Breed: Chinese Crested Dog
  
Description:
Toy group
Small
Ht: 11-13 in
Wt: 10 lb (average weight)

Temperament: affectionate, lively, never noisy or aggressive, tough, happy, playful.

This breed dates back to at least the early 1500s and perhaps even earlier. They appear to have come from China, although Spanish explorers found them in Mexico and in port cities of South and Central America. On Chinese ships they were used as ratters. This dog is now a companion animal. They are good with children, and are quite gentle. Due to this toy breed’s heavier weight (average is 10lbs), they are less breakable than other toy breeds; in other words, they are more hardy than some of the other, more delicate, toy dogs.

The Chinese Crested comes in two types: hairless and Powder Puff. The hairless variety has hair on its head, with a mane down its neck, on its tail and on its toes (socks). The Powder Puffs coat is medium to long and is soft and silky. The Powder Puff coat will be completely full when it reaches one year of age. The Hairless & skin can be solid or spotted. Hairless skin color: pink to black, mahogany, blue, lavender or copper. The Powder Puff coat color can be any color or combination. This breed does not shed. Grooming: moderate care needed for the Hairless variety, occasional brushing for the Power Puff variety.

The hairless variety should be bathed at least twice a week to keep the skin clean. A mild baby shampoo that is unscented and hypoallergenic is best. Their skin is similar to ours, and needs to be bathed more often than their coated cousins. Care must be taken to protect the skin from the elements, such as with a sweater in the cold winter months and either a T-shirt or sunscreen in the summer. Training: minimal obedience and socialization. They try their best to please their master. Housebreaking takes a bit more time and patience, (as is usually the case with all toy breeds). Exercise: minimal daily exercise. Great companion for the elderly. Perfect for families living in the city, or those in small homes, homes without a yard, or apartments. Should live indoors. The Chinese Crested Dog is good with pets and other dogs.