Other Names : Chinese Crested Powder Puff
Country of Origin : Africa
Dog Group : Toy
Origin
The Chinese Crested originated in Africa where they were called "African Hairless Terriers." The ancient Aztecs used them as bed warmers. The Chinese trading ships, discovered these dogs when stopped along the Africa coast, they picked up these dogs because they were excellent ratters for their ships. They renamed the dogs "Chinese Crested" and the name stuck.
Description
There are two distinct varieties of this unusual dog: one is hairless except for its feet, head and tail, and the other is called the Powder Puff. It has a coat of long soft hair. Both come in numerous colours, either solid, mixed or spotted all over. It has a broad skull and a long muzzle. Eyes are dark, and ears are erect. Strangely the two types often come in the same litter.
Feeding & Ownership
These dogs are relatively easy to feed, not requiring any supplements or special diets. The main thing to remember with the Chinese Cresteds is not to overfeed as they do have a tendency to become overweight.
Personality
It is very important to keep the skin of the Chinese Crested protected against becoming dry and as supple and smooth as possible, there are excellent lotions and creams available from your local vet clinic or pet specialty store. The unpigmented areas of skin are especially sensitive to the sun, it is recommended to cover your Chinese Crested with a good quality sunscreen and where possible avoid long periods of sun exposure. It is recommended that in clod weather that they wear a dog coat or jumper. The Chinese Crested is a sweet, lively, playful and cuddly dog. They are exceptionally loving, can be affectionate with children. However children should be taught not to be rough with them as they not have the protective hair that other breeds have and can be injured easily. Puppies should be well-socialised let them meet different people and animals in a positive environment, this way they will be exposure to a variety of situations, this will avoid potential timidity as they grow up. The Chinese Crested is an intelligent breed that requires regular mental stimulation, if they become bored they have a tendency to dig holes and climb.
Grooming
The skin of the Chinese Crested requires careful attention. The Hairless Chinese Crested requires frequent baths and massaged with lotions or cream into the skin to keep it supple. The Powder Puff’s require daily brushing extra care needs to be taken when your dog is shedding. The wooly undercoat will become matted if neglected.