Interesting Facts Related to Chinese Crested Dog Breeders
Unlike many dog breeds, this breed’s name does not offer any information about its origin. In addition, may at times lend to confusion, for the Chinese Crested dog hails from Africa. It was here that this dog began its existence. Research shows that the Aztec people used them to warm their beds and, yes, as food. As many Chinese Crested dog breeders will attest, their original name was the African Hairless Terrier. When Chinese trade ships began stopping in Africa, they recognized these dogs as good ratters, so began to carry them on their ships. Eventually they changed their name to the Chinese Crested Dog.
The genetics of this dog is extremely interesting and maybe at times a little baffling. There are two types within the same breed of the Chinese Crested Dog. There are the hairless, meaning exactly that, although there are varying degrees of “hairlessness”. They range from the truly hairless to what is termed the ‘hairy hairless’. All of the hairless dogs have ‘socks’, a tail plume and hair on their head called the crest. Then there is the second type called the Powder-puff, which, of course has a coat. Chinese Crested dog breeders understand that the hairless gene is dominant and that the powder-puff gene is recessive. Moreover, they will tell you that any homozygous dog of the hairless gene will not develop; in fact, absorption of the embryo takes place. This happens in about one out of every four embryos. From the above information, one can infer that every Chinese Crested dog carries one trait for the hairless gene and one trait for the powder-puff gene.
Care for a Chinese Crested Dog is different from most breeds. To prevent matting of the coat, a powder-puff type will required frequent brushing, but they do not shed. The hairless has exposed skin that needs moisturizing with a good hypoallergenic cream. It is also necessary to apply sunscreen prior to sun exposure. Because the powder-puff type is born with a full set of healthier and stronger teeth than the hairless type, many Chinese Crested dog breeders are trying to focus breeding toward the betterment of dentition for the hairless Chinese Crested dog.
This fun loving dog is very intelligent, sweet and forms a strong bond with its owner. As with any breed, prior to purchasing this dog, talk with the Chinese Crested dog breeders about their personalities and needs. Make sure this will be a good fit for you and your situation. A Chinese Crested dog only grows to about twelve inches in height and weighs in at less than ten pounds. This and the fact that they are not prone to barking, makes them a great apartment dog. They do require daily exercise. However, does not require a yard, a daily long, energetic walk can be sufficient.
