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GENERAL

There are two varieties of this wonderful breed---the hairless (having hair only on the head, tail, and feet) and the powderpuff (having hair all over the body like most dogs); despite the difference in appearence, the same dog is underneath.The Hairless and Powderpuff are born in the same litter, and ARE the same breed. The Chinese Crested is a very healthy and long-lived breed. Cresteds of 13-15 years old are not uncommon. Like many of the Toy breeds the cresteds can have some problems. These included Patellar Luxation....PRA(progressive retinal atrophy) and Legg Calve Perthes. When looking for a Crested you should inquire if the breeder has tested the parents for these problems and will quarantee the puppy against these things.

TEMPERMENT AND PERSONALITY

Both varieties have the same personality---that of a little clown, who loves to entertain. Crested are a very intelligent group and usually forms strong attachments to its humans.The Chinese Crested is a dog with medium activity. Lively, but not hyper, the Chinese Crested can lie down in your lap while you're watching television but will be on his feet to accompany you if you move for any reason. The Chinese Crested is not for those who like for their dog to be independent, Cresteds much prefer to be in the middle of things at all times touching you if at all possible, in your lap preferably. A very athletic dog, it is not unusual to see the Chinese Crested dancing along the top of the sofa, doing flying leaps chasing butterflies, or taking on many other athletic endeavors. The breed loves attention so much that they are extremely tolerant of children and will often even enjoy being dressed up in doll clothes. They are very social with both humans and other pets, and are an ideal addition to a multi-pet household The Chinese Crested is a highly intelligent animal, eager to please, but they do not respond to nor learn from harsh training methods. As a general rule, they will learn better and faster if their training is built around fun things and coupled with lots of praise and treats. When feeling offended, this Breed will pout and sometimes even "snub" their owner. All training should be positive and fun.

COLOR

Chinese Cresteds may be any color, including some very unusual colors such as lavendar, pink, and blue---colors you didn't even know dogs could come in! Color can change dramatically from when a puppy is born to adulthood. Most "Tri Colored" (Black with tan and white markings) fade to silver with age and hairless change color with the seasons and the amount of sunlight they get....they get darker in the summer (tanned) and fade in winter as the hours of sunlight diminish. Some Hairless Cresteds are "more hairless" than others. Just as humans have different variations in body hair amounts, so do Cresteds. Some Hairless have only a tiny mohawk and hardly any hair on their feet and a wisp of hair for a tail, while others have profuse crest (the hair on the head), plume (the hair on the tail) and socks (the hair on the feet). When not groomed for show, many will evidence some body hair, again with a variance from almost none to quite a lot. When confronted with the question, "Is it really a hairless breed or do you have to shave it?" the answers are "yes" and "yes." Even the MOST hairless of Hairless generally need a little tidying up before going into the show ring, and some with profuse body hair need quite a bit of work. Many people think the Hairless is a maintainance free pet. In reality, the Hairless requires as much care as the Powderpuff; just a different type. Many people shave the faces on both Hairless and Powderpuffs, but you will see Cresteds with unshaved faces,it's a matter of preference. Chinese Cresteds can be the answer for those with allergies or asthma...the hairless especially. Although the puff is concidered my some to be "non-shedding" it requires coat care to be truly non shedding. Hairless Cresteds often have many missing teeth, and have a very abnormal looking mouth with their curved "tusk" canines. Often, you will have retained baby teeth that must be pulled by the veterinarian to ensure a good bite. Missing teeth in the hairless are not concidered to be a problem, but a powderpuff should have a normal canine mouth.

BASIC SKIN AND COAT CARE

The Chinese Crested is basically an indoor dog. The elements can be harsh to either variety. The Hairless is subject to sunburn on his unprotected skin, as well as chill, while his Powderpuff littermate will suffer the loss of beautiful coat due to matting and foreign materials in the long hair. Using sunscreen is a good idea in the spring especially on the lighter colored hairless in the spring as well as not allowing over exposure to the sun at this time. Skin Problems are most often seen in the Hairless. Good skin is the result of both genetics and environment, or care. Clean skin is healthier than dirty skin. However, skin types and conditons can also be inherited. Skin Problems are most often seen in the Hairless. Good skin is the result of both genetics and environment, or care. Clean skin is healthier than dirty skin. For Cresteds who have the occasional blackhead, Oxy pads and tea tree oil lotion work very well to deter acne. Avoid heavy oil based products which will clog the pores and it's wise to avoid lanolin based products. Frequency of baths for the Hairless is dependent on skin type, and opinions vary from one breeder to another. Often times skin condition will be linked directly to skin care. As a general rule what is good skin for a human will be good skin care for a hairless. Powderpuffs should be bathed once a week to 10 days and brushed regularily in between bathes.It's recommended that you do not brush when coat it is dry---use a conditioning spray. Faces may be shaved on both varities. Nails should be clipped, and ears and teeth cleaned on all dogs.

INTERESTING FACTS

The hairless gene affects far more than just the "hair"....it affects teeth, and nails as well. Hairless Cresteds often have many missing teeth, and have a very abnormal looking mouth with their curved "tusk" canines. Often, you will have retained baby teeth that must be pulled by the veterinarian to ensure a good bite. Missing teeth in the hairless are not concidered to be a problem, but a powderpuff should have a normal canine mouth.


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