Facts
Care and exercise
The powder-puff variety, which can occur in the same litter as the baldy, requires daily grooming to prevent mats and tangles, but it is not a heavy coat and on such a small dog this is not a difficult task. The hairless needs only about 30 seconds brushing its five lots of hair, but daily attention must be paid to its skin, by way of cream or oil applications to keep it soft and supple. Exposure to our hot sun should be kept to a minimum and high-protection sunscreen applied beforehand. Exercise requirements are minimal, but because the lack of a protective jacket makes the hairless variety very susceptible to the cold, outside exercise should be confined to the warmer months. Their dentition problems mean that bones or hard biscuits are usually best avoided.
Suitability
Being a very small dog, the Chinese Crested is eminently suited to house or apartment dwelling, with little need for much garden space. It is a quiet breed, gets on with other dogs, becomes devoted to its family, is very good with children (who must be taught to play gently because the skin is easily damaged) and is the ideal breed for those wanting something different and who are prepared to give it constant company and look after its skin.
This loving little breed is perfectly suited to many environments and people, making it a perfect companion for any living situation.
A true canine curiosity, the origins of this fascinating, ancient little dog are the subject of much conjecture. Believed to be related to other hairless breeds, such as the Mexican and Peruvian Hairless and also the Chihuahua, a Central American background seems possible. Some authorities consider this to be the most likely scenario, while others suggest that Africa, Turkey or China could be the areas of origin. In any case, its apparent existence in ancient China led to its present-day name.
Its peculiarities include the hairless body with its warm, fine-grained skin; the elongated feet with longer than usual nails; and the fact that many are born without a full set of teeth, or lose teeth very early in life. There is also a coated variant, called the powder puff, which has a soft veil of hair all over. The hairless variety of Chinese Crested has, as the name suggests, a long, flowing crest of hair on its head, a plume on its tail and socks on all legs, and no other hair on its body.
The Chinese Crested is usually a merry, affectionate little dog who is happiest when with his owner. This is a breed which loves company and quickly becomes devoted, but is reserved and even shy with strangers. It can come in any colour, and generally reaches around 32cm tall and about 5kg in weight.
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