Chinese Crested Temperament

The Chinese Crested is a small dog with plenty of love and affection to give, and a real love of human company. The Chinese Crested is a dog that is for those with plenty of time to commit and dedicate to their pet, as breed does not like to be neglected. The Chinese Crested has plenty of spirit and is cheerful, playful, and lively. He is also alert, intelligent, and inquisitive, and is quick to learn, although he can be very independent and strong willed. The Chinese Crested loves to climb, play, and perform tricks, and he is very fond of spending time with his owners to the point where he has become known by some as a 'velcro dog'.

The Chinese Crested gets on well with older, considerate children that will be gentle with him, and he also gets along with other pets, although he can sometimes get a little jealous. When it comes to strangers he can be a little reserved and timid. The gentle and bright nature of the Chinese Crested makes him well suited to inexperienced dog owners as well as more experienced owners. It is important that the Chinese Crested is socialized early on, as otherwise timidity can set in, and the dog may become highly strung and over emotional. However, with effective training and early socialization the Chinese Crested can make a great little companion dog and pet.

History
The Chinese Crested originates from Mexico or Africa but was discovered by Chinese traders. The history of this breed is said to date back to the thirteenth century. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1991.


Appearance
A small fragile little dog, the Chinese Crested comes in two varieties, which include the hairless variety and the powder puff variety. The hairless variety, as the name suggests, has no hair on the body and a crest of silky hair around the head and on the feet and tail, giving it a very elegant and unusual look. The hairless variety is a good choice for those that suffer from allergies. The powder puff variety has long, silky hair all over, which is straight on the outside and soft and silky on the undercoat. The Chinese Crested has an alert and inquisitive expression, and is a very elegant and graceful dog. The weight of the Chinese Crested is around 10-15 pounds, and the height is 11-15 inches.


Grooming
Grooming will depend on whether you have the hairless or powder puff variety. The hairless simply needs to have a small amount of oil or lotion massaged into the skin to keep it in good condition. The powder puff variety will need to be brushed and combed once or twice a week.

Health
The life expectancy of the Chinese Crested is around 13-16 years, and a range of health issues and disorders are linked to this breed. This includes sensitivity to chemicals and medicines, acne, allergies, dental problems, Legg Perthes, retinal detachment, and skin problems. Parents of the Chinese Crested puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates. You should also be careful be careful about weather conditions with the hairless variety, as his skin can burn easily in the heat and he will really feel the cold in colder seasons, and should wear a jumper or coat.

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