Chinese Crested Dog

These four-legged pets adore people. They do not tolerate loneliness. In an empty house, you can hear them howling a mile away. However, they love to make loud noises even without reason. Many people believe that representatives of the breed are endowed with telepathy and empathy. Communicative and kind Chinese Crested Dog has the nickname of unofficial doctors.

Breed Photos

Origin History

There is still no evidence that the history of the Chinese Crested Dog began in China. Even though Asians are fans of small exotic four-legged dogs. Scientists disagree: some believe the breed originated in Mexico, others in Africa. Another theory is that the Chinese Crested Dog is a descendant of the Thai Naked Dog. After all, the Celestial Empire and Thailand had strong trade relations. As early as the sixteenth century, representatives of the breed accompanied sailors and caught rodents on Chinese ships. This ability and small size made the Chinese Crested Dogs an integral part of the ship. They were even nicknamed Chinese ship dogs. They were also called Chinese royal naked and Chinese edibles. The latter suggests that dogs were food for wandering sailors.

Chinese Crested Dogs lived not only in the imperial courts, but ordinary people could also breed them. Interestingly, the size of the dog used to be larger than in today’s representatives. Chinese scientists reduced the quadrupeds by crossing them with other breeds.

The modern history of the Chinese Crested Dog began in the late 19th century. Then Ida Garrett, a journalist from New York, showed America the first representatives of the breed. The woman was crazy about the Chinese Crested Dogs and spent 60 years of her life studying them. The first club of Chinese Crested Dogs appeared in 1974. But the recognition of the breed did not happen immediately. The first to approve the dogs as an independent breed was the English Cynology Club in 1981. Six years later, the FCI. Today the Chinese Crested Dog is not so popular in its homeland.

Appearance

The FCI standard specifies that Chinese Crested Dogs can be both stocky and fawn. Dogs with a stocky build are twice as big and can weigh up to five kilograms. The narrow muzzle and elongated head give representatives of the breed a unique image. The jaw is strong. In most cases, the ideal bite. Sufficiently large ears stand upright. Small eyes take on a darker shade.

The front legs are thin and straight. The hind legs are muscular with low-lying joints. The legs are narrow and long. Straight tail – long, in a relaxed position omitted from the bottom. Most often, the breed’s hair is located only on the head, tail, and paws. The world cynology officially recognizes all kinds of colors of the Chinese Crested Dog.

Character

These four-legged pets adore people. They do not tolerate loneliness. In an empty house, you can hear them howling a mile away. However, they love to make loud noises even without reason. Many people believe that representatives of the breed are endowed with telepathy and empathy. Communicative and kind Chinese Crested Dog has the nickname of unofficial doctors. Because of the lack of fur, they become a warming pad for their owners. By doing so, they help fight rheumatism and arthritis.

Dogs love the outdoors and play. All kinds of balls and toys are a child’s delight. And if you play with them, there is no limit to their happiness.

Care

Chinese Crested Dogs are like women in terms of grooming. They love visits to the groomer and cosmetic procedures. Exemplars with a full, even coat need combing two to three times a week. Hairless grooming should take skin sensitivities into account. During the cold season, wear clothes only outdoors. At home, it is better to spare your dog from additional friction with objects.

Home bathing treatments are recommended no more than three times a week. Choose a shampoo with the right pH for sensitive skin. It is better not to apply additional products (creams and lotions). Don’t forget to brush the ears, eyes and trim the claws – three times a month.

Training

Like any pet, the Chinese Crested Dog loves treats. During training, you should use tasty rewards. During training, forget about aggression. With strong-willed and inquisitive dogs, it is unnecessary.

Chinese Crested Dogs need to be trained from the first months. First, teach the dog not to climb on your territory and sleep separately. Gradually introduce the dog to new commands: “Sit”, “No”, “Walk” and others. Babies also love to twirl to music and are good at learning circus commands.

Common Diseases

Among the main health problems in Chinese Crested Dog:

• retinal atrophy;
• hip dysplasia;
• degenerative myelopathy;
• epilepsy;
• dislocation of the kneecap;
• high sensitivity to medical drugs;
• Legg Calve Perthes disease – osteochondropathy;
• dental problems.

Nutrition

There can be problems with nutrition. Babies have sensitive digestion, and allergic reactions are common. It is not a good idea to feed your dog food from the human table. All problems immediately show up on the skin: pimples, swellings, fatty deposits. It is recommended to exclude from the diet:

• raw meat and fish;
• bones;
• sausage and ready-to-cook foods;
• milk;
• sweet;
• oatmeal, semolina, and pearl millet porridge.

Rice, millet, crushed apples, low-fat sour-milk products are good for Chinese Crested Dogs. For dinner – boiled lean meat (except pork and chicken), carrots, cabbage. If natural food is not suitable, it is worth choosing hypoallergenic premium food.