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Chinese CrestedsThe Hairless and The PowderpuffBreed Information
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(0 bones=Least, 5 Bones=Most)
| Trainability |  |
| General Breed Health | |
| Easy Housebreaking | |
| Low Maintenance? | |
| Good w/Other Pets | |
| Non Shedding | |
All the many reasons to love them...
Watch Dogs Chinese Cresteds are not extremely yappy, but they are extremely alert. You can trust this breed to warn you to every new sound including knocks on the door and strange noises outside.
Size- Typically this breed will stand between 11" to 15" high at the shoulders and weigh under 15 pounds, but this can vary for a pet quality Crested. Apartment life will suit his exercise needs well as long as another form of daily exercise is provided.
People Friendly- This is a very "people friendly" breed when he's socialized properly. Not especially shy or timid, he can be trusted not to nip at the heels of strangers. He is also friendly with and tolerant of other animals.Odorless- A virtually odorless dog, unlike some breeds, he doesn't have a distinct or offensive odor. (This doesn't mean that you won't have to bathe him.... sorry)
Trainability- Extremely alert and intelligent, they do well in obediance training and learns new tricks rather easily. Our page on Dog Training is great for the beginner. Always remember that patience and praise will get you much further than scolding. Never hit a dog for undesirable behavior.Non Shedding- Virtually hypoallergenic, both varieties of this breed shed very little to no hair. A great choice for those who suffer from allergies to dander. Test your tolerance before making a commitment to own a Chinese Crested.
Have you also prepared yourself for…
A 15 YEAR + COMMITMENT- Buying or adopting a dog is a commitment to take care of him for his entire lifetime. If you're planning a move or a career or lifestyle change or if you're unsure of your financial ability to feed, vet, groom, house or properly care for another living creature, be honest with yourself and wait until you're ready.
Disregarding the Hype- With the hype surrounding many small breeds and the demand for them increasing, puppy mills are big business and dogs are suffering in the most horrendous conditions imaginable. We owe it to them to do what we can.
You can be a part of helping to put an end to the torture. Please read our FAQ page to learn how.
High Energy- Chinese Crested have a propensity for climbing and digging. They are great escape artists and can find their way out of confinement if it's at all possible. He is definitely not a laid back puppy. Expect to have a very spirited dog for at least the first few years.
Separation anxiety is common- He will often show frustration by destructive chewing and barking or by having "accidents" on your furniture.
Behavioral Issues- Though easily trained most of the time, Chinese Cresteds can also be stubborn. When he's had enough, that's it. He definitely has a mind of his own and can show an attitude to back it up.
High Maintenance-In the powderpuff, regular grooming is necessary to keep her coat from matting. The hairless has her own baggage as well... in the form of skin care products and weather appropriate clothing.
Housebreaking difficulties- Toy breeds are among the hardest dogs to housebreak. You'll need to be very patient with your Chinese Crested and probably clean up several messes in the mean time. Small dogs come with small bladders. We highly recommend these positive training techniques.
Patellar Luxation is a joint condition in which kneecaps pop in and out of place. This is a common complication among many small breed dogs. According the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, more than 6% of Crested are afflicted with the condition.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome- A disease seen in varying degrees in many small breed dogs. It's degenerative and leads to bone loss and collapse of the hip joint which is obviously painful. Early treatment can help to prevent degenerative arthritis.
Toy breeds are fragile.- A Crested could easily be injured in a fall or by jumping from something as low as your bed. Please consider pet steps if you own or plan to own a Chinese Crested.
