by Carmel Brulez

Created on: November 27, 2009   Last Updated: November 28, 2009

DOG BREED: HAIRLESS CHINESE CRESTED

These dogs are wonderful little creatures, very affectionate, alert, friendly, loyal to their owner, obedient and trying to please you. For a small dog they have a huge personality. They are not neurotic, they do not bark and jump about constantly as other small dogs often do. They are not restless and constantly on the go. They are usually quiet and well-behaved and happy to sit with you watching television with you or walking obediently by your side when you take them for a walk.

There are not a lot of Chinese Cresteds about in comparison to some other breeds, they are very unusual. Some call them the ugliest dogs in the World. I have SEVEN Chinese Cresteds. One is a powderpuff, and these are very lively and playful, quite unlike the hairless in personality. You do have to groom them and clip them and bathe them regularly.

The hairless are more gentle and laid back, they mature at a younger age and act more gracefully than the powder puffs. They are much more likely to be found curled up on their owner's lap or trotting about calmly and quietly and less likely to make a mess, pull things out of cupboards and bins or do anything which is disobedient and unwanted. They do enjoy chewing a bone if you give it to them but they are not in the habit of helping themselves to things. If you prefer to have a scatty dog or a dog which is a bit of a handful then the Chinese Crested hairless is not for you.

You also have the advantage with the hairless that they only have a crest of hair on their head and at the end of their tail and bottom of their feet, so they do not need much grooming or bathing and they are much less likely to get fleas... even if they do it is very easy to get rid of them when they are only on a tiny patch of hair! Just give them a quick spray with a good flea spray and the problem is solved. During the winter it is a good idea to make sure that your hairless Crested wears a warm jacket because they do feel the cold, being hairless and if they are running around amongst rose bushes they should wear a coat to protect them from being scratched. Without this coat they can end up with some nasty long scratches on their back.

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