Facts & Origin
It is small and more or less naked: The Chinese Crested has an extravagant appearance. But it is a bright, playful little fellow.
The Chinese Crested Dog is assigned to the FCI Group 9, these are the companion dogs. It belongs to section 4, the hairless dogs.
History and origin of the Chinese Crested Dog
As the name suggests, China is one of the countries of origin of the Chinese Crested Dog. But this is not really proven. It is certain that dog breeding in China has been well-developed for a very long time. But the origin of the Chinese Crested Dog itself lies in the dark.
But it doesn't really matter, does it?
One thing is certain:
- 1885: Chinese Crested Dog is presented at the Westminster Exhibition in the USA
- 1895: Comte de Bylandt describes the Chinese Crested Dog exactly as it looks today
- 1959: first Chinese Crested Dog Club founded in Great Britain
- 1972: final recognition of the breed by the FCI
- 2010: currently valid standard published
- 2017: Genetic analysis by Heidi Parker's team suggests that the Chinese Crested Dog is related to the Chihuahua and originates from Central America
| Alternate Name | Chinese Crested |
| Origin | China |
| Life expectancy | 13 - 15 years |
| Care requirements | low-maintenance |
| Activity level | low |
| FCI group | Hairless Dogs |
| AKC group | Toy Group |
| KC group | Toy Group |
Attitude, character and temperament of the breed
The little cheerful one
The Chinese Crested Dog is cheerful and trusting. It lives in a close relationship with its humans. They are never aggressive, but always friendly and amicable.
Training of the Chinese Crested Dog: low-maintenance
Since the Chinese Crested Dog is such a friendly fellow, who actually always wants to be good, it is easy to train.
The main problem is that even though the little fellow always looks at you so trustingly, you still have to be consistent with them. Already the Chinese Crested Dog puppies should be trained consistently and with a friendly manner - then you won't have any problems with them as adult dogs.
Due to their light weight and friendly nature they are easy to handle.
Adaptable and unproblematic
The Chinese Crested Dog is extremely adaptable. They can get accustomed to a life in the city easily, even in relatively confined spaces.
It is excellently suited for life with a single person, and even older people can still handle and lead it well.
It is also very friendly towards children. The only risk here might be that children treat them too rough and might end up hurting them.
The Chinese Crested Dog is amazingly agile and persevering and therefore suitable for some dog sports like dog dancing.
Your Chinese Crested Dog is a clean animal that naturally sheds little hair and doesn't create a lot of dirt in your home. You can go into town with them and even transport them in a dog bag if necessary. If it is well behaved, it will not attract attention and certainly not disturb anyone.
Character
Usage
Health and breeding information
What you should pay special attention to is the sensitivity to weather conditions of this little dog. They can easily catch a cold or get sunburned just as easily. They can also injure their skin on bushes or grass.
Health: somewhat problematic
Unfortunately the Chinese Crested Dog is not very robust. The hairlessness is caused by a genetic defect, which can also affect their teeth. In addition, eye diseases are more common in the breed, but these can be detected with a genetic test.
The small dog is also particularly susceptible to allergies.
The average life expectancy is 10 years, which is not much for such a small breed. In the 'Qualzuchtgutachten' (Torture breeding report), which was compiled in 1999 on behalf of the Federal Government, it is recommended to prohibit the breeding of naked dogs, among other things.
What you should look out for when buying a naked dog
If you want to buy a Chinese Crested Dog, it is best to look for a good breeder. A Chinese Crested Dog breeder who is affiliated to the VDH is the best place to get proof that both the parent animals and your puppy are free from hereditary eye diseases.
Appearance: Mane on the head, large eyes
The Chinese Crested Dog is a rather small dog. Males grow to a height of 28 to 33 cm, bitches 23 to 30 cm.
They typically reach a weight of up to 5.5 kg.
There are two types of coats and two types of build: A Chinese Crested Powderpuff has an undercoat and a thin, silky topcoat, while the Hairless only has hair only on the head, tail and paws. The more common Deer-Type is graceful and slender, while the Cobby-Type has a more solid build. The Chinese Crested Dog has long hair on the head, a so-called feathering on the tail except for the first third and some hair on the paws, which looks like socks.
The head is elongated with a small nose. The large eyes are relatively wide apart.
The large ears stand up straight, which is even more noticeable due to the hair on the head. With the Powder Puff type the ears may also hang down. The neck is long and slim. The tail is carried upright while running. The breed standard allows all colours.
Care of a Chinese Crested Dog: Sensitive skin
Regarding the care the Chinese Crested Dog is relatively undemanding. The naked skin should be treated with a little cream or lotion from time to time. Otherwise you should check the large ears, eyes, claws and paws regularly as you would with any other dog.
The teeth need special attention. It is best to brush them regularly and also give your Chinese Crested Dog special treats to clean the teeth.
| Fur length | long |
| Fur | wavy |
| Ear shape | Standing Ears |
| Tail | fanned out |
| Anatomy | slim |
| Size ♀ | 23 - 38 cm |
| Weight ♀ | 2 - 5 kg |
| Size ♂ | 28 - 33 cm |
| Weight ♂ | 2 - 5 kg |
| Suitable For | suitable for allergy sufferers, Children, Seniors |
Colors
Known Diseases
Eye diseases
Often occur with allergies and intolerances.
