Chinese Crested dogs are an adorable, small dog breed that come in two varieties: Hairless and Powder Puff.
Chinese Crested dogs are playful, adorable, and sweet pets. While they did not become popular in the United States until well into the 1970s, they have quickly become a favorite amongst rare breeds in dog shows. There are two varieties of the Chinese Crested dog: Hairless and Powder Puff. The Hairless variety isn't completely bald - it has some hair on its eyes, head, and tail. The Powder Puff variety has a silky coat of long, soft hair. Strangely, both Hairless and Powder Puff Chinese Crested dogs can be found in the same litter (the explanation for that quirk being that each hairless dog has one gene for hair and one gene for hairless). Chinese Crested dogs are small - they should be less than ten pounds based on an average height between eleven and twelve inches. They have dark, round, gentle eyes, and erect triangular ears. The coats of both the Hairless and the Powder Puff Chinese Crested dogs can either be solid-colored, mixed, or spotted - some are even spotted all over. Their muzzles protrude and taper to a rounded point at the nose.
Chinese Crested dogs are incredibly loving and affectionate companions. They love being with their owner - if they could, they would be with them constantly. They love being cuddled with and they are very sweet-natured. Also, they are intelligent, alert, playful and lively - they like toys and games, and they are eager entertainers when it comes to performing tricks. This breed is very good with kids, but owners have to make sure that kids are very gentle. Chinese Crested dogs are easily injured, especially the Hairless variety. They respond very favorably to training and they are easily housebroken. This breed has a tendency to be a little skittish and timid - they scare easily. To counteract this trait, owners should expose their dogs to loud noises and strangers when they are puppies. Chinese Crested dogs are generally very friendly with other household pets including cats, especially if they are raised around them.
The life expectancy for a Chinese Crested dog is between ten and twelve years. Owners have to make sure that they measure out the feedings for their dogs because these little guys will eat way more than they require if they are given the opportunity, and overweight dogs are much more likely to be afflicted with hip and joint problems. Hairless Chinese Crested dogs are prone to skin problems, and they should be protected with sunscreen if they are going to be in the sun. Also, they should regularly be massaged with oil or moisturizer so that their skin stays healthy and doesn't get too dry. Powder Puffs should be groomed regularly to prevent matting of their undercoat. Chinese Crested dogs, especially the hairless ones, are prone to dental problems and they often lose their teeth early. Therefore, their dental care should be well-maintained.
If you cannot spend lots of time with your dog, you should look at breeds other than the Chinese Crested. They get very sad and lonely when left alone, and they really want to be with their owner as much as possible because they get so attached and connected. Chinese Crested dogs are great for apartment-dwellers because they hardly ever bark and they are able to get adequate exercise in a small space. Although they can get enough exercise indoors, they do enjoy taking brisk walks. Another plus to this breed is that they are not likely to trigger allergic reactions, especially the hairless ones. Also, they don't produce a "dog smell."
