Ty Brown

The Chinese Crested is as exotic looking breed that originated in China. It is a very small dog that only stands between 9 and 13 inches tall and it weighs less than 12 pounds. It comes in two coat variations. The first variation is the hairless version. This version is bald except for section on its head, tail and feet. Here this breed has long silky tuffs of hair. The second variation of the Chinese Crested is the Powderpuff version. In this version the coat has two parts. The undercoat is silky downy undercoat and a long straight outercoat.

To care for this breed you will need to groom it according to the type of coat that it has. For the hairless variation you will want to massage their skin with cream to keep it moisturized. If the hairless will be outside you may also want to use a sun block to help reduce the chances that they will develop a sun burn. This variation should not be left outside for very long as they are more susceptible to the elements. To groom the powderpuff variation of this dog you will want to brush their hair on a weekly basis.

The Chinese Crested is a toy dog, that has fine-boned, elegant and graceful features and movements. There are two distinct varieties that are born in the same litter. One is the hairless variety with its body mostly hairless with hair only on the head, tail and feet and the other is the Powderpuff, which is completely covered with hair. Any color or combination of colors is allowed, either solid, mixed or spotted all over.

Its size is ideally 11 to 13 inches. However, dogs that are slightly larger or smaller may be given full consideration. Its body shape is rectangular and allows for freedom of movement. The head of the Chinese Crested is wedge-shaped when viewed from the top and the side. The muzzle has a slight stop, and tapers nicely into the cheeks.

As with many breeds there is some dispute over the origins of the Chinese Crested Dog. However, it is almost certain that despite its name, the Chinese Crested Dog did not originate in China. It is believed that Chinese mariners sailed from African territories with this breed on board.

Chinese brought the dogs on board their ships to hunt vermin. Eventually, they renamed the dogs "Chinese Crested" and the name stuck.

Both varieties require certain amounts of grooming. The Puffs have a very soft and fine double coat that requires frequent brushing to avoid matting. Although a Puff's coat does not continuously grow like that of some other breeds, it can grow to be quite long at full length. This breed has little to no shedding

The advantage of owning a naked dog is that it has no body odor, no heavy shedding and no fleas. And people who are allergic to other, hairier breeds, may find that this one causes them no problems.

Chinese Crests become very attached to their owners. They love lots of attention, affection and togetherness. The breed serves as a loving companion, playful and entertaining.

They are delicate and happy little dogs and are very loyal and devoted to their owners. Alert and highly intelligent, they can easily be trained for obedience and tricks.

The breed can fit in any lifestyle and environment. They get along very well with other small animals and children. They do not bark loudly or often and because of that they don't make very good watchdogs.

Standoffish by nature, Chinese Crests need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become shyness or suspiciousness, which is difficult to live with.

The Chinese Crested breeds are difficult to housebreak. Consistent crate training is mandatory. Some owners are not able to fully housebreak them even as adults. However, if you start early and condition your dogs to eliminate in specific areas, they will eventually get the idea.

Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display a wide array of behavior problems.

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