Chinese Crested Dog Hairy Hairless: A Breed Apart
Imagine a small, lively friend with tufts of hair on their heads, ankles, and tails, defying conventional expectations. These cute dogs, which are called “hairy hairless” Chinese Cresteds, add even more charm to a breed that is already very interesting. Get ready to learn more about the Chinese Crested breed, with a focus on their beautiful “hairy hairless” aspects.
Distinctive Features and Varieties
The Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: the hairless and the coated, affectionately known as the ‘powderpuff.’ The hairless variety boasts smooth, soft skin with tufts of hair on the head, tail, and ankles. On the other hand, the powderpuff is adorned with a soft, silky coat.
Picture two siblings born in the same litter – one sporting a sleek, hairless appearance with a gentle crest on the head, tail, and legs, while the other proudly displays a luscious, voluminous coat reminiscent of a fluffy cloud.
Hairless Chinese Crested
The Hairless Chinese Crested is a real attention-grabber. Imagine a tiny creature adorned with wisps of hair on its head, ankles, and tail, while the rest remains untouched. Oh, it’s incredibly smooth. Some people refer to them as “hairy hairless” – a distinct group that can grow a nearly-full coat if not altered. Picture a fragile being with a subtle layer of fuzz, rendering them an intriguing enigma in the realm of canine varieties.
Hairy Chinese Crested Dog
Alternatively, we have the Powderpuff Chinese Crested, which features a double coat that is incredibly soft and delicate. Imagine a delightful companion with luxuriously long, flowing hair, exuding an air of grace and sophistication. These siblings, born in the same litter, have completely contrasting appearances – one has a sleek and bald look, while the other boasts a luxurious mane of silky hair.
Despite the difference in coat, both varieties share fine-boned elegance and graceful movement. Playful, loving, and devoted, Cresteds are as fun-loving as their appearance suggests, making them ideal family members.
Size and Lifespan
This delightful breed, with a height ranging from 11 to 13 inches and a weight between 8 to 12 pounds, fits snugly into the toy category. Remarkably, Chinese Cresteds have an impressive life expectancy of 13 to 18 years, promising years of joy and companionship for their lucky owners.
Traits & Characteristics of Chinese Cresteds
- Affectionate with Family: The Chinese Crested is known for its affectionate nature, forming strong bonds with family members. Whether it’s an intimate moment with its owner or spreading love to everyone in the household, these dogs thrive on companionship.
- Good with Young Children: While not recommended for very young children, Cresteds display tolerance and patience suitable for families with older kids. Supervision is key, ensuring a harmonious interaction between the dog and children.
- Good with Other Dogs: Caution is advised when introducing Cresteds to other dogs, highlighting the importance of supervision. However, their generally friendly disposition can foster positive relationships with fellow canine companions.
Beauty Within Chinese Crested Dog Hairy Hairless
This small and fine-boned breed embodies elegance, standing at an average height of 11 to 13 inches and weighing in at 10–13 lbs. The almond-shaped eyes and erect ears complement the breed’s overall grace. Remarkably, the Chinese Crested dog hairy hairless defies a color standard, allowing a diverse palette to contribute to its captivating appearance.
Upon first glance, Chinese Crested dog hairy hairless variations might seem like distinct breeds. However, the allure lies in the incomplete dominant trait of hairlessness within this single breed. The hairless variety flaunts soft, humanlike skin adorned with tufts on paws and tail, as well as a distinctive “crest” on the head. Strikingly, the hairless gene, while dominant, has a prenatal lethal effect when homozygous, ensuring all hairless Chinese Crested Dogs are heterozygous.
A Journey Through Time
The origins of the Chinese Crested Dog weave a tale spanning continents and centuries. While hairless dogs have been discovered worldwide, the breed’s roots are thought to lie in Africa or, more likely, Mexico. Spanish, British, French, and Portuguese explorers encountered these dogs in various parts of the world, contributing to their global presence.
In the 1950s, dedicated breeders like Debora Wood and Gypsy Rose Lee played pivotal roles in shaping the modern Chinese Crested Dog. The American Hairless Dog Club, founded by Wood, eventually merged into the American Chinese Crested Club, the breed’s US parent club when it gained AKC recognition in 1991.
Colors and Markings
The Chinese Crested showcases a spectrum of colors, from apricot and black to pink and slate. Markings like spots and white markings contribute to the breed’s unique appearance, adding to the charm of these distinctive dogs.
Grooming Hairy Hairless Chinese Crested Dog
Both varieties require specific grooming routines. The powderpuff boasts a double, soft, straight coat that, while not continuously growing, can reach impressive lengths. Regular bathing and brushing prevent matting, and a light spray of water or grooming spray is recommended before brushing. Many opt for a “pony cut” for easy maintenance. Notably, powderpuffs are known for their cleanliness and lack of odor.
Maintaining the skin of the hairless variety parallels human skin care, requiring attention to avoid issues like acne, dryness, and sunburn. Hypoallergenic moisturizing cream, sunscreen, and even baby sunscreen are essential to keep their exposed skin healthy. Regular trimming or shaving helps manage excess hair growth.
Care and Health Considerations
While powderpuffs are generally not affected by many congenital diseases found in other toy breeds, they are prone to specific conditions such as lens luxation, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, luxating patellas, and Legg-Perthes disease. Dental health is crucial, with powderpuffs expected to have full dentition.
Eye problems like primary lens luxation and progressive retinal atrophy are monitored, with genetic tests revealing carrier status. The breed also faces challenges such as dry eye syndrome. Patellar luxation, a common issue in toy breeds, is prevalent, emphasizing the importance of regular health check-ups and certifications.
Exercise and Training
Powderpuffs, despite not being a high-energy breed, enjoy daily outdoor exercise. Their intelligence makes them adept at obedience-type sports, with consistency being key. This breed, known for its sensitivity, responds well to gentle training. Powderpuffs showcase their intelligence and agility in learning and performing tricks.
Nutrition
A high-quality dog food appropriate to the dog’s age and size, coupled with a watchful eye on calorie consumption, ensures the Chinese Crested maintains a healthy weight. Treats should be given sparingly, and owners should be aware of safe human foods for dogs.
Breeding Insights
The fascinating genetics within the Chinese Crested Dog add layers of complexity. The hairless allele, a dominant trait, contrasts with the recessive powderpuff allele. Every Chinese Crested Dog carries at least one copy of the powderpuff allele, ensuring the perpetuation of this endearing trait.
Final Words
In conclusion, the Chinese Crested Dog hairy hairless , with its blend of elegance, quirkiness, and rich history, stands as a testament to the captivating diversity within the world of canine companions. Whether hairless or coated, these dogs offer not only a unique aesthetic but also a loving and entertaining presence to those fortunate enough to share their lives with them.
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