Training Chinese Cresteds is fairly easy. Be consistent, and start training early so they adopt good habits when they’re young.
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With their graceful, hairless bodies, Chinese Cresteds captivate attention. These dogs stretch a bit longer than their height, exuding charm and friendliness. Their skin feels remarkably soft, perfect for expressing tenderness through cuddling.
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With their graceful, hairless bodies, Chinese Cresteds captivate attention. These dogs stretch a bit longer than their height, exuding charm and friendliness. Their skin feels remarkably soft, perfect for expressing tenderness through cuddling.
Questions To Ask A Breeder
- Are you are registered breeder?
- Can we meet in person?
- Have they been socialised?
Breed Characteristics
Grooming
Exercise
Size Range
The Ultimate Chinese Crested Guide
About Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested dog stands out with its distinct varieties: the hairless, adorned with soft, silky hair on its head (the “crest”), tail (the “plume”), and feet (the “socks”), and the Powderpuff, cloaked in a soft, straight coat. Despite their delicate look, these lively dogs are known for their affectionate and playful nature, making them excellent companions.
Lifespan
13 to 15 years
Weight
4 - 5 kg
Height
Male: 28 - 33 cm Female: 23 - 30 cm
Grooming
Brush their coats two or three times a week.
Origins
Chinese Cresteds belong to one of the oldest dog breeds, shrouded in mystery.
The best guess is that a giant hairless breed was once brought to China. The Chinese bred this hairless dog to a smaller size.
Soon after, the dogs gained popularity for their skill in exterminating vermin from Chinese vessels.
As Chinese merchants sailed across the world, they took these dogs along, leading to their introduction in regions like Egypt, Turkey, and Central America.
Key Characteristics Of Chinese Cresteds
Are Chinese Cresteds Family-Friendly?
Yes. They make excellent pets because of their playfulness and affection. Plus, they get along well with people and other pets.
Common Health Issues & Considerations
Chinese Cresteds may suffer from:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Lens luxation
A serious eye condition where the lens dislocates from its normal position, often causing pain and vision impairment, necessitating prompt veterinary intervention.
Glaucoma
A condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure, leading to optic nerve damage, vision loss, and potential blindness if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
A hip joint disorder involving the degeneration of the femoral head, leading to pain, lameness, and potential joint deformity.
Nature / Temperament
Outgoing, enthusiastic, sweet-tempered and alert.
Suitable Environment
The Chinese Crested thrives in various living environments, ideal for both apartment dwellers and those with spacious homes. Their small size and moderate energy levels mean they don’t require much space, but they enjoy regular playtime and interaction with their family members. These dogs are sensitive to extreme weather; the hairless variety needs protection from the sun and cold, necessitating clothing or sunscreen in summer and warm garments in winter.
Other Considerations
- Two main varieties exist: the hairless and powderpuff. Hairless Cresteds have hair on their heads and legs, while powderpuffs have long, silky coats covering their bodies.
- Chinese Cresteds are witty escape artists. They fear heights; they can climb fences and jump from elevated areas.
- These dogs come in many colors, ranging from slate to chocolate and pink.
- Due to their exposed skin, they’re susceptible to human-like skin conditions such as acne, rashes, and sunburns.
- Many Chinese Cresteds have allergic reactions to wool and lanolin. Avoid clothing them in these fabrics.
How can I take good care of my Chinese Crested?
Nutrition
Chinese Cresteds have moderate energy levels, which translate to minimal dietary needs.
They consume 0.5 to 1 cup of good-quality dog food daily. Cresteds have sensitive kidneys and shouldn’t be fed vitamin supplements.
Citrus products contain high amounts of ascorbic acid, which can cause stomach upset or worse, infections.
Avoid high-carb dog food products and red meats, as these can also result in an upset stomach.
Grooming
Chinese Cresteds do not shed much and are considered hypoallergenic, making them ideal for owners with allergies.
Their wash-and-wear coats mean they don’t need frequent bathing. On average, bathe them once every 10 to 15 days.
Start with a gentle preliminary bath to remove dirt and debris, then give them a thorough bath with the mildest dog shampoo you can find.
Recommended Grooming Tips
Trim their nails every 2 months. Given that Cresteds are lap dogs, most owners will prefer that their pups have short nails.
Remember to clip their pads as well.
Use a mild cleanser to swab the inside of their ears. This is to prevent them from getting infections.
Brush their teeth two to three times a week to keep tartar buildup at bay.
Exercise
Being a small breed, Cresteds don’t need much exercise. 30 minutes to an hour of exercise daily is enough, achievable through short walks.
If it’s cold, rainy, or snowy outside, meet their exercise needs through indoor play.
Training
This is general information and should not be relied on for adopting or purchasing advice.
Most Asked Chinese Crested Questions
No, they are not. These dogs make good family pets, but they are too tiny for kids’ rough and tumble play. Therefore, they’re better suited for families with older children.
No, they don’t. Small and toy dog breeds have a tendency to bark, especially when they’re left to their own devices. But Chinese Cresteds are not a yappy lot. They only bark when they want to draw your attention to something suspicious.
These dogs can be crossbred with other breeds. Examples include:
- The Crested Beagle – a cross of a Chinese Crested and a Beagle
- The Crested Dachshund – a cross of Chinese Crested and a Dachshund
- The China Jack – a cross between the Chinese Crested and a Jack Russell Terrier
A Chinese Crested dog for sale can be found between $600 and $1200. Only adopt a Chinese Crested puppy from a reputable breeder. Ensure that your breeder conducts the correct health tests and genetic checks for common health issues.
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