Chinese Crested Dog Characteristics: The spirited and frolicsome Chinese Crested is a breed of small dog classified as a member of the Toy Dog Group (AKC:1991). The Chinese Crested, is characterized by its "Hairless" or "Powderpuff types" both having an elegant appearance with a smooth, wedge-shaped head and an intense expression. Other characteristics include wide set, medium sized almond shaped eyes; large and erect ears (Hairless type) or sometimes pendulous ears (Powderpuff type), a long neck, sloping body. long tapering tail and a smooth, agile gait. The temperament of the Chinese Crested can be described as Lively, Affectionate, Playful. The coat type of the Chinese Crested is described as hairless or long, silky coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Chinese Crested demonstrated the desired traits of a Hunting and Lapdog and is known by its nick name the "Powder Puff". The origin of the Chinese Crested dog breed was in China where it was developed in the 1400's. Fast Facts about the Chinese Crested Dog: The following facts provide fast information about the Chinese Crested breed. Size: Small *** Breed Group: Toy Dog Group (AKC:1991) *** Nick name: "Powder Puff" *** Origin: China *** Male Height: 10-13 inches (25cm - 33cm) *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 7-9 pounds (3.2kg - 5.4kg) *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: hairless or long, silky coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 2-5 puppies *** Health Problems: Legge-Perthes disease, Patellar Luxation, Skin allergies *** Lifespan: 12-14 years *** Hypoallergenic: Yes The HAIRLESS Chinese Crested Dog: The Hairless Chinese Crested Dog has a distinctive crest of hair on their head that extends part way down their neck. The 'Hairless' variety also has a plume on their tail and 'socks' that cover their paws. The rest of their body is, as their name implies, is hairless. The POWDER PUFF Chinese Crested Dog: The 'Powder Puff' Chinese Crested Dog is covered entirely with a veil of long soft hair - completely the opposite to the 'Hairless' variety. Both types of coat varieties in the Chinese Crested can occur in the same litter. The Chinese Crested Dog 'DEER' Type or 'COBBY' Type: There is also a difference in the build of the Chinese Crested dogs. The fine-boned, lightly built Chinese Crested dogs are referred to as the 'Deer' type. The Chinese Crested dogs that have a heavier build are referred to as the 'Cobby' type. Chinese Crested Breed Group and Dog Type - Toy Dog Group (AKC:1991): The Chinese Crested is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Toy Dog Group (AKC:1991). Other names for the Chinese Crested Dog: The Chinese Crested is known by the nickname of the "Powder Puff". Other names for this breed of dog include the Chinese Crested Powder Puff, Ship Dog and the Royal Dog. Origin of the name Chinese Crested dog: The origin of the name "Chinese Crested Dog" derives from its country of origin in China and its distinctive crest of hair on its head. Chinese Crested History and Origin: The country of origin of the Chinese Crested breed was in China during the 1400's. The Chinese Crested is believed to have evolved from the African hairless dog, also known as the Abyssinian Sand Terrier. Zheng He (1371–1433), a Chinese explorer, administrator, fleet admiral and diplomat travelled to the East African coast from 1405 to 1433, during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) of Imperial China. It is well documented that in 1418 Zheng He commanded a vast Chinese fleet of 62 ships carrying 37,000 soldiers across the Indian Ocean. He established ancient trade agreements between Africa and China and returned to China with the African hairless dog. The Chinese were fascinated with the hairless, plumed dogs and developed a breeding program to produce smaller dogs that could be used as lapdogs in the Imperial court of the Forbidden City and other, larger Chinese Crested types that could be used as hunting dogs. The larger Chinese Crested dogs were also as guard dogs of the massive Chinese treasure ships filled by Admiral Zheng He (hence the 'Ship Dog' nickname). The Chinese sailors and merchants of much later years continued to use the Chinese Crested dogs as ratters and as watch dogs and the hairless variety were seen as highly advantageous because they did not carry fleas. Early European explorers in the 1500's, discovered the Chinese Crested dogs in ports in Central and South America. The Chinese Crested is believed to be the ancestor of the Xoloitzcuintle (Mexican Hairless dog) and the hairless Peruvian Inca Orchid. The Chinese Crested became well known in the royal courts of Europe where they were used as lapdogs. The Chinese Crested were seen at dog shows in America from 1885 to 1926 but then went into decline. One of the first breeders of the modern Chinese Crested dog was the famous American actress and burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee (January 8, 1911 – April 26, 1970). The publicity generated by Gypsy Rose Lee contributed to a rise in popularity of the dog. In the 1930's Gypsy Rose Lee founded the Crest-Haven breeding kennels for Chinese Crested dogs establishing one of the two main bloodlines that exist today. Chinese Crested Dog Modern History: The modern history of the Chinese Crested moved on and the breed is now used as a family pet and companion. The Chinese Crested was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1991. Chinese Crested Height: This breed is classified as a small sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a Chinese Crested male dog is 10-13 inches (25cm - 33cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less. Chinese Crested Weight: The weight of this small sized dog, in a male dog is 7-9 pounds (3.2kg - 5.4kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male. Chinese Crested Coat Type - LOW shedding coat: The coat type is described as hairless or having a long, silky coat. The Hairless type of Chinese Crested dog has the advantage of not harboring fleas and does not shed hair. Neither does it
have body odor. The long, soft coat of the Powderpuff Chinese Crested dog requires regular grooming to prevent the hair from matting. Chinese Crested Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Black, Blue, Cream, Apricot, Chocolate and Tri-color. N.B. The word "Blue" is used to describe a cool-toned, metallic gray color. Chinese Crested Dog Grooming - HIGH Grooming Needs: The grooming needs of the Chinese Crested are categorized as high in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The high grooming needs of the Chinese Crested is considered to be high-maintenance and requires almost daily brushing and combing. Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Chinese Crested Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 2-5 puppies. Chinese Crested puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Chinese Crested puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Chinese Crested Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Spirited, Lively, Affectionate, Playful and Frolicsome. Chinese Crested Exercise Requirements - LOW Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is LOW. The Chinese Crested requires daily exercise consisting of approximately 30 minutes every day. This small dog has a smooth, agile gait with small strides and only requires a fairly slow speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Remember that it would take a lot of extra steps by your dog to keep up with your normal walking pace. Chinese Crested Diet: A fully grown Chinese Crested Dog should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Chinese Crested Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Chinese Crested breed include Legge-Perthes disease, Patellar Luxation, Skin allergies . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Chinese Crested dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: Yes (Refer to Hypoallergenic Dogs). Chinese Crested Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Chinese Crested breed is 12-14 years. Chinese Crested Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Chinese Crested breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Chinese Crested names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Guang *** Dewei *** Fai *** Ho *** Jun *** Chen *** Cheng *** Chi *** Kong *** Sheng *** Shing. Chinese Crested Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the Chinese Crested girl dog. Our top choice of good female Chinese Crested names are ing *** Wan *** Fang Yin *** Fen *** Ping *** Qi *** Wei *** Xia *** Feng *** Yan Yan. Fast Facts about the Chinese Crested: The following facts provide fast information about the Chinese Crested breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Toy Dog Group (AKC:1991) *** Size: Small *** Country of Origin: China *** History / Date: 1200's *** Male Chinese Crested Height: 10-13 inches (25cm - 33cm) *** Male Chinese Crested Weight: 7-9 pounds (3.2kg - 5.4kg) *** Chinese Crested Coat Type: hairless or long, silky coat *** Litter Size: 2-5 puppies *** Chinese Crested Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Chinese Crested Lifespan: 12-14 years *** | 