Chinese Crested Breed Introduction
The history of the Chinese Crested breed isn’t a very clear picture, though we have a relatively good idea of how this breed came to be. Chinese Crested dogs descended from their African Hairless dog ancestors. Many believe that Chinese sailors sailed the ocean for centuries with Chinese Crested dogs on board. They commonly traded Chinese Crested puppies at port cities with the local merchants.
To this day, you can typically find Chinese Cresteds in ancient port cities all across the globe. Chinese Crested and other hairless dogs even played a role in fighting the plague pandemic. They kept many hairless dogs onboard ships to hunt vermin, for which they spread this detrimental disease by being flea-infested.
Known around the world are the Chinese Crested dogs. We have documented them in Mexico and Central and South America as early as the 1500s. During the 1700s and 1800s, people also spotted them in Africa and Asia. During the 1850s, the breed made its arrival in Europe and even made its way into paintings throughout the region.
With a small size in mind, they created the Chinese Crested dogs. They are typically 11-13 inches tall and weigh around 8-12 pounds.
Chinese Crested Temperament
If you are looking for an easy-going, versatile dog, the Chinese Crested breed may be for you. Chinese Crested puppies and adults are great for dog owners who want to spend lots of time resting with their pup, or even for those who live in an apartment. They love being with their family and can live with children and other dogs. Chinese Crested dogs can be rather vocal, though they are very friendly to strangers. You won’t have to worry about your Chinese Crested puppy scaring off any new friends that may visit your home.
Though Chinese Crested puppies are low energy, they still love to play and roughhouse with their owners or canine family members. Chinese Crested puppies and adults are great for novice owners and don’t require a highly experienced owner with different breeds.
Chinese Crested dogs have some herding instincts, meaning that they may nip at their human family members and friends. With some training, they can resolve this issue. Overall, Chinese Crested dogs are not very intense and can go with the flow when you need them to. They are great for all different owners and homes.
Chinese Crested Intelligence
When it comes to intelligence, Chinese Crested puppies are around average. While they aren’t as smart as some other breeds, they can still put their brain to work and impress their owners in a variety of ways.
Chinese Crested dogs can be very easy to train and enjoy pleasing their owners. They like to receive positive reinforcement when they do something right. Because of this eagerness to please, the training process with a Chinese Crested puppy can be simple.
While Chinese Crested puppies and adults enjoy pleasing their owners, they can be stubborn. This stubbornness may become clear during the training process and can be an obstacle that you must overcome together.
The most important thing to remember when training any dog, including the Chinese Crested breed, is to focus on positive reinforcement. Chinese Crested dogs respond better to encouragement rather than harsh words or actions. Praise, pets, and treats are a great way to motivate your Chinese Crested dog while training. These forms of positive reinforcement will help remind them of what they are doing right and encourage this behavior.
With proper training techniques, you can train your Chinese Crested dog obedience despite their stubbornness.
Shedding and Chinese Crested Dogs
We may know Chinese Crested puppies and adults for being a hairless breed, but this doesn’t mean that they have no body hair. Chinese Crested dogs still shed more than many owners would believe. They even have noticeable hair on their legs, head, and tail.
Because Chinese Crested dogs are so commonly mistaken for being completely hairless, owners may end up in a bit of a bind when they adopt them. Many may adopt this breed with the belief that they are hypoallergenic. This isn’t the case. Hairless dogs such as Chinese Crested dogs still shed, and therefore can still trigger dog allergies.
Many people with dog allergies may not be as sensitive to Chinese Crested puppies and adults as they are to other breeds. Some people with dog allergies may have no tolerance at all, even to hairless breeds such as the Chinese Crested. If you or someone in your home has dog allergies, be sure to spend time around one of these hairless breeds before adopting one to identify the severity of your allergy symptoms. Remember that simply because we consider Chinese Crested dogs as a hairless breed doesn’t mean that they don’t shed.
Chinese Crested Health
Chinese Crested dogs are relatively healthy and easy to medically care for. With this breed, you can expect to enjoy many years together. Chinese Crested puppies and adults have a typical life expectancy of 10 to 14 years. With proper diet and medical upkeep, you can spend an abundance of days alongside your treasured Chinese Crested dog.
Be sure to feed your Chinese Crested dog a high-quality diet with an abundance of nutrients. Vitamins, antioxidants, and fats are essential components of a Chinese Crested dog’s overall health and wellness and you can find them in various foods and supplements.
Psychological Health
Just like humans, Chinese Crested puppies and adults can be prone to various psychological health issues. Chinese Crested dogs can become stressed or anxious for a variety of reasons. When they’re stressed or anxious, they may take part in destructive activities such as barking, chewing, or digging. Anxious or stressed Chinese Crested puppies and adults may pace around their backyard or living room and show other signs of restlessness.
