| Description: There are actually two kinds of Chinese | | | | children might handle this fragile dog too roughly. The |
| Crested, the Hairless and the Powderpuff. Both | | | | Hairless dog has a very sensitive skin that must not be |
| varieties of Chinese Crested are from 10 to 12 inches | | | | hurt by children accidentally during play. The Crested |
| and weigh up to 10 pounds. The Hairless Crested has | | | | loves to be active and frisky and can be taught tricks. |
| long hair on its head, ears, feet, and tail tip. The hairless | | | | This dog climbs extremely well, so even if you have a |
| skin can be spotted and is soft to the touch. The | | | | fenced yard, it is best to keep it in sight. |
| Powderpuff Crested has long hair over its entire body. | | | | Health Issues: The Chinese Crested is basically a very |
| Any color of hair will do with the Chinese Crested. | | | | healthy little dog. Perhaps the biggest health problem is |
| Oddly enough, both the Hairless and Powderpuff can | | | | its physical fragility. It is very easy for this dog to be |
| be born in the same litter. The Chinese Crested will live | | | | injured, either by falling off furniture, jumping out of your |
| for about 10 to 12 years. | | | | arms, or being sat upon when not observed. The |
| History: Despite its name, the Chinese Crested did not | | | | Hairless has problems with tooth decay and its |
| originate in China at all. The Chinese Crested was from | | | | sensitive skin must be given the protection of a |
| either Mexico or Africa to begin with. Regardless, | | | | sunscreen if the dog will be outside. May of these |
| Chinese trading ships landed on the coast of Africa | | | | dogs have an allergy to lanolin and wool. |
| and found the dogs there. As the crews needed | | | | Grooming: The Hairless Crested is, of course, the |
| something to help control vermin on the ships, they | | | | easiest of the two varieties to groom. It has so little |
| took the little dog aboard. The Chinese ships eventually | | | | hair that keeping what it has brushed is easy. The skin, |
| brought the dog to China, where the name was | | | | however, is sensitive and should be lightly rubbed with |
| established. | | | | a good oil to keep it healthy and supple. The |
| Temperament: The Chinese Crested is a very | | | | Powderpuff Crested will need to be brushed every |
| affectionate dog that loves to interact with its human | | | | day, however, to keep its coat from tangling. As both |
| companions. It is a loyal dog that should be given plenty | | | | kinds of Crested hardly shed, they are a good choice |
| of attention. This dog is fine with children except that | | | | for someone who might be suffering from allergies. |