Chinese Crested

Ras standard chinese-crested

Chines Crested a toy dog, fine-boned, elegant and graceful. . .

The Chinese Crested comes in two distinct varieties, the Hairless and the Powderpuff. The Powderpuff is covered in a soft and silky coat and the Hairless has hair on its head or “crest,” its feet or “socks” and its tail or “plume.”
Hairless and Powderpuff puppies are born in the same litter. If both parents are Powderpuffs, all of the puppies will be Powderpuffs but a Hairless Chinese Crested can produce either Hairless or Powderpuff puppies.

The Chinese Crested is a gay and alert dog that enjoys human companionship. They are funny little dogs that like to please their owners. If they find something that amuses you, they are likely to do it again to get your attention. Chinese Cresteds are said to be “cat-like” and enjoy sitting in high places like the back of a couch or the arm of a chair. Their activity level is medium to high but they enjoy quiet times with their family. They can adjust well to apartment living.

Chinese Cresteds learn quickly and can do well in various performance activities such as Agility, Obedience, Fly Ball, Lure Coursing and many other dog sports.

As with all breeds, the Chinese Crested needs early socialization. They should be exposed to many different environments, people and other pets when they are young.

Hairless Chinese Crested’s skin may become sunburned. It is good for them to spend time outside on a sunny day but you may need to limit their exposure to the sun by providing shady areas, protective clothing and/or sunscreen. Some dogs are not as sensitive to the sun and others may build up a base tan towards the end of the summer so they do not burn as easily. In general, young puppies that have never been exposed to the sun will burn very quickly. If your dog is sunburned, use an after sun aloe lotion to help soothe the skin. If you are concerned about the severity of the sunburn, take the dog to a veterinarian.

Hairless Chinese Cresteds may get blackheads and acne. Most products that are used to treat and prevent acne in humans can also be used on the Hairless Chinese Crested. Prevention is the key. A weekly bath with a quality shampoo and conditioner, clean clothes and bedding, fresh water, a good diet, fresh air and exercise are essential. Resist the urge to squeeze pimples or blackheads. This can cause infections, scarring and discolor the skin. If the dog has severe breakouts, consult a veterinarian.

Ears on a Chinese Crested puppy are down and may require taping to strengthen and train the ears to stand upright. Improperly taped ears can lead to ear and skin infections. A new owner should not tape a puppy’s ears without proper instructions and guidance. The Crested ears must be erect for showing but a pet owner may decide to leave them down

Chinese Cresteds are generally healthy dogs with an average life expectancy of 15 years or more. Responsible breeders strive to eliminate genetic health diseases from their breeding program through testing and selective breeding. The following tests are recommended for Chinese Cresteds that are being used for breeding:
♦ Patellar Luxation is a misalignment of the knee joint that can cause the dog to limp or hop when running. It can be painful for the dog and may require surgery. This condition can be caused by an injury or may be inherited from the dog’s parents.
♦ An eye exam performed by a board certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist should be done every year. This is typically called a “CERF” exam because the results are submitted to the Canine Eye Registration Foundation.
♦ The Chinese Crested should be tested for signs of Congenital Heart Disease.
♦ Chinese Cresteds should be tested for the genetic marker that causes Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd-PRA & RCD3- PRA) and Primary Lens Luxation (PLL). These are inherited eye diseases that can cause a dog to lose his vision.

This text is borrow from the American Breed club for CC