Chinese Crested Dog

[Troy]

The Chinese Crested Dog

ANKC Standard

(from http://www.ankc.org.au/home/breeds_details.asp?bid=31 )

Group: Group 1 (Toys)

General Appearance: A small, active and graceful dog; medium to fine boned, smooth hairless body, with hair on feet, head and tail only; or covered with a soft veil of hair.

Characteristics: Two distinct types of this breed; Deer type, racy and fine boned, and Cobby type, heavier in body and bone.

Temperament: Happy, never vicious.

Head And Skull: Slightly rounded and elongated skull. Cheeks cleanly chiselled, lean and flat, tapering into muzzle. Stop slightly pronounced but not extreme. Head smooth, without excess wrinkles. Distance from base of skull to stop equal to distance from stop to tip of nose. Muzzle tapering slightly but never pointed, lean without flews. Nose a prominent feature, narrow in keeping with muzzle. Any colour nose acceptable. Head presenting graceful appearance, with alert expression. Lips tight and thin; An ideal crest begins at the stop and tapers off down neck. Long and flowing crest preferred, but sparse acceptable.

Eyes: So dark as to appear black. Little or no white showing. Medium size, almond in shape. Set wide apart.

Ears: Set low: highest point of base of ear level with outside corner of eye. Large and erect, with or without fringe, except in Powder Puffs where drop ears are permissible.

Mouth: Jaws strong, with perfect, regular scissor bite, i.e. the upper teeth closely overlapping the lower teeth and set square to the jaws.

Neck: Lean, free from throatiness, long and sloping gracefully into strong shoulders. When moving, carried high and slightly arched.

Forequarters: Shoulders clean, narrow and well laid back. Legs long and slender, set well under body. Elbows held close to body. Pasterns fine, strong, nearly vertical. Toes turned neither in nor out.

Body: Medium to long. Supple. Chest rather broad and deep, not barrel-ribbed. Breast bone not prominent. Brisket extending to elbows; moderate tuck-up.

Hindquarters: Rump well - rounded and muscular, loins taut, stifles firm and long, sweeping smoothly into the well let-down hock. Angulation of the rear limb must be such as to produce a level back. Hind-legs set wide apart.

Feet: Hare-foot, narrow and long. Nails any colour, moderately long. Socks ideally confined to toes, but not extending above top of pastern. Feet turning neither in nor out.

Tail: Set high, carried up or out when in motion. Long and tapering, fairly straight, not curled or twisted to either side, falling naturally when at rest. Plume long and flowing, confined to lower two-thirds of tail. Sparse plume acceptable.

Gait/Movement: Long, flowing and elegant with good reach and plenty of drive.

Coat: No large patches of hair anywhere on body. Skin fine grained, smooth, warm to the touch. In Powder Puffs coat consists of an undercoat with soft veil of long hair, veil coat a feature.

Colour: Any colour or combination of colours.

Sizes: Ideal height: Dogs 28-33 cm (11-13 ins) at withers

Bitches 23-30 cm (9-12 ins) at withers

Weight varies considerably, but should not be over 5.4 kg (12 lbs).

Faults: Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Notes: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.

See Photos of the Chinese Crested Dog

QUESTIONS

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

3. How common is it in Australia?

4. What is the average lifespan?

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

9. How much grooming is required?

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

If you wish to contribute to the knowledge about this breed, please answer the above questions. (Copy and paste them into a new post).

• Please only answer if you breed or own a pedigree example of this breed.
  
• You do not have to answer all questions
  
• Please keep posts limited to answering questions or for asking further questions if you require more (or expanded) information.
  

See Photos of the Chinese Crested Dog

Chinese Crested Dog Breeders

Chinese Crested Dog Puppies For Sale

[Wazzat Xolo]

. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

I have bred and owned Chinese Cresteds in the past and own pets now.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

Contrary to popular belief, the Chinese Crested is not the product of an ancient oriental heritage. Unlike Mexico’s Xolo, the Crested is a very modern breed,

it owes its hairlessness to its Xolo ancestry, but many other breeds made a genetic contribution to the modern Chinese Crested. Because of this recent and diverse ancestry selection becomes more complicated.

The breed was developed during the 1950s and 60s based on two foundation bloodlines, Crest Haven and Lee. Every Crested pedigreed in the world races back to these two lines.

The breed was developed as a companion animal. ( Fernandez)

3. How common is it in Australia?

The breed is still relatively new compared to established breeds and does not command a huge following, the popularity is continuing to grow, unfortunatley with this comes Chinese Crested cross breeds.

4. What is the average lifespan?

12 - 14 years ( although mine have died pre 10 years old, 1 bitch I have now is 12

5. What is the general temperament/personality?

Clowns and velcro type dogs, most dogs can be aloof with strangers.

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

A daily short walk is recommended.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Yes, as long as the dog is bathed and the skin cared for.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

They can but prefer company of either dog or owner.

9. How much grooming is required?

Hairless require weekly bathing and skin treatments for skin ( Sun creme and moisture creme)

Puffs require regular grooming

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

They can be boisterous but due to size are generally ok, but must be watched with small children ( as Every dog is) due to their size

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

The breed can get a disease called Legg Calve Perthes Disease (LCPD)

PRA PRCD disease of eyes.

always a good idea to look at both parents for skin problems as well.

Although not hereditary the teeth should always be looked at as with the Hairless gene FOX I3 a full dentition is not in the hairless but should be in the Puff

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

Always check the dog has Eye tests for parents or clear by parentage, and ask to SEE the results, a few shonkies talk the talk and dont have the appropriate tests doneI personally would encourage elbow x rays and DNA tests to assure that the dog is in fact from the parents on the pedigree.

