Chinese Crested Health Testing & Genetics

Chinese Cresteds are generally healthy dogs with an average life expectancy of 15 years or more. Responsible breeders strive to eliminate genetic health diseases from their breeding program through testing and selective breeding. The following tests are recommended for Chinese Cresteds that are being used for breeding:

Canine Health Information Center (CHIC)
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) � Chinese Crested Survey
Paw Print Genetics 

ACCC Health & Genetics Mission

“The Mission of the ACCC Health & Genetics Committee is to set objectives and develop plans to protect and improve the health and welfare of the Chinese Crested”.

The Chinese Crested

a toy dog, fine-boned, elegant and graceful. . .

The Chinese Crested comes in two distinct varieties, the Hairless and the Powderpuff. The Powderpuff is covered in a soft and silky coat and the Hairless has hair on its head or “crest,” its feet or “socks” and its tail or “plume.”
Hairless and Powderpuff puppies are born in the same litter. If both parents are Powderpuffs, all of the puppies will be Powderpuffs but a Hairless Chinese Crested can produce either Hairless or Powderpuff puppies.

Chinese Crested Temperament

The Chinese Crested is a gay and alert dog that enjoys human companionship. They are funny little dogs that like to please their owners. If they find something that amuses you, they are likely to do it again to get your attention. Chinese Cresteds are said to be “cat-like” and enjoy sitting in high places like the back of a couch or the arm of a chair. Their activity level is medium to high but they enjoy quiet times with their family. They can adjust well to apartment living.

Chinese Cresteds learn quickly and can do well in various performance activities such as Agility, Obedience, Fly Ball, Lure Coursing and many other dog sports.

As with all breeds, the Chinese Crested needs early socialization. They should be exposed to many different environments, people and other pets when they are young. You can enroll your puppy in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® program to get off to a good start.

The website link is:

www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/akc-star-puppy/

Hairless Chinese Crested Skin Care

Hairless Chinese Crested’s skin may become sunburned. It is good for them to spend time outside on a sunny day but you may need to limit their exposure to the sun by providing shady areas, protective clothing and/or sunscreen. Some dogs are not as sensitive to the sun and others may build up a base tan towards the end of the summer so they do not burn as easily. In general, young puppies that have never been exposed to the sun will burn very quickly. If your dog is sunburned, use an after sun aloe lotion to help soothe the skin. If you are concerned about the severity of the sunburn, take the dog to a veterinarian.

Hairless Chinese Cresteds may get blackheads and acne. Most products that are used to treat and prevent acne in humans can also be used on the Hairless Chinese Crested. Prevention is the key. A weekly bath with a quality shampoo and conditioner, clean clothes and bedding, fresh water, a good diet, fresh air and exercise are essential. Resist the urge to squeeze pimples or blackheads. This can cause infections, scarring and discolor the skin. If the dog has severe breakouts, consult a veterinarian.

Chinese Crested Puppies

Ears on a Chinese Crested puppy are down and may require taping to strengthen and train the ears to stand upright. Improperly taped ears can lead to ear and skin infections. A new owner should not tape a puppy’s ears without proper instructions and guidance. The Crested ears must be erect for showing but a pet owner may decide to leave them down.

Grooming Your Chinese Crested

Puppies should be bathed as needed with a mild, puppy safe shampoo and kept warm and out of drafts until completely dry. Cresteds should be brushed regularly, especially the Powderpuff variety. Brush the Chinese Crested’s teeth regularly and provide appropriate chew toys. Have your veterinarian check his teeth yearly. Poorly maintained teeth may lead to other health problems. Clean ears with a cotton ball and mild ear cleaner made for dogs. If the inside of the ear is red, irritated, