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Chinese Crested

Crested, Chinese Crested Hairless<br /> Powderpuff, Chinese Crested Powderpuff, Puff

Family: CanidaeChinese Crested Powderpuff picture, also called Crested, Powderpuff and PuffChinese Crested Powderpuff - "Toby"Canis lupus familiarisPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Marylynn
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My chinese crested powderpuff puppy (8 months) loves greek yougurt in her dry food (I only put 1/4 tsp with water). Will this cause any problems?  chris

   The Chinese Crested originated in Africa where it was called the African Hairless Terrier!

   The unique-looking Chinese Crested is a toy breed and despite its name, it originated in Africa. It is thought that the term 'Chinese' became part of their name due to their popularity with Chinese traders, who regularly picked these dogs up to be ratters onboard their ships. This breed showed up in Europe in the early 1800's and in the United States in the later 1800's. There are two varieties of this breed, the Chinese Crested Hairless variety and the Chinese Crested Powderpuff. These two are as different in their coats as their names describe them. The hairless variety only has hair on particular parts of its body, while the puff variety has a long soft coat.

   Chinese Cresteds are loyal and affectionate companions that love to play. These cuddly and entertaining animals are companion dogs through and through. They are very social and love everybody, including children and other pets. Be sure that children are well behaved enough that they do not play too roughly with them, as this is a somewhat delicate little dog. Cresteds are best suited to devoted owners because they need constant human companionship. They may have trouble adjusting to a new owner if changing homes. They are very alert to their surroundings, yet usually do not bark excessively.

   When selecting a Chinese Crested dog, look for dental problems and signs of allergies and autoimmune disorders. It's also a good idea to request test results for eye problems and patellar luxation. They are most suited for warm to moderate climates, especially the hairless variety.


Common Name(s)    Chinese Crested, Crested, Powderpuff, Chinese Crested Powderpuff, Chinese Crested Hairless, and Puff

Breed Type    The unique-looking Chinese Crested is a toy breed. These cuddly and entertaining animals are companion dogs through and through. They are best suited to warm to moderate climates, especially the hairless variety.

Background    Contrary to what its name suggests, the Chinese Crested breed originated in Africa, where it was called the African Hairless Terrier. The breed's current name is thought to have come from its popularity among Chinese traders who passed through the area, picking up these dogs to use as ratters on their ships.
   The Chinese Crested made its way to Europe in the early 1800's, and to the United States later in the century. There are two varieties of the breed: the Hairless, which only has hair on certain parts of its body, and the Powderpuff, which has a long, soft coat.

Description    The Chinese Crested is a small dog with a broad head and long muzzle. Its eyes are round and dark, and its ears upright. The Chinese Crested Hairless has long hair on its head, tail and feet. The Chinese Crested Powderpuff has long, silky hair all over. Both types come in a number of colors, and may be solid, mixed, or spotted.
   Cresteds measure about 12 inches tall, and should not weigh more than 10 pounds.

Care and Feeding    A good diet for the Chinese Crested would include fish and rice, and be low in fiber.
Grooming: Daily brushing is recommended for Powderpuff Chinese Cresteds, especially when shedding. The Hairless variety needs frequent baths, along with some oil or cream to keep their skin soft.
Chinese Cresteds need annual checkups to maintain good health. Vaccinations are due on the following schedule:

  • 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
  • 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
  • 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
  • Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster

   Chinese Cresteds shed very little, so they are great for allergy sufferers. They are, however, prone to allergies themselves, so it might be advisable to run an air purifier and try to avoid exposure to possible allergens.

Housing Your Dog    This breed is best suited to indoor living. Both varieties need to be bundled up when it's cold out, and the Chineses Crested Hairless may sunburn if outdoors for extended periods. It is important to note that this breed often enjoys climbing and digging.

Social Behaviors    The Chinese Crested is a very sociable breed that gets along with everyone. It loves children, but is not recommended for young ones for fear that they will play too roughly. They usually do well with other pets of any type. Cresteds may have trouble adjusting to new owners.

Handling and Training    Chinese Cresteds are eager to please, making them easy to train. They are great at learning tricks

Activities    Chinese Cresteds are quite active little dogs, but they are not particularly demanding when it comes to exercise. A daily walk and plenty of off-leash play is sufficient to keep this breed in good shape. They enjoy running in large spaces, but the area should be fenced in for their own protection.

Breeding/Reproduction    The Chinese Crested Hairless and the Chinese Crested Powderpuff both carry a copy of the Powderpuff gene, and for this reason both types are often found in the same litter. When choosing a mate for your Crested, look for family history of dental problems, deafness, eye and joint problems, and autoimmune disease. Hairless to Hairless breedings may increase the incidence of hereditary health problems.

Common Health Problems    Chinese Cresteds are an overall healthy breed, but may suffer from allergies. Their effects may be minimized by reducing exposure to suspected allergens. Regular checkups are necessary to check for eye problems, patellar luxation, and autoimmune disease.

Availability    Chinese Cresteds are somewhat rare. Prices vary greatly, and are sometimes in excess of $1,000.

