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Chinese Crested Hairless – A Closer Look
Can it be that this dog is actually without hair! Well, yes it can. In fact, the bare areas of their bodies feel almost like human skin. With flowing hair on their heads and neck, feet and tail, they really do look like little ponies.
The Chinese Crested is in the Toy Group as categorized by AKC. These are the small breeds whose basic purpose are to be companion pets. The Chinese Crested averages about ten pounds and stands about twelve inches at the shoulder. They are an active little dog with big hearts for their families. They are intelligent and can be manipulative. They love most human activities and other animals, but do best if well socialized at an early age. My personal experiences have been that they are fairly easy to train for a small breed. That includes housebreaking as well as other activities associated with an obedient and well mannered companion. Now all this said if this sounds like a breed for you, do consider the Chinese Crested. The Chinese Crested is one of the oldest breeds in existence. They can trace their earliest times back with other hairless breeds lesser known today. Evidence traces the origin of these breeds as a species to Central America. It was felt they found their way to China via the extensive trade routes that were present during the sixteenth century. In the early 1990’s, The American Kennel Club recognized the Chinese Crested as a separate breed, establishing stud records and opening their avenue for competition at licensed dog shows. Over the decade that has followed, the hairless Chinese Crested has evolved into the examples we see today. One characteristic that made the hairless Chinese Crested so attractive in the show ring was the long furnishings it exhibited naturally. Originally the furnishings were confined to just the crown of the head, feet and lower portion of the tail. Breeders and exhibitors through selective breeding over the years have felt the necessity to further embellish the furnishings. Today the beautifully furnished dog we see in the show ring is a far cry from the original hairless of ancient times. Unfortunately this has not come without a price.
Today we often hear the terms “true” verses “hairy” hairless. In order to achieve the extensive furnishings prized by show exhibitors and breeders, the hairless also now displays much more body hair than his ancestors. The range of hair in the “hairy hairless” can include hair running the entire spine and up the legs to complete body coverage resembling a powderpuff. This excessive body hair is removed before exhibition. So our seemingly carefree hairless has evolved into somewhat of a grooming nightmare, especially for the unassuming pet owner!
The Crested comes in a wide variety of colors. The preference for which is as great as the variety itself. There are some fundamental considerations that the companion owner should keep in mind during selection. The most basic of the colors and patterns appears to be the dark chocolate brown color (slate) with blonde furnishings. Usually there is white present in varying amounts. Large amounts of white can produce a Crested that can be almost totally white or perhaps with darker spots similar to a Dalmatian.
So let’s talk a bit about care. Remembering the skin of the hairless is similar to our skin, I advise folks to consider it as such when caring for it. First and foremost the skin needs to be kept clean. For some, moisturizers can be added to keep the skin supple. Acne can be an issue especially during hormonal changes. And just as with us …you are what you eat. A good premium dog food increases the health of the skin and should reduce the extreme issues in skin care. One further thought to consider is that the hairless will also tan (or sunburn) just like we do. Sunscreens should be used especially on the light colored dogs. The darker hairless will quickly build a tan through exposure. Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of the hairless is dentition. The teeth of the Chinese Crested hairless are often an overwhelming sight to the first time observer. As with many small breeds there is often incomplete dentition. Adult teeth may not develop. The canine teeth or eye teeth, as commonly called, are also quite unique. They are shaped much like an elephant’s tusk and lean forward in the mouth. Consequently the alignment of the front teeth (incisors), are less than perfect. Personal advice to the pet owner is to keep the teeth as healthy as possible …good nutrition and frequent cleaning should be a priority. I have heard several comments over the years in regards to the hairless. None of these have I ever substantiated with personal experience. First, I have never found a hairless with any adverse reaction to wool. My Cresteds frequently wear clothes especially in the cool days of winter. Keep in mind that these clothes need frequent changing and washing, just as you would your clothes. Second, the body temperature of hairless is not higher than the coated dogs. They do feel warmer to our touch because the dog’s temperature is a few degrees higher than our own and they have no body hair to insulate it from our touch. The hairless Chinese Crested is a most unique and intriguing little creature. He definitely is not for everyone, but if this sounds like something you would enjoy spending your companion hours with do take a closer look.
However if all this sounds like a bit much, you might like to consider the delightful little counterpart with hair …the powderpuff.
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