History of the Chinese Crested Breed
The Chinese Crested Breeder is a very unique breed and to most people can't beleive that you get three different dogs in one litter. We hope to clear up many of your questions about the breed!
Description :
At first look; the " Hairless , Hairy Hairless and Powder puff " varieties of Chinese Crested Dogs appear to be three different breeds, but hairlessness is an incomplete dominant trait within a single breed. A fine-boned and slender dog, the Chinese Crested is considered to be one of the most graceful and elegant breeds. It is slightly longer than it is tall, and the legs are long and straight. The feet are narrow, hare-like feet with elongated toes. The wedge-shaped head has almond-shaped eyes are wide set, and they offer an intense and alert expression. The large ears are not cropped and sit erect. The cheeks taper smoothly into the muzzle, which features a solidly pigmented nose. The teeth meet in either a scissors or level bite. The slightly arched neck is lean, and the tail is slender, tapering to a curve at the end. The gait of this breed is described as smooth, agile, and lively. For the coat, the hairless variety features soft and silky hair on certain portions of the body including the head (crest). the tail (plume), and the feet (socks). The hairless portions of the body are soft and smooth. The coat of the powder-puff variety features a soft silky double coat over the entire dog.The hair is straight and moderately long and dense.
In addition to being an incomplete dominant gene, the " hairless " gene has a prenatal lethal effect when homozygous. Zygotes affected with double hairless genes (1 in 4 ) never develop into puppies, and are reabsorbed in the womb. All hairless Cresteds are therefore heterozygous.
A true Hairless often does not have as much furnishings (hair on the head, tail, and feet). Hairless Crested often lack a full set of premolar teeth, but this is not considered a fault. The amount of body hair on the hairless variety varies quite extensively, from the true hairless which has very little or no body hair and furnishings, to what is called a " Hairy Hairless ", which if left ungroomed often grows a near-full coat of hair. These hairy hairless are not a mix between powder puff and hairless Chinese Crested, but are merely a result of a weaker expression of the variable Hairless gene. The mutation responsible for the hairless trait was identified in 2008.
Temperament ;.
Described as a playful pixie, the Chinese Crested is a gentle companion that is devoted to its family. This breed is normally very good with other dogs and pets, and it is friendly with strangers. Owners of the breed say that it loves to hug and that it craves human companionship. It is exceptionally good with children, and it likes to learn and preform tricks. To ensure a well-adjusted dog in adulthood, do not baby it when it is a puppy. This breed is highly intelligent and alert, it does not bark, but it does tend to dig and climb. This is the original lap dog, you provide the lap and they will sit in it. We have found them to be great with the elderly and love the attention.
History ;
The exact origin of the Chinese Crested dog is unknown, and there is great disparity in therories. It is said that the ancient culture of the Aztecs kept this dog and used it as a bed warmer. There are sources that say that this breed is a cross between the Mexican hairless dog and the Chihuahua. Some claim that the breed originated in Africa, and it was called the " African Hairless Terrier." There it was picked up by Chinese trading ships to be used as a ratter in the 13th century and also used for trading with merchants throughout Egypt, Turkey, and Central and South America. History suggests that hairless dog breeds arose by mutation, principally in Central and South America, but that the Chinese Crested existed in China as early as the 1200s. It was in the 1800s that evidence of the breed was first recorded in Europe by way of painting, and later, by photographs. In the latter part of that century, Ida Garrett, an American credited with popularizing hairless dogs, helped to garner admirers for the Chinese Crested. Gypsy Rose Lee, a famous strpper in her times, was one of the breeders committed to improving the favor of this breed. But it wasn't until 1991, an entire century later, that the breed was finally recognized by AKC.
Chinese Crested Dog Recommended Maintenance ;.
The coat of the powder-puff variety needs considerably more care than of the hairless type. The powder-puff should be brushed daily, paying close attention to the wooly undercoat to prevent matting. The hairless Chinese Crested needs to have its skin cared for on a regular basis. Apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn when it is outside, massage in moisturizer to keep its skin soft and supple, and bath to prevent blackheads. Because this breed sheds little or no hair, it is a good choice for people suffering from allergies. This is a very clean breed that is not prone to odor, fleas, or ticks. The Chinese Crested needs minimal exercise because it is very active indoors. This breed is good for apartment dwelling, and it loves to play games. It can be taught tricks, and it is usually good at jumping and climbing. Be sure to keep the hairless variety warm in winter months by providing a sweater when going outside. It is sensitive to the cold.
Chinese Crested Hairless Skin Care ;
The hairless dog's can have skin problems if not kept properly. We recommend you bath your Hairless puppy/dog at least twice a week with a medicated shampoo that your vet can recommend. After you towel dry and use a moisturizer again you can consult with your vet for what one will be best for your dog, not one product works on all dogs. If this isn't done regularly and with the right product's for your dog he/she can and will develop pimples , and black heads. There are a number of skin problems that can occur without proper care. The Chinese Crested Hairless and Hairy Hairless are rare, unusual, and beautiful. With the right care your dogs skin should be soft and smooth to the touche.