References "Chinese Crested", Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
Cusick, William D., "What to Feed a Chinese Crested", Referenced online, 2008
"Chinese Crested Puppies for Sale", Copyright PuppyFind.com, LLC, Referenced online, 2008
"Chinese Crested Dog", Wikipedia, Copyright 2008

Lastest Comments on Chinese Crested

chris - 2012-02-08
My chinese crested powderpuff puppy (8 months) loves greek yougurt in her dry food (I only put 1/4 tsp with water). Will this cause any problems?

Click For Replies (1)
  • Charlie Roche - 2012-02-08
    You can do that - it won't cause problems.
Reply
debbie - 2011-11-23
I am fostering a powder puff mom and her pups. She's from a puppy mill and was never walked. She's about 2 years old and is still nursing. She doesn't like to go for walks, but when she does walk, she stops and starts so often that it's torturous. Albeit, it snowed and so it's cold, I can't figure out this odd walking habit. Does anyone have advice on how to get her to walk?

Click For Replies (4)
  • Charlie Roche - 2011-11-24
    I would take her to the vet. There could be something wrong with her hips.
  • debbie - 2011-11-24
    Thanks for responding. She walks well in the house and when she does walk outside, she walks fine. It's a stubbornness or unwillingness to walk outside. I've tried coaxing with a treat, but to no avail. (The treat worked well to teach her to climb stairs.) I need to break this negative mindset. Before I call in a trainer, I thought I'd start here! :)
  • Charlie Roche - 2011-11-24
    OK got that part. If she is walking just fine in the house and not outside then it is behavioral. Can't say for sure if this will work but I use very tiny pieces of turkey hotdogs (cut a slice and 1/4 it) and put it in your pocket. As the pup is walking good, give her pieces. If she stops - don't give her pieces. As she walks better on the leash outside then make her walk a little farther each time to get the piece of hotdog. In other words, reward her at first every 10 feet she walks, then every 15 feet, then every 30 feet etc. She should repond and then finally you can take her for a walk and give her the little piece of hot dog when you get back home. Hot dogs are not a staple diet for a little pup like this and you will probably initially be feeding her all the calories she needs for the day but within a couple of weeks she should be walking and moving without problems. Then you have to bury the hotdog in the food so she starts eating what she is supposed to. Good luck and I am glad it is not a bone problem.
  • debbie - 2011-11-24
    Thanks! I will try it.
Reply
Kdbuh - 2011-08-21
My puff has horrific allergies I can't seem to control. I just read today wool may be an issue so when I get home I will eliminate that too. She is on dry natural food made from sweet potatoes and fish and only drinks distiller water. I put natural oil in her food to prevent dry skin. We wash all clothing and bedding in detergent for sensitive skin and her as well (puppy shampoo). And still issues! Itching all day and night to the point none of us sleep! Help! I can't afford a couple hundred dollars for a test right now, well not before I try all my options! Hope someone out here in cyber world can help poor little Dixie Bell!

Click For Replies (1)
  • Charlie Roche - 2011-08-22
    I have been told by a vet that Benedryl works which sorta makes sense as the test things on dogs. However, I don't know the dosage at all for the dog. Can you just call your vet and ask?
Reply
Sandy - 2011-03-04
Our Chinese Crested Powder Puff continually gets mats close to the skin despite daily brushing. The only way to overcome them is to cut them out. Has anyone found a product that can keep that super fine undercoat from getting all tangled?

Click For Replies (2)
  • Adam Short - 2011-03-16
    I had the same trouble, but if you get some regular conditioner and put 1 - 2 teaspoons into a 100ml of water and spray this onto the coat before brushing, remember brushing the coat when it is dry can damage it and increase the mats. I believe this should work, but if it doesn't try doing this along with grooming twice daily, ie, morning and night.
    Adam
  • Karen - 2011-06-13
    I had the same problem, was told to rinse him with a detangler after bathing and it has really helped. In fact, I have not had any problems with matting since then although that has only been a couple of weeks ago.
    I have heard using a little deluted detangler and spraying it on the matted area prior to brushing helps also.
    I switched from a brush to a comb and that works better too.
Reply
Zoe - 2011-02-05
I have a chinese crested who has developed a severe food allergy.
Anyone else had a similar problem? He is on just a dry food diet now but still not clearing up.

Click For Replies (1)
  • Charlie Roche - 2011-04-12
    I don't know what will work for you vs me but I used Eukanuba and got rid of all problems with my dogs. Shar Pei's are always allergic to something. I even fed it to the pups.
    Vet might recommend Science Diet also. My Shar Pei's always had problems with allergies and food and Eukanuba worked for me.
Reply
Arlie - 2010-01-03
How do I find a another chinese crested like the one in the picture.

Click For Replies (2)
  • Sheri handler - 2010-07-07
    Arlie,

    I don't exactly know when you posted this question, but I recently bought a chinese crested powder puff "black and white" colors may vary. But I bought him from a breeder named Sheri she can be reached at. ( 714) 916-1663. Our boy that we bought from her is healthy and loving you can rest assure that when you buy from Sheri we will stay stay in contact with you for whatever you may need.

    She has another litter coming in a couple months.

    Sheri

    Ps. Yes we have the same name!
  • peyton - 2010-12-30
    Go to google and type in"where to find a chinese crested puppies (or dogs). Make sure your breeder can be trusted by a parent. Then pick the picture (if they have pics.) of one that looks like the one on the front page. That's what I did when I got my puppie. Hope you get a puppie that you want.
Reply

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