While stress and anxiety can be troublesome for both a Chinese Crested dog and its owner, there are ways to combat this condition at home. CBD is an excellent calming dog product that you can safely use at home to prevent and treat anxiety. CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound that’s found in cannabis and hemp. This substance doesn’t contain any THC, and therefore is free of any psychoactive properties and safe to use with your Chinese Crested dog.
You can typically purchase CBD in oil or supplement form from your local pet store. When using CBD to treat stress or anxiety in your Chinese Crested dog, be sure to consult with your vet before doing so.
Separation Anxiety
Besides general anxiety and stress, Chinese Crested puppies and adults can be prone to separation anxiety. They are very affectionate dogs who form strong bonds with their owners. Because of this, Chinese Crested puppies and adults may become anxious specifically when you leave them alone.
You can also treat separation anxiety by using CBD oil to help calm your dog when you aren’t there. If you notice symptoms of separation anxiety in your Chinese Crested dog, such as howling or digging, talk with your vet about possible treatment options. These may include CBD or other preventative strategies that can help normalize being alone for your Chinese Crested dog.
In addition to CBD, we have known specific pheromones to reduce separation anxiety in Chinese Crested puppies and adults. They synthetically produced this specific pheromone, known as dog appeasing pheromone, to help treat separation anxiety in all dogs. You can find it as room diffusers, sprays, edible treats, and even wearable collars.
Dog appeasing pheromones can be another promising way to reduce separation anxiety in your Chinese Crested dog without having your pup ingest anything. Be sure to consult with your vet before beginning this separation anxiety treatment. You can find dog appeasing pheromone at your local pet store.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia can be a common condition for Chinese Crested puppies and adults to experience, which can be rather painful. This condition occurs due to an abnormal growth within the ball and socket of the hip joint. The joint becomes unstable and loose, which can lead to scar tissue development.
Hip dysplasia can be very painful and uncomfortable as it progresses. Because of this, Chinese Crested dog owners should try to combat this condition at home. One of the best ways to do so is through diet.
One study has shown that dogs who consumed a fish-based, nutrient-rich diet had less severe cases of hip dysplasia than those who consumed chicken-based diets. We believe that some nutrient factors of fish-based foods help slow the progression of hip dysplasia.
In addition, supplements such as turmeric, Ashwagandha, and kelp can minimize swelling in the hip joint and reduce the pain that hip dysplasia may cause. Be sure to consult with your vet before beginning any supplementation or diet changes.
While hip dysplasia is unpleasant for any Chinese Crested dog to experience, with your help and home remedies, your dog can live a normal and healthy life despite this condition.
Epilepsy
Chinese Crested puppies and adults can be prone to developing seizures. When these seizures are occurring regularly, they are called epilepsy. This condition can be very troubling for any dog owner to experience. While seizures can be scary, you must medically manage them. There are ways to combat this condition at home.
One of the best ways to combat seizures and epilepsy in your Chinese Crested dog is through diet. One of the most common dietary agents used to prevent seizures in dogs is coconut oil. Coconut oil is a source of MCTs, which we know to be ketogenic. These ketones may decrease seizures through their anti-inflammatory properties.
Besides coconut oil, fish oil is another promising way to prevent or reduce seizure activity. Fish oil is potent in omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce excitability in the nervous system and lead to reduced seizures.
One of the most well-known ways to combat seizures is CBD. CBD is used to treat seizures and epilepsy in both humans and dogs. We believed it to reduce the frequency of seizures and the severity. Be sure to consult with your vet before using any of these seizure-related supplements.
Obesity
Obesity can be a hard condition for dogs to develop, including Chinese Crested puppies and adults. This condition can lead to various other health problems and pose a threat to your beloved Chinese Crested dog. Thankfully, you can avoid this condition and manage it at home.
One of the best ways to prevent or reverse obesity in your Chinese Crested dog is through appropriate daily exercise. While we don’t know Chinese Crested puppies and adults for being extremely active, they still need daily exercise to keep them at an ideal weight.
In addition to daily exercise, be sure that you are not over-feeding your Chinese Crested dog. All dogs have a specific daily food amount they need to follow. This can vary by height, weight, and breed. If you are worried about your Chinese Crested dog becoming obese, consider feeding them weight-management dog food.
Treats can also be a culprit of overeating and weight gain. While treats are great for training and positive reinforcement, be sure to keep them to a minimum. Many owners love to share some leftovers with their dogs, but this can be problematic for their health. Chinese Crested dogs should eat minimal human food to avoid obesity.
Chinese Crested Oral Health
Oral health is a very important component of canine overall health. Teeth need to be cleaned regularly to avoid plaque buildup and other dental issues. While deep cleaning of teeth needs to be done by a professional, you can still perform maintenance in between these deep cleaning appointments.
The Veterinary Oral Health Council has provided a comprehensive guide to oral health products that dog owners should be using. In between deep oral cleanings, you can use various products on the market for oral health and other aspects of overall health. These products also benefit other areas of health, such as digestion, joint health, skin health, and more. You can choose the product that best fits your Chinese Crested dog’s health needs.
