Information, Facts & Origins of the
Chinese Crested Dog Breed
The Chinese
Crested
originates from China and was bred originally for
Hunting
rats and as a lapdog and companion.
It's origins can be dated back to the 1200's.
This dog is classified as one of the
Toy Dog Group which we
go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this
page. The Chinese Crested was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1991.
This dog comes in two varieties the Hairless and the Powder Puff.
Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is often referred to as the Powderpuff.
Two
Varieties - Hairless Chinese Crested and the Chinese Crested
Powder Puff
This breed of
dog comes in to distinct varieties the Hairless and the Powder
Puff Chinese Crested (Powderpuff). An amazing fact about the
Hairless and Powder Puff Chinese Crested is that the two different
types often come from the same litter of puppies. The two
varieties of this rare breed of dog obviously differ not only due
to the long - powder puff - hair but also the teeth differ. The
Hairless Chinese Crested have pointed front teeth, referred to as
tusks whereas the Powder Puffs ( Powderpuffs) have normal teeth.
Description
of the Chinese Crested Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours information
The Chinese Crested's coat comes in a variety of shades.
The coat is normally
hairless with just
tufts of long, soft hair on the head, feet and tail. The other
variety of this breed is called the Chinese Crested Powder Puff
which has a coat of long, soft hair. Special care must be taken of
the Powder Puff as regular daily grooming is required.
Dog
Health information - potential health problems of the Chinese
Cresteds
All owners of dogs and puppies
are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with
humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog
health problems, including those of the Chinese Crested, can prove to be
costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining
dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of
trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors,
or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions
occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears,
Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate
to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune &
Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health
problems of the Chinese Crested can include:
Patellar Luxation (
The patella, or kneecap, is part of the stifle joint (knee). In
patellar luxation, the kneecap luxates, or pops out of place )
Legge-Perthes
disease - A disease of the hip joint that results in abnormal
deformity of the ball of the hip joint
Skin allergies
For additional
information we have provided an Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog
Health Problems which can be accessed via the Canine Health
section from the Site Map. This describes the most common health
problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. The
Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be
used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health
problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have
with a Dog Health care professional. Some Chinese Crested are born
with missing teeth and claws.
Information
on Grooming and Care of the Chinese Crested Dog Breed
The Hairless Chinese
Crested
requires weekly care and grooming but the Powder Puff needs daily
grooming. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming
and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best.
Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing
but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and
nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health
problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially
important in puppies and older Chinese Crested dogs.
Life
Expectancy information of the Chinese Crested Dog Breed
- Hairless and Powder Puff
The life
expectancy for this particular breed is 10 – 14 years.
Age
comparison between the Chinese Crested Dog Breed and a Human
Age
comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of
debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the
situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to
sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at
three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine
a dog's age.
The
Pictures reflect the Size of Adults - not Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes
providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Chinese
Crested- essential
information but unique to this site. It should also be noted that
the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally
considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can
easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan
" A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated
by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of
the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely
clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will
suit the life and living conditions of the family.
Chinese Crested
Dog - Hairless and Powder Puff - Puppies Info and Names
The
Puppies section, accessed via the Site Index, provides detailed
information about Choosing the right puppy, Puppy Training, Puppy
Care and Puppy Behavior, Growth & Development. We recommend that
the following considerations should always be taken into account
when choosing puppies:
Budget
- Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding
costs of the breed
Convenience
and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
Personal
situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies,
asthma or back pain
Exercising
requirements for the Chinese Crested breed
Living
Conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies
Family
- child suitability
Puppy and Dog
Names - The Importance of choosing the right names
Toy
Dog Breed Information
Dogs in the Toy Group, which include the Chinese Crested , were initially developed to
ease the lifestyle and provide pleasure to rich people. These dogs
were initially owned by the wealthy and were viewed by others as
status symbols - a luxury item with little apparent purpose. Dogs
in other groups had specific working roles and played a major part
in providing food for the table and therefore justified the cost
of their upkeep and care - these were the dogs which were commonly
owned by the lower classes. Changes in the economy, lifestyles,
living conditions and the environment brought the luxury and
pleasure of owning a toy breed dog, such as the Chinese Crested , to everyone.
The
Toy dogs which includes the Hairless and Powder Puff Chinese Crested are small and even diminuitive in size.
Toy dogs are generally easy care pets however some do not
like young children and their fragility can be a concern in large
families. They have a tendency toward yappiness. Toy dogs are
loyal and intelligent and especially good at learning tricks.
Toy
Dog Breed Duties
Characteristics and features of Toy Dogs, including the Chinese Crested
, have
been introduced and strengthened by breeding with animals who
already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance
was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and
puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful
for the duties they were intended for. Toy Group dogs had limited
duties which included the following tasks were were specifically
utilised in Oriental and European Courts by royalty and the
nobility:
Warmth
- A dog's temperature is between 100.2-102.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
Warmth
- toy dogs sat on laps (hence the term 'lapdogs')
Warmth
- toy dogs warmed beds in cold castles and palaces
Companionship
Status
symbols
Although
toy dogs are most commonly known as lap dogs Oriental Emperors and
courtiers carried them around in their copious sleeves!
Examples
of other Breeds within the Toy Dog Group
The Toy group includes the Chinese Crested
and all of
the following breeds:
Affenpinschers, Brussels Griffons, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Chinese Cresteds, English Toy Spaniels, Havanese, Italian Greyhounds, Japanese Chins, Maltese, Manchester Terriers (Toy), Miniature Pinschers, Papillons, Pekingese, Pomeranians, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Silky Terriers, Toy Fox Terriers,
and Yorkshire Terriers (Yorkies).
This dog comes in two varieties the Hairless and the Powder Puff.
It's name is often referred to as the Powderpuff. Pictures and information about all of the above Toy breeds,
together with all other dog groups and breeds, may be found
on this website via the following links:
