Mystic Chinese Crested

I have found there are three types of Chinese Crested.

1) True Hairless: this dog has very little hair mainly on the top of the head, a small amount on the feet and the tip of the tail. These dogs can have different colored skin or a solid color. The hair can also be different color.

2) Hairy Hairless: This dog can have hair on the head running down the back of the neck and a line along the back. They may also have hair running down both legs, but less hair on the chest, belly and the inside of legs. They can be solid, spotted and a variety of colors.

3) Powder Puff: This dog has soft slightly wavy or curly hair all over the body. Their coat can be solid or spotted in a variety of colors.

All these dogs hardly shed or do not shed at all. Someone that maybe allergic to dogs, may not have an allergic reaction to Chinese Crested. I recommend that you contact your doctor to make sure this dog is for you.

The most popular of the hairless breed, the Chinese Crested are still very rare. Theses dogs are very sweet, lively, playful and cuddly. Chinese Crested love toys and enjoy a variety of toys. They are exceptionally loving and likes to hug and smile. Affectionate with children. Children should be taught not to be rough with this breed as it is friendly, buy it does not have the protective hair that other breeds have and can get injured easily.  They are an entertaining companion. Very intelligent and alert.  Puppies should be well socialized and exposed to loud noises when young to avoid potential timidity. If its owners do not baby them these dogs can grow up to be very well-adjusted dog. They have an ability to perform tricks and are generally good with other pets. They are not barkers, most of the time, but will bark when startled. Chinese Crested dogs like to climb and dog holes. They tend to become very attached to their owners and have difficulty adjusting to a new one. Chinese Crested dogs crave constant companionship.

Exposed skin needs special care to prevent skin problems and irritation. The breed should be protected with sunscreen in the summer. Many Chinese Crested are allergic to lanolin and wool. Their teeth should be well cared for to prevent decay. Hairless dogs often lose many teeth as young adults. They should not be given bones to chew as they often have an incomplete set of teeth. The Hairless variety has the ancient forward pointing canine teeth or “tusks” as they are called, but usually these are the first teeth to go. Powder Puffs generally have normal teeth and breeders are hoping to improve the dentition of the hairless variety by interbreeding with Powder Puffs. Each hairless dog carried one gene for hairless and one gene for hair, as a combination of the two hairless genes is fatal. Therefore, Powder Puff and Hairless dogs often appear in the same litter. Do not over feed this breed, as it will become obese if given the chance. The hairless dogs do need lotion on their skin to help with dryness. The hairless variety also may have problems with blackheads and acne.

The Chinese Crested is a very clean dog, with no doggie odor and are not prone to fleas or ticks. Powder Puffs need a lot more grooming then the Hairless. A Powder Puff will need daily brushing of the long fine coat to prevent matting. In the summer time I give my Powder Puff the Pony cut, which makes the PP look like a Hairless. The Powder Puff can be bathed every 2 to 4 weeks.

The Hairless need a bath at least once a week. It is better to bath the Hairless in humane body wash and the hair with tearless shampoo. Also for conditoning use human hair conditioner. To keep skin soft apply a lotion, but not baby oil this will cause the Hairless to get blackheads and acne. I use Alveeno Oatmeal lotion for extra dry skin. I feed Diamond dog food it has Omega , great for the skin as well.  Any body hair on the Hairless can be shaved off, and may need to be done ever 2 weeks.

Good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. They should wear a sweater in cold weather.

Although it is tempting to carry these dainty creatures about; these are active little dogs, which need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds; play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display a wide array of behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard. Don’t think that just because he is small he should be confined to a small space. Chinese Crested dogs do not so well in breeding kennels. They need to be with their owners all the time.

The Chinese Crested originated in Africa where they were called “African Hairless Terriers.” The ancient Aztecs kept them as bed-warmers, and believe it or not, did eat them. The Chinese trading ships stopped along Africa on their routes, and it was there that they picked up these dogs because they were excellent ratters for aboard their ships. They renamed the dogs “Chinese Crested” and the name stuck. The stripper, Gypsy Rose Lee, used to breed Chinese Crested. This unusual breed was first exhibited in the West in 1885, but he first American breed club was not established until 1979. Full AKC recognition was granted in 1991. The similar Mexican Hairless was formerly recognized by AKC, but is no longer recognized. The Chinese Crested dog has been gaining popularity as a cheerful companion dog both in the United States and England. The breed is a frequent competitor in rare breed dogs shows. Four hairless breeds are known in the U.S. today: The Chinese Crested, the Mexican Hairless, the Inca Hairless dog and the Peruvian Inca Orchid.

Height: no larger then 12 inches

Weight: not over 10 pounds

A Chinese Crested lives between 10 to 12 years of age.

Chinese Crested Breed Standard
Toy Group

General Appearance
A toy dog, fine-boned, elegant and graceful. The distinct varieties are born in the same litter. The Hairless with hair only on the head, tail and feet and the Powderpuff, completely covered with hair. The breed serves as a loving companion, playful and entertaining.

Size, Proportion, Substance
Size - Ideally 11 to 13 inches. However, dogs that are slightly larger or smaller may be given full consideration. Proportion - rectangular-proportioned to allow for freedom of movement. Body length from withers to base of tail is slightly longer than the height at the withers. Substance - Fine-boned and slender but not so refined as to appear breakable or alternatively, not a robust, heavy structure.

Head