Chinese Crested

This loving, doting toy dog comes in the Powderpuff and Hairless varieties, the latter often winning the coveted title of World’s Ugliest Dog!

The unique Chinese Crested hails from China well over 3,000 years ago; however, this breed was more than likely brought to China from its origins in Africa.

Personality

Loving, doting and active
Relatively fragile and somewhat shy; will do well with exercise, encouragement and a calm, loving environment
Do not bark a lot, although some do enjoy singing, or rather screeching, in their own special way

Size

8-13 pounds
10-13 inches at the withers (shoulders)

Lifestyle

An excellent companion and lap dog at heart, but also active and inquisitive
Likes nothing more than to be included in family activities
More at ease with older children who have proper dog etiquette
Great for urban living given their moderate exercise needs, small size and easy-going demeanor
Need a few daily walks to stay fit as well as plenty of indoor play, which they will expect or rather demand

Training

Reputation for being difficult to housetrain; however, with consistent and repetitive training, they will get the hang of it
Some Cresteds do have a stubborn streak and will need extra steady, reward-based training
Harsh methods (shock collars, shouting, etc.) only damage the Crested psyche; patience and positive reinforcement are the best routes

Coat

The Hairless literally has no fur on its soft body, with patches and long tufts of hair on its head, paws or tail, ranging in color from flesh tone to black
The Powderpuff has a double coat that is extremely soft and silky to the touch; colors range from gray to tan to white, with markings of another color
While the Hairless needs minimal brushing on their hairy patches, the Powderpuff requires brushing and combing three to four times per week to prevent matting and tangling
The Hairless needs extra care in terms of their skin; applying baby sunscreen will prevent sunburn, and bathing two to three times per week with an extra gentle soap or shampoo will prevent skin allergies and acne
In cold temperatures the Hairless needs a dog sweater or coat to keep warm

Health

The Hairless are prone to skin allergies as well as sunburn
Both breeds usually have dental problems and tend to be lacking a full set of teeth
Both breeds can be inclined to eye problems, dislocated kneecaps and autoimmune diseases

Lifespan

13-15 years

Rescue

To foster, adopt or just give a little help to Chinese Cresteds in need, visit Crest Care

PHOTO: Abrahami

i Love Dogs, Inc.’s three websites – ilovedogs.com, ilovedogfriendly.com and findavet.us – provide information and up-to-the-minute news to keep pet parents aware of all things dog. A premium canine vitamins and lifestyle company, i Love Dogs is famous for its line of diamond dog collars. The name says it all — at i Love Dogs, we are committed to the health and happiness of our canine companions.