The Chinese Crested is a small breed of dog that is believed to have originated in China, where they were bred as companions and for hunting rodents on ships. The breed has two variations: the Hairless variety and the Powderpuff variety. They are known for their distinctive appearance which sets them apart from other breeds.
Physical Description:
Chinese Crested dogs vary greatly in size, but typically stand between 11-13 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 8-12 pounds. The Hairless variation lacks fur except on certain parts of its body such as its paws, head, and tail while the Powderpuff variation has soft silky hair throughout their body. Their eyes can be any color and are almond shaped with black rims around them.
Temperament:
These dogs are friendly by nature; they love to cuddle with people especially their owners whom they form strong bonds with due to their loyalty. They tend to be reserved or even timid towards strangers at first but once accustomed become friendly too. Due to these traits, they make great family pets but require adequate socialization training before interacting with children or other household pets like cats or birds.
Health Problems:
Like all dog breeds, Chinese Cresteds also have some health issues including eye problems (such as glaucoma), tooth decay (which may result in loss of teeth if not taken care of properly), joint problems which might cause discomfort when running/jumping around etc., allergies that could lead up into skin infections.
Regular visits to your veterinarian can help identify potential health risks early enough.
Exercise:
Despite being small sized dogs, this breed requires regular exercise routines such as going for walks or light jogs daily together with indoor playtime activities like chasing after toys provided by its owner.This will assist maintenance healthy weight levels hence prolonging lifespan expectancy
Special Grooming Needs:
Due to lack of fur covering most parts i.e hairlessness among Hairless type varieties, they require extensive maintenance routines including moisturizing of skin to prevent dryness or flaking, regular ear cleaning and trimming fur covering sensitive areas. For the Powderpuff varieties,daily brushing is necessary to maintain tangle-free and healthy coats.
Training:
Chinese Cresteds are intelligent breed that can be easily trained through obedience training methods using positive reinforcement techniques such as reward-based systems comprising treats and praises.Toilet-training should commence early on when dog arrives in their new home environment.
Compatibility with children/pets:
Due to friendly nature,the Chinese Crested gets along well with both children and other household pets provided proper socialization has been done before hand.Always supervise playtime between younger children/pets as there may still exist potential danger risks hence chance for accidents happening.
Personality Quirks:
The Chinese Crested exhibits unique personality quirks like being attention seekers (needing constant companionship), occasionally developing separation anxiety issues(when left alone). They also tend to burrow themselves under covers whenever cold weather kicks in which may become a habit without intervention at an earlier age
Famous Examples:
Chinese Cresteds have appeared in many TV shows,films & advertizements over the years;some popular ones include Sassafras Lowrey’s book ‘Tricks in the city’,Gidget from Taco Bell campaign. Celebrities including Brooke Shields,Billie Eilish,Kristen Chenoweth among others have owned this breed.
In conclusion, The Chinese Crested dog provides great company owing its easy-going temperament making it ideal family pet although some special care & adequate grooming needs must be adhered too hence owners who love spending time around dogs would definitely enjoy keeping one!