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Chinese Crested Powderpuffs – A Closer Look
So you’re not exactly sure that a dog without hair is right for you. You are not alone …at least as an initial response. That concept often takes some getting use to! But in the mean time you might consider the powderpuff. I think it just might be one of the best kept secrets in the dog world. 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. You can have it all …including hair! The powderpuffs are born in the same litters as their hairless counterparts! Powderpuffs are bred with hairless and both types of pups can result. Hairless are bred with hairless and both types of pups can result. They are exactly the same in all regards physically except the powderpuff has hair. They both are evaluated against the same breed standard except for allowance for the full coat on the puff. One other point might be noted. The powderpuff is also expected to have full dentition and a scissor or level bite …in other words a fairly “normal” bite. The powderpuff is also considered by some to have the more laid-back and easy-going temperament of the two types. Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons for choosing a powderpuff over a hairless is exactly the obvious …the coat! Most folks consider the issue of grooming when choosing a companion pet. There is very little easier to maintain than a powderpuff’s coat. They are the original “Benji”. The coat grows to a length which outlines the body but does not touch the floor. It does not have to be shaved, scissored or plucked. The natural look is preferred over excessive grooming even in the show ring. If one chooses to keep the muzzle and/or ears shaved, that can be done. It is not however, a requirement.
That also addresses the choice of an erect or down ear. Again the choice is up to the individual pet owner. If the ear is to stand erect as an adult, generally the ear has to be supported as a puppy until the ear has strength enough to stand up alone. This often involves shaving the ears during this period to remove any additional weight. Dogs in our country are shown with their ears erect. The powderpuffs in England and the Continent can have down ears in the show ring. So you can see that the choice is pretty much a personal one.
The powderpuff coat has little undercoat. An occasional comb through and bath will keep the powderpuff in good condition with little extra effort. We usually include a crème rinse when bathing. This adds to the ease in combing between baths. I guess you would have to consider them truly wash-n-wear!
Some families have been attracted to the Chinese Crested hairless because of the issue of allergies. Logic would indicate that no hair would reduce the reactions to dog allergies. I might also add that the powderpuff though not hairless does have a minimum of shedding, especially compared to many coated dogs. The fact that there is little undercoat and the relative ease in grooming should reduce the allergy issue significantly. So do take a good look at the little characters with hair. Perhaps this version of the Chinese Crested is meant for you.
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