The Canine Chronicles Directory
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested has two distinct varieties, the Hairless and the Powder Puff.
The Hairless type has a single coat with small pieces of hair on the head, lower
legs, feet and tail. The Powder Puff has a double coat with long soft hair and an
undercoat with coarser guard hair. The coat colors can vary from any solid color,
any mixed color or spotted. The broad skull is wedge shaped and the muzzle is long.
The wide set eyes are dark and almond-shaped. In the hairless variety the ears are
erect and in the powder puff variety they drop down along the head. The body is
slightly longer than the height of the withers. They should have rabbit-like feet
with long toes. The removal of dewclaws is optional with this breed. The sickle-shaped
tail should reach to the hock and be carried up when in motion.
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Temperament
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Chinese Cresteds are sweet, playful and very affectionate. They get along with children,
other dogs and household pets, as long as they do not encroach onto this breed's
personal territory. Children should be respectful and gentle with Chinese Cresteds
since their skin can be injured easily. They become extremely attached to their
owners and have difficulties adjusting to new ones. This breed enjoys performing
tricks, climbing and digging holes. Chinese Cresteds have a hare-like foot that
can grasp toys, food or other objects. They even hug when held. They are not barkers
however some are known to sing and smile.
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Height, Weight
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Height: 12" ; Weight: Not over 10 lbs.
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Health Problems
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The Hairless Variety of this breed is prone to acne and sunburn. They can also lose
their teeth from tooth decay as young adults. The Longhaired Variety or "Powder
Puffs" generally do not have issues with their teeth. Chinese Cresteds are generally
allergic to lanolin and wool.
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Living Conditions
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Chinese Crested can live wonderfully in an apartment. They are active indoors and
require no yard. Keep this breed warm as they don't tolerate the cold very well.
Keep a little sweater or covering nearby in case of cold weather.
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Exercise
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Regular sessions of play are enough exercise for this breed but they do enjoy a
brisk walk from time to time.
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Life Expectancy
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About 10-12 years
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Grooming
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This breed is easy to groom, are very clean and have no odor. The hairless breed
is not prone to fleas or ticks. The Power Puff breed needs daily brushing and can
become matted easily if neglected. Bathe the Hairless often and massage oil or cream
on the skin to keep it healthy. These dogs are great for allergy sufferers.
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Origin
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The origin of the Chinese Crested is somewhat unknown. Sailors and traders have
reported encountering small hairless dogs in China, Africa, Turkey and the New World
as far back as 1000 AD. This breed is thought to have come from Africa where they
are called "African Hairless Terriers". Chinese sailors would use these dogs on
their ships as ratters. Due to this, they also went by the names Chinese Edible
Dog, Chinese Hairless Dog, Chinese Ship Dog, and Chinese Royal Dog. During the Han
Dynasty, this breed was used in two different ways. One was used as a treasured
house guardian and the other was used as a hunting dog. If these hunting dogs were
not successful in their pursuits, they were used as the meals main ingredient. The
Aztec also used the breed for this purpose when they weren't using them as bed warmers.
Chinese Crested was first shown at Westminster in 1885 and at the Exposition in
Philadelphia in 1926; however, the Chinese Crested Club of America was not formed
until 1975. The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1991 and by the UKC in 1995.
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Group
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AKC Toy, UKC Companion Dog
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