Chinese Crested dogs come in two types—Powderpuff and Hairless. However, many people associate the Chinese Crested dog with the hairless variety. Hairless Chinese Crested dogs only have hair on their legs, tail and head; the rest is completely bare. The Powderpuff, on the other hand, has a full coat.
Other than its unique appearance, there are many interesting facts about the Chinese Crested.
Breed Overview:
- Not surprisingly, this breed comes from China. Before that, these dogs came from Africa.
- Their nicknames are crested or puff.
- Chinese Crested dogs were used for hunting rats on ships.
Characteristics:
- Chinese Crested dogs can be cream, black, chocolate, blue, or apricot in color.
- Some Chinese Crested dogs have long flowing coats.
- They weigh between 7-12 pounds and are 10-13 inches high.
- These dogs can live for 15 years.
Reproduction:
- Their average litter size is 2-5 puppies.
- Both a Hairless and a Powderpuff can be present in the same litter, but only if the parents were both Hairless.
- Two Powderpuff parents will never produce a Hairless Chinese Crested.
Health
- Chinese Crested dogs are prone to luxating patellas, or kneecaps that slide out of place.
- This breed is also susceptible to thyroid disease, cancer, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
- You will have to take extra precautions to keep your Hairless Chinese Crested healthy and safe in the sun.
Personality:
- Chinese Cresteds love their people and are often considered velcro-dogs.
- Your Chinese Crested is a master escape artist when left alone. It may also engage in other destructive behavior as a way to cope with separation.
- These small dogs are great dogs to carry around, so they often appear in movies.
Wanted to inform you that there are three types of coats in a Chinese Crested. Hairless, Hairy Hairless, and Powder Puff. Check with any breeder of this breed.