and avoid products containing lanolin.*
Chinese Crested’s make perfect lap heaters, since the lack of body hair increases the amount of heat their bodies give off. But they do need to be protected from extremes of temperature, both hot and cold.
Clothes are a must for the hairless in cool temperatures.
Even though the hairless variety appears maintenance free, this is not so. Aside from regular nail clipping, regular grooming is required to keep both varieties looking well.
The hairless variety requires frequent bathing to maintain healthy skin. You may need to remove unwanted hair to keep the look you want. Many cresteds have natural facial hair and some have excess body hair. The skin can sunburn from prolonged exposure. It can also develop blackheads therefore can need preventative care.
Powderpuff Chinese Crested
The powder puff requires frequent grooming to maintain a silky, flowing coat.
Brush your powderpuff Chinese crested dog daily with a soft-bristle brush. The powderpuff has long fur all over her body with a thick undercoat. Regular brushing helps prevent tangles and hair mats from forming.
Comb tangles and mats from your pet’s coat with a wide-toothed comb. By lightly misting the coat with leave in conditioner and using slow, gentle strokes, you will avoid irritating your dog's delicate skin.
Though the powderpuff variety requires less frequent bathing than the hairless crested, its long, silky coat is less likely to develop tangles when kept clean and conditioned.
Just like the hairless variety, the powderpuff has sensitive skin and requires specially formulated products. Oatmeal based hypoallergenic products are recommended.
When grooming your powderpuff into a pony cut moisturizing their skin with 100% pure coconut oil is recommended.
Chinese Crested require good nutrition to help prevent skin problems.
A diet based on fish and rice is best for their sensitive digestive system.
*Never give any pet rawhide of any kind. It is difficult for dogs to digest.*
We recommend brushing teeth daily and yearly deep cleaning by a licensed veterinarian for optimal tooth health.
The hairless variety has a primitive mouth which makes dental care very important as with all dogs but more so for the hairless with primitive dentation.
Chinese crested dogs are "hairfooted," meaning their toes are slightly longer than most breeds. They can curl their toes around objects to hold them and are adept climbers. Their longer toe length means they have longer quicks in their nails, so care must be taken during trimming to not cut too deeply. Cresteds can suffer from separation anxiety which can lead to excessive barking and destructive habits. They will climb and dig to escape confinement if left on their own for too long. They can be "Houdini Hounds", if they can get a grip on a fence many will climb over it. Once they are out, they move very fast. When you are around, they are comparatively quiet dogs, but they will alarm bark if someone is approaching your door.
Fun Facts: Chinese Cresteds love raw vegetables!
Do our dogs know we love them?
The answer is YES, our dogs know how much we love them! Dogs and humans have a very special relationship, where dogs have hijacked the human oxytocin bonding pathway normally reserved for our babies. Dogs sometimes use eye contact to let you know how they feel, and a lot of the time it's to say that they love you. A dog's loving gaze has been found to release a 'feel-good hormone' known as oxytocin in both you and your dog. When you stare at your dog, both your oxytocin levels go up, the same as when we pet and play with them. Also, belly rubs induce chemical and physiological reactions that make your pup feel good while helping to decrease stress.
Chinese Crested’s thrive on TLC, love to cuddle and usually don’t leave their owner's side. With that in mind, the Chinese crested dog does not like to be left alone for long periods of time and can become anxiety ridden if so.
More about us: We screen all of our breeding pairs for genetic eye problems that are known to occur in the Chinese Crested, including progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, and primary lens luxation. Our breeding pairs are A rated non carriers of genetic disorders.
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