Chinese Crested Dogs
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[ A
Chinese Crested Dog with spotted skin ]The Chinese Crested Dog is a smaller (10-13 lbs) breed of dog known for its unusual appearance. It a member of the toy dog group, and is available in two types: The Hairless and the Powderpuff.
Appearance
At first glance, the Hairless and Powderpuff varieties of Chinese Crested Dogs appear to be two different breeds. The Hairless is the more popular variety, known for its lack of a fur coat. Instead, it has a soft, humanlike skin that is unusual to the touch, though it has tufts of fur on its paws ("socks") and tail ("plume") and long, wavy hair on its head ("crest"). Fur on the muzzle, known as a beard, is not uncommon.
The hairless variety can vary
in amount of body hair. A true hairless often does not have as much
furnishings (hair on the head, tail, and paws); however, many of the dogs
seen in the show ring are actually a "moderate" or "hairy" hairless that is
shaved down. The difference between a very hairy hairless and a "puff" is
that the hairless has a single coat, often with hairless parts on the body,
while the puff has a thick double coat. The skin of the Hairless comes in a
variety of colours, ranging from a pale flesh to black, and is often
mottled. Hairless Cresteds often lack a full set of teeth.
The Powderpuff shares the crest and build of the Hairless, but in addition
has a full coat of long hair. The look of the Powderpuff varies, according
to how it is groomed. When its fur is completely grown out on its face, it
strongly resembles a terrier; however, the Powderpuff is usually shaved
around the snout as a standard cut. Its fur is incredibly soft, and shedding
is minimal. Due to its coat type, the Powderpuff or Hairless are considered
good pets for allergy sufferers.
[ Powderpuff Chinese Crested ]
Temperament
Chinese Cresteds are affectionate, energetic, and playful. They are known to be great family pets, and have endearing personalities. They are known to be great with respectful children. Some are known "singers", while others are known to "smile". They are generally happy lap dogs with candid personalities.
Health
The Hairless is susceptible to acne and sunburn. Maintenance of the skin
is similar to maintaining human skin—moisturising cream can keep the
skin from becoming too dry, and in fair-skinned Cresteds, if one lives
in a warm climate where there is a lot of sun (Australia, Spain, and so
on) one should apply sunscreen to the dog's skin.
Overall, if one is prepared to give proper maintenance, attention, and
care, a Chinese Crested can, barring accident or illness, live up to
fifteen years.
[ Dark-skinned Chinese Crested ]
History
Though associated with China since the 13th century, many believe it was
originally brought there from Africa and others believe that it might be
a cross of the Chihuahua and Mexican Hairless Dog, the latter of which
it resembles.
The Chinese Crested was officially recognised by the UK Kennel Club in
1981 and by the American Kennel Club in 1991.
Famous Chinese Crested dogs
Peek in the 2001 comedy film Cats & Dogs
Sam, the three-time winner of the Sonoma-Marin Fair's World's Ugliest
Dog Contest in Petaluma, California, became a minor Internet celebrity.
Krull in the 2003 film How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Renaldo in 2004 film New York Minute
The Lackey from the 2003 film Good Boy!
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Chinese Crested Dog".
