Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is a small, toy-sized dog breed known for its unique appearance and affectionate personality. They come in two varieties: the hairless and the powderpuff. Despite their name, they do not originate from China, but rather from Africa, where they were bred to catch vermin on ships. They make great companion dogs due to their loving nature and low exercise requirements.

Character

The Chinese Crested is a friendly and affectionate dog breed that loves to be around its owners. They are known for their playful and gentle personalities and can be quite sensitive to their owner’s emotions. They are not particularly high-energy dogs, but they do enjoy playtime and short walks. Due to their small size, they make great apartment dogs, but they can be prone to separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

Body

The Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. Hairless Chinese Cresteds have a smooth and soft skin that is covered in sparse hair on their head, tail, and feet. Powderpuff Chinese Cresteds, on the other hand, have a thick and soft double coat of fur that is often curly or wavy. Both varieties can come in a range of colors, including black, white, brown, and pink. They are a small breed, typically weighing between 5 and 12 pounds and standing 11 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder. They have a delicate build and are prone to dental issues, so it’s important to brush their teeth regularly.

Health

The Chinese Crested is generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues. One of the most common is dental problems, as their small size and delicate build can make them prone to tooth decay and gum disease. They can also be prone to skin allergies and eye problems. Like all breeds, they should be regularly checked by a veterinarian and kept up to date on their vaccinations and preventative care.

History

Despite their name, the Chinese Crested does not originate from China. They were actually bred in Africa to catch vermin on ships, and it’s believed that they were brought to China by traders and sailors. From there, they were bred by Chinese nobility and became popular lapdogs. They were brought to Europe in the 19th century and became popular with the aristocracy. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1991.

Related Dog Breeds

• Bichon Frise – This small, fluffy dog breed is also known for its affectionate personality and playful nature. Like the Chinese Crested, they are also prone to dental issues and require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy.
• Poodle – Poodles come in a range of sizes, from toy to standard, and are known for their curly, hypoallergenic coats. They are intelligent and affectionate dogs that make great companions.
• Havanese – This small dog breed is known for its friendly and outgoing personality. They have a long, silky coat that requires regular grooming, but they are relatively low-maintenance in terms of exercise requirements.