Edited April 22, 2010 by Wazzat Xolo

[ashaflynn]

1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)

I own, show and breed these fantastic little dogs.

2. Where and why was the breed first developed?

As with many breeds there is some dispute over the origins of the Chinese Crested Dog. However, it is almost certain that despite its name, the Chinese Crested Dog did not originate in China. Until very recently the two most popular theories had the Chinese Crested originating in either Africa or South America. On both continents there are similar primitive type dogs. In South and Central America in particular there are a couple of hairless breeds that share very similar morphology to the Chinese Crested, and it is not inconceivable that the Crested and these other hairless breeds share a similar ancestry.

Recent genetic research has isolated the mutation responsible for the hairless characteristics in all three identified hairless breeds (the Crested, the Peruvian Inca Dog, and the Xoloitzcuintli from Mexico) and the mutation is identical. This leads researchers to conclude that these breeds share a common origin. As there are artefacts in Mexico that date back 4,000 years that depict hairless dogs looking remarkably like modern Xolos it would be hard to argue that Mexico is not the wellspring for the hairless family of dogs including the Crested.

Apparently, and here is where the Chinese connection comes in, they were not uncommon on board Chinese merchant trading vessels, but were first identified in their modern form in Europe and attributed to Chinese origin in the late 18th Century - although by then specimens of the breed could be found world-wide. The ratter theory seems highly possible, as many breeders will attest that most Cresteds have a high prey drive and will chase small animals.

The first Chinese Crested dogs brought to Great Britain were exhibited as part of a zoological show. There was no breeding program put into place to continue the breed, so the Chinese Crested disappeared from England for a time. The first Chinese Crested to be registered in Great Britain was in 1881. The Kennel Club there focused its attention (through the standard) on two distinct types of Chinese Crested dogs. The "Deer" and the "Cobby". Not until 1984 did the Kennel Club agree to make provision for the third type, which is found in most litters, that of the fully coated Chinese Crested, the "Powder Puff".

The Chinese Crested's American past can be traced back over a century. In 1880 a New Yorker, Ida Garrett, became interested in the breed and was involved in breeding, exhibition and writing about the Chinese Crested for over sixty years. Mrs. Garrett also shared her enthusiasm for the breed with Debra Woods, whom she met in the 1920s. For nearly forty years these two women worked together to promote the Chinese Crested dog breed in the U.S. Another person that was very involved in the promotion of the Chinese Crested worldwide was the American singer, dancer and entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee. Her sister had rescued a Chinese Crested dog from a Connecticut animal shelter and had given it to Ms Lee. Ms Lee was so taken with the breed she became a breeder and protector of the Chinese Crested. It is to be noted that most active Crested kennels in the world can trace the ancestry of their dogs to the Crest Haven (Debra Woods) and Ms Lee.

3. How common is it in Australia?Chinese Cresteds are not your everyday household pet although they are becoming more popular. A number of apprearances in the media and movies over the last ten years or so has seen them become more recognised - however unfortunately the "Ugliest Dog In The World" tag seems to have stuck a little since media attention given to the ancient Crested X in America went worldwide. Very bad, misleading advertising for the breed.

4. What is the average lifespan?

Between 12 and 15 years.

5. What is the general temperament/personality?Cresteds are happy little guys that bond particularly well to one member of the family but will also accept others within the family. In general Cresteds are somewhat aloof and wary of strangers and need plenty of socialisation and exposure to different environments and scenarios - failure to do so can result in nervous and fearful behaviour in unfamiliar surrounds. If you are after a dog that bounds up and greets every new person with joy and excitement like a Labrador then I suggest you get a Labrador. Cresteds will meet and greet new people when they are ready to do so - and generally on their own terms. They are also an incredibly intelligent breed that given the opportunity will have you eating out of their paws and running your household with said paws! A Crestie needs training just like any other dog and needs to know who is the pack leader in the house - if it isn't you then watch out .. you'll have a devil on your hands!

6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?

A walk a day or free running and playing is generally enough. Two together will usually exercise each other. These are very much a person dog and will happily be a couch potato if you let them so keeping them relatively active is recommended. A Crestie should be fit, lean and nicely muscled.

7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?

Ultimately yes, but learning about the grooming and training requirements is essential.

8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?

No ... Cresteds need company whether it be human (preferable) or with other dogs for company.

9. How much grooming is required?

Surprisingly more than people think. Taking care of a hairless requires regular (weekly) bathing, moisturising of skin, sunscreen in summer, coats in winter and vigilance with pimples/blackheads etc. Skin irritations can be common and can develop into major problems if not taken care of. The Powderpuff requires dedicated grooming to maintain the coat and keep matting at bay. If the long coat is not required a regular all over clip off is needed.

10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?

As with any dog supervision around children and/or older people is mandatory. If a Crested is not brought up around/or introduced to children they may not cope well with sudden movements/noises etc, however with training good manners and behaviour can be achieved. Due to their size major incidents with children are unlikely, however care needs to be taken that the dog does not get injured by rough play or accidents happening. It is not a breed I would recommend for people with very young children.

11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?

As mentioned previously PRA, Patella Luxation, Legg-Perthes disease and skin irritations.

12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)

All breeders should be able to show evidence of their health testing for PRA. For puppies to be clear of the disease both parents should have tested clear. One parent can be a carrier of the disease but as long as the other is clear PRA will not present and the offspring will not be affected. These pups need to be tested down the track to see if they are a carrier of the disease if future breeding is to be done. If parents and/or pups are deemed "clear by parentage" evidence of DNA testing should be sighted to ensure the parents are infact the dogs on the pedigree and as a result are clear of PRA