Chinese Crested Dog: temperament, price, health, and breeders

Originally from China, the Chinese Crested Dog is said to descend from very ancient breeds dating back to the Han dynasty, between 206 BC and 220 AD. Some of these dogs protected their owners' precious possessions, while others hunted pests, notably on board ships. After becoming established in Mexico, the breed was exhibited for the first time in the United States at the end of the 19th century. It then enjoyed some success before falling somewhat into disuse during the second half of the 20th century. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognized it definitively on 17 July 1972 under number 288.

Small graceful dog with a rather long and supple silhouette, the Chinese Crested Dog has a straight back, a strong loin, a rounded croup, a broad and deep chest and a slightly tucked-up belly. Its well-proportioned head has a slightly rounded skull and a moderately marked stop. Its almond-shaped eyes are dark to black, its ears are large, erect and set low. The hairless variety carries hair mainly on the head, the lower parts of the limbs and the tail, while the Powder-Puff coated variety is covered with hair. The long tail, fine and straight, is fringed except on its upper third. All colours, shades and combinations are permitted.

Active, gentle and full of joie de vivre, the Chinese Crested Dog is not aggressive. Affectionate and more or less docile, it proves extremely attached to its owner. Not very gifted for guarding, it is however an excellent companion, notably for children.

An excellent companion and indoor dog, it adapts very well to apartment living and must live within the household due to its vulnerability to external aggressions. It also appreciates a fenced garden. Its exercise needs are moderate: a good and long daily walk, complemented by games and the closeness of its owner, suits it.

Its training must be both firm and gentle. Training and sufficiently early socialization promote its balance and make it a very good companion dog for different types of owners. Without a consistent framework, it can quickly become disruptive.

The purchase price varies within the range observed for the breed.

Despite a fairly good life expectancy, the Chinese Crested Dog remains vulnerable due to its very fine or absent coat. The breed is mainly predisposed to dermatological problems and requires careful protection against cold, humidity and the sun.

The Chinese Crested Dog is a small dog with a sometimes lively metabolism, especially in Hairless subjects who lose more heat. It needs a complete, digestible and sufficiently energy-rich diet, without excess treats.

The breed exists in a hairless variety and in a coated variety called Powder-Puff. It is also known under the names Chinese Hairless Dog and Chinese Crested Dog. One also distinguishes a "deer type" with fine bone structure and a "cobby type" of heavier build. The litter generally consists of 2 to 4 puppies. The breed belongs to FCI group 9, bears number 288 and has been recognized since 1972.