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Hill’s Brand Horizon

Chinese Crested

dog Breed Profile

A toy dog, the Chinese crested is fine-boned, elegant and graceful.

Attributes

Upright ears (naturally)

Size

Weight

5-12 lbs.

5-12 lbs.

Height

11 in.

(at withers)

13 in.

Coat

Length

Hairless

Color

Any color permissible

Care

Exercise

< 20 minutes/day

Energy level

Average

Longevity

13-15 yrs.

Needs

High

Traits

Barking

Low

Snoring

Low

Drooling

Low

Digging

Low

Grooming Needs

High

Social Needs

High

Club recognition

AKC Class.

Toy

UKC Class.

Companion Dog

Prevalence

So-so

The Chinese Crested Dog Breed

Two distinct varieties can be born in the same Chinese crested litter: hairless (except head, tail, and feet) and powder puff (full hair).

About the Chinese Crested

A toy dog, the Chinese crested is fine-boned, elegant and graceful.

Chinese Crested personality

A lively and loving dog, this toy breed can quickly capture the hearts of its guardians and become quite spoiled- The Chinese crested has a lifespan of 12 to 13 years.

What to expect

An affectionate companion, the Chinese crested is a lively and loving dog. He makes a perfect lap heater, since the lack of body hair increases the amount of heat his body gives off. But he does need to be protected from extremes of temperature, both hot and cold. Even though the hairless variety appears maintenance free, this is not so. Aside from regular nail clipping, regular grooming is required to keep both varieties looking well.

The hairless variety requires frequent bathing to maintain healthy skin. You may need to remove unwanted hair to keep the look you want. Many cresteds have natural facial hair and some have excess body hair. The skin can sunburn from prolonged exposure. It can also develop blackheads.

The powder puff requires frequent grooming to maintain a silky, flowing coat.

History of the Chinese Crested

There is actually no documented proof that that Chinese crested originated in China. One of several hairless breeds in the world, they may have evolved from hairless dogs that have appeared in pariah dog litters as a result of mutations. The similarities between the Chinese crested and hairless South American dogs suggests that these breeds might be distantly related.

Descriptions of this breed are found in records as early as the late 1800s. The Chinese crested enjoyed a temporary popularity in the late 1800s and early 1900s in the United States, then again became popular in the 1970s. The breed's most well-known promoter was Gypsy Rose Lee. AKC recognition came in 1991.

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