Chinese Crested Dog - Toy


Chinese Crested Dog

Family:

companion, Southern (hairless)


Area of origin:

China


Original function:

ratter, lapdog, curio


Average size of male:

Ht: 11-13, Wt: 5-12


Average size of female:

Ht: 11-13, Wt: 5-12


Other names:

none


  • ••••

    Energy

  • ••

    Exercise

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    Playfulness

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    Affection

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    Friendliness towards dogs

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    Friendliness towards other pets

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    Friendliness towards strangers

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    Ease of training

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    Watchdog ability

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    Protection ability

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    Grooming

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    Cold tolerance

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    Heat tolerance

Picture: Yann Arthus-Bertrand/Corbis |

Chinese Crested Dog Dogs Available on Petfinder Right Now

See more adoptable Chinese Crested Dog dogs available on Petfinder

Chinese Crested Dog Temperament

The Chinese crested is a combination of playful pixie, gentle lap dog and sensitive companion. She is devoted to her family and willing to please; she is also good with other dogs, pets and strangers. Her demeanor should be gay and alert.

Chinese Crested Dog Care

The crested enjoys a romp outside, but she hates the cold. She is small enough that she can get sufficient exercise with vigorous inside games. Hairless varieties will need a sweater for cold-weather outings. This is not a breed for outdoor living. Chinese crested dogs are gifted jumpers and some climb. Coat care for the powder-puff variety entails brushing every day or two. The muzzle is usually shaved every two weeks in puffs. The hairless needs regular skin care, such as the application of moisturizer or sunblock, and bathing to combat blackheads.

Chinese Crested Dog Health

Major concerns: none
Minor concerns: none
Occasionally seen: Legg - Perthes
Suggested tests: none
Life span: 13 - 15 years
Note: The hairless is susceptible to blackheads, sunburn, wool allergy and tooth loss; she has irregular dentition and thinner enamel.

Dogs Related to the Chinese Crested Dog

Chihuahua
Japanese Chin
Maltese
Papillon
Pekingese

Interested in the history of the Chinese Crested Dog breed?

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The origins of the Chinese crested are difficult to trace. Hairless dogs seem to arise by mutation all over the world, but they have been principally perpetuated in Central and South America. The Chinese crested is the exception, apparently existing in China as early as the 13th century. Chinese seafarers are said to have kept the dogs on ship as ratters and curios and to have traded them with local merchants wherever they called. Thus, the breed was distributed throughout Turkey, Egypt, South Africa and possibly Central and South America. Only in the 1800s were they recorded in Europe, with paintings and later, photographs, including dogs of Chinese crested type. In the late 1800s, the breed found a proponent in Ida Garrett, an American who popularized several types of hairless dogs. With the help of a handful of committed breeders (including the famed Gypsy Rose Lee), the Chinese crested gradually gained admirers in both America and Europe. In 1991, after a century of effort, the breed was recognized by the AKC. The Chinese crested quickly became popular with dog-show enthusiasts, but the breed has been slower to attract average pet parents. As the breed gets more exposure, this situation is almost certain to change.


Work With a Group

Some animal welfare organizations with Chinese Crested Dogs ready for adoption:

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