The Chinese Crested
Vital Stats of the Chinese Crested
Vital stats of this breed including the following:
- Dog breed group: Toy
- Height: 11 to 13 inches at the shoulder
- Weight: 10 to 13 pounds
- Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
Physical Characteristics of the Chinese Crested
The hairless variety of this breed has silky soft hair only on its crest, feet, lower legs and tail. The hairless areas are smooth and soft skin, which is the result of a dominant gene. Meanwhile, the variety with hair are completely covered with a moderately long and dense, soft, silky coat.
With an intense and alert expression, the slender and fine-boned Chinese Crested is one of the most graceful and elegant breeds. This breed is slightly long in comparison to its height and moves with an agile and lively gait.
Care for the Chinese Crested
Owners of the Chinese Crested breed can easily meet the exercise requirements of the breed by vigorous indoor games. While this breed hates cold weather, it enjoys a romp indoors. If out in cold weather, the hairless variety needs a sweater to keep warm.
This breed is not ideal for outdoor living. The dog is a talented jumper and some can climb.
Health of the Chinese Crested
Similar to any other breed, the Chinese Crested is prone to specific health problems. Among the health problems that can affect this breed is progressive retinal atrophy, an eye condition which can lead to night blindness, and eventually total blindness. This breed requires regular eye exams by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist to make sure his eyes are healthy.
The Chinese Crested is prone to dental disease caused by the small size of their mouths. Additionally, congenital deafness may occur in this breed, as well as diabetes and hypothyroidism.
Itchy skin and secondary infections can be the result of allergies. This breed frequently suffers from dry skin, and sometimes from comedones, or blackheads. Therefore, regular skin care is necessary for the hairless variety.
History of the Chinese Crested
The appearance of hairless dogs in litters occurs as the result of a natural genetic mutation. This has happened many times in many places over the course of thousands of years. However, with that being said, it is not easy to trace the roots of the Chinese Crested dog.
While the hairless variety may have originated by genetic mutation throughout the world, it is in Central and South America that is has been mainly preserved. As an exception, the Chinese Crested seemed to arise in Africa and was brought to China in the 13th century. The dogs were probably kept on board ships by Chinese seaman to sell them to local merchants. They were distributed to South Africa, Turkey, Egypt and even to South and Central America. However, there is documentation of the breed being Europe in the 1800s, through paintings and photographs of the Chinese Crested type.
The breed made their way to the United States in the late 19th century and drew the attention of newspaper reporter Ida Garrett. Garrett went on to breed, show and write about the Chinese Crested for the next 60 years. Her efforts, combined with those of her friend Debra Woods, led to the breed’s eventual recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1991.
For more information on the Chinese Crested or other dog breeds, don’t hesitate to contact us here at All Pets Veterinary Medical Center with the link below!
