Chinese Crested

Origins and History

The Chinese Crested originates from the ancient trade routes between China and the Mediterranean. Early references date to the 13th‑14th centuries when hairless dogs were prized as ratters on ships. The breed was formally recognized in the United Kingdom in 1956 and later by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1991. Both the Hairless and Powderpuff varieties were accepted into the Toy Group, reflecting their small size and companion‑type purpose.

General Characteristics

• Size: a compact, delicate toy dog with a refined bone structure.
• Temperament: lively, affectionate, and eager to please, but can be wary of strangers.
• Primary purpose: companion animal and show dog; historically also used for rodent control on ships.

Physical Specifications

• Height: 9‑11 inches (23‑28 cm) at the withers for both males and females.
• Weight: 5‑13 pounds (2.3‑6 kg), with the upper end typical for well‑conditioned adults.

Coat and Color

• Hairless variety: virtually hairless body with a crest of hair on the head, tail, and feet; skin should be smooth, soft, and free of excessive scaling.
• Powderpuff variety: a soft, silky double coat covering the entire body; coat length is short to medium.
• Accepted colors: any solid color including black, white, brown, blue, red, and fawn. White markings are permissible on any color base. No merle, brindle, or spotted patterns are accepted in the official standard.

Temperament Considerations

Chinese Crested dogs are intelligent and eager to bond with their handler, yet they retain a strong independent streak. Their sensitivity to harsh correction requires a gentle, consistent approach.

Training Essentials

• Early socialization: expose the puppy to a variety of people, sounds, and environments between 8‑16 weeks to prevent timidity.
• Exercise needs: short, frequent play sessions (15‑30 minutes) two to three times daily are sufficient; avoid high‑impact activities that could stress delicate joints.
• Common challenges: tendency toward separation anxiety and occasional stubbornness; use positive reinforcement and brief, varied training bouts.

Daily Grooming

• Hairless variety: wipe skin with a damp cloth to remove debris; apply a mild, hypoallergenic moisturizer if skin appears dry.
• Powderpuff variety: brush 2‑3 times weekly with a soft bristle brush to prevent matting; occasional bathing with a gentle shampoo.
• Nail and dental care: trim nails weekly; brush teeth daily or provide dental chews to mitigate the breed’s predisposition to dental anomalies.

Show Preparation

• Pre‑show grooming timeline: begin skin cleaning for hairless dogs 24‑48 hours before the ring; powderpuff dogs should receive a light brush and a brief bath 12‑24 hours prior.
• Ring presentation tips: ensure the head crest is neat and the tail and foot tufts are trimmed to the standard length; maintain a balanced, elegant gait by conditioning the dog with short, controlled walks.

Common Health Issues

• Dental anomalies (especially in the Hairless variety): missing, malformed, or retained baby teeth; regular dental exams are essential.
• Skin conditions: dryness, eczema, and sunburn; protect hairless skin from prolonged sun exposure.
• Eye disorders: cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and corneal dystrophy; annual ophthalmologic screening is recommended.
• Patellar luxation and hip dysplasia: occur at low frequency but warrant orthopedic evaluation.

General Care

• Exercise requirements: moderate activity to maintain muscle tone without over‑loading joints.
• Nutritional needs: a high‑quality small‑breed diet formulated for 5‑13 pound dogs; monitor calorie intake to prevent obesity, which can exacerbate joint and dental problems.
• Lifespan considerations: 13‑15 years on average; regular veterinary check‑ups, dental prophylaxis, and skin care contribute to longevity.

Disclaimer: While this information reflects current breed standards and recognized health concerns, individual dogs may vary. Always consult a qualified veterinarian or breed‑specific expert for personalized guidance.