Minimizing plaque and tartar is the best way to keep your Chinese Crested dog’s oral health in tip-top shape. Thankfully, many products can help you do so. Dental bites are a great way to reduce plaque in between cleanings. Thanks to the abundance of Veterinary Oral Health Council-approved products, you won’t ever have to worry about your Chinese Crested dog suffering from poor oral health.
Chinese Crested Exercise
Exercise is an essential part of your Chinese Crested dog’s life. Recommended exercise will keep them healthy and happy during every stage of life. While Chinese Crested puppies and adults aren’t known to be extremely active, they still love to get moving alongside their owners.
Typically, a short walk per day or playtime outdoors is the best way to meet your Chinese Crested dog’s exercise needs. While some dogs will enjoy taking longer walks than others, try to avoid walking long distances as Chinese Crested dogs may not have the endurance for this. Chinese Crested puppies and adults may not make the best jogging partners, but they do enjoy chasing their family members around the backyard.
Chinese Crested puppies and adults love to play fetch and tug of war, and can even get quite competitive in these canine sports. These activities can make exercising your Chinese Crested dog fun and enjoyable for both of you. When it comes to ensuring that your Chinese Crested dog is getting enough exercise, choose the activity that works best for both of you. Walking, playing tug of war, or chasing after a ball are all effective ways to keep your Chinese Crested dog healthy and happy.
Chinese Crested Nutrition
Navigating diet and nutrition for your Chinese Crested dog can be difficult and daunting. Thankfully, there is an abundance of guidelines that you can follow to ensure that your Chinese Crested dog is getting exactly what they need to be healthy.
A general rule of thumb to follow with Chinese Crested puppies and adults is that they need roughly ¼ to 1 cup of dry dog food per day. This should be split between two feeding times.
The type of food that your Chinese Crested dog is eating is just as important as how much they are eating. Many foods provide more nutrients than other formulas. To ensure that your Chinese Crested dog is getting the nutrition that they need, be sure to provide them with high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age. These dog foods will contain omega-3s, antioxidants, various vitamins, and nutrients that are essential for preventing common health conditions. You can prevent eye problems, joint issues, and skin and coat conditions by providing your Chinese Crested dog with high-quality dog food.
Chinese Crested Grooming
While you can consider Chinese Crested puppies and adults to be a hairless breed, they still need grooming upkeep. Chinese Crested puppies and adults can be prone to sunburn, skin irritations, and allergies. Hairless Chinese Crested puppies and adults need to be bathed regularly. They also need skin treatments that are specific to their skin, and oftentimes require acne lotions to maintain their skin health.
While many Chinese Crested puppies and adults are hairless, others do have a fluffy coat. This type of Chinese Crested dog is known as a Powderpuff version. These dogs have coats with a short bottom layer and longer top layer, which is the opposite of most other breeds. Though the Powderpuff coat is easy to brush, it can become matted very quickly. If you have a Chinese Crested dog with a Powderpuff coat, be sure to brunch them regularly. In between grooming sessions you can help to ensure that they have the healthiest coat possible.
When it comes to brushing your Chinese Crested Powderpuff dog, a pin brush used 3-4 times per week is the best way to go. You can even use a dog detangling spray or leave-in conditioner to help ease the grooming process at home.
Top Products for the Chinese Crested Breed
With such an abundance of dog products on the market, choosing one that is best for your Chinese Crested dog can be difficult. Keeping in mind their unique breed characteristics can help you narrow down what products you should purchase.
Food
When choosing a food, be sure to look for one that is appropriate for the age of your Chinese Crested dog. Chinese Crested puppies require a specific formula, while older Chinese Crested adults may benefit more from dog food that is focused on joint health. These joint-supporting foods may include agents such as omega-3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Crate/Bed
Many Chinese Crested dog owners may choose to crate train their dogs. When choosing a crate, be sure to look for the correct size for your dog. Chinese Crested puppies and adults should be able to move around in their crate, but be sure that it isn’t oversized. Crate liners and dog beds can fit inside of the crate to make it a cozy space for your Chinese Crested dog.
Harness
Harnesses are a great way to keep control over your Chinese crested dog when you are out and about. When choosing a harness, be sure to find one that is adjustable and fits your dog snuggly. You should be able to fit two fingers underneath the harness when your Chinese Crested dog is wearing it.
Clothing
Chinese Crested puppies and adults can be extremely sensitive to cold weather. Because of this, providing your Chinese Crested dog with proper attire for cold weather is essential. Sweaters, T-shirts, raincoats, and windbreakers are all great ways to make sure that your Chinese Crested dog doesn’t get too cold. Try giving a few different clothing items a try to see what your dog likes best!
Resources:
Delaware Valley Chinese Crested Club
Chinese Crested Club of Southern California
