Chinese Crested


The Chinese Crested: The Bald and the Beautiful

Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is a fine-boned and elegant little toy dog that comes in two varieties – the Hairless, and the Powderpuff. Often these two types are born in the same litter.

Hairless Crested have hair only on the head, tail, and paws, and are entirely hairless over the rest of the body. The Powderpuff is covered with a double soft, straight coat.

It is believed that the Chinese Crested evolved from the African hairless dog, although how they came to China is unknown. Chinese mariners sailed with Cresteds aboard their ships, where the dogs proved to be effective vermin hunters.

By the mid-nineteenth century, the breed had reached Europe and by the late 1800s was featuring in American dog shows.

Cresteds are friendly little dogs who crave human company. They are also alert and playful companions and do well as family pets. However, they are fragile dogs and can be hurt by rough play, so children should be taught to handle them with care.

If you are thinking of getting a Chinese Crested you should also be aware that they suffer from frequent skin irritations, allergies and sunburn. You should should always take precautions to prevent this.

On the flip side of the coin, Cresteds shed little to no hair and are therefore perfect dogs for allergy sufferers.

CHINESE CRESTED FACT FILE

Group: Toy
Country of origin: China
Date of origin: 1200′s
Originally bred for: Rodent control / Companion
Current function: Companion
Size: Small
Coat length: Short
Shedding: Yes
Grooming requirements: Once a week
Town or Country: Either
Ideal home: Apartment / Small or large house
Minimum garden size: None
Exercise requirements: At least 30 minutes per day
Lifespan: Over 12 years

If you enjoyed this page on the Chinese Crested, check out some of the other dog breed links below.

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