INTRODUCTION

You won’t find a better breed of dog than the Chinese Crested to be a couch potato’s companion. Although they are purebred dogs, you may find them in shelters and foster homes. Remember to adopt. Don’t buy if you want to take a dog home.Chinese Cresteds have almost no desire to run like normal dogs; although, they are athletic enough to jump surprisingly high hurdles and compete in agility. They are not gregarious, but are intensely social and quickly bond within their pack. They do not readily accept strangers. Once a Crested falls in love with you, you will have a little stalker on your hands – they will be eternally, utterly devoted.

HIGHLIGHTS

The Chinese Crested is a small breed that adapts to many types of housing, including flats. It is not a sign of “bad breeding”, but simply goes with the breed. A Chinese Crested should not be left alone in the yard or off leash on walks. However small he may be, large dogs may see him as prey. Although Chinese Cresteds get along well with children, the age and personality of the children should be taken into account before acquiring one of these dogs. The fact that it is an exotic looking dog may attract you to a Chinese Crested, but understand that they can be as temperamental as the next dog, and more so than some breeds.they have a stubborn streak.Chinese Cresteds will bark and behave like miniature guard dogs. Chinese Cresteds are companion dogs and prefer to be with their owners and families. They cannot be left alone outdoors and will climb and dig to escape confinement if separated from their owners. They can also suffer from separation anxiety, which can make them destructive when left alone for too long.Proper socialisation is necessary for the Chinese Crested, as they can become shy and fearful of people.Chinese Cresteds are relatively clean and are low to non-silky.To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill or pet shop. Look for a reputable breeder who tests their breeding dogs to make sure they are free of genetic diseases that can be passed on to puppies and that they have a sound temperament.

HISTORY

Chinese crested dogs do not actually originate from China. It is believed that the Crested accompanied Chinese sailors on the high seas as early as 1530, hunting vermin during and between times of plague (today they can still be found in port cities around the world). By the mid-19th century, Cresteds began to appear in numerous European paintings and prints.Earlier names for the Crested include the Chinese Hairless, the Chinese Edible Dog, the Chinese Ship Dog, and the Chinese Royal Hairless.The Chinese bred the dog for its excellent rat-hunting skills aboard their ships, and sailors traded them in different ports. European documentation of a hairless dog closely resembling the Chinese Crested appears as early as the 18th century, when European travellers visited Chinese ports and boarded Chinese trading ships. It is unclear when the breed officially arrived in North America, but the first breed club was founded in 1974. In China, the breed has become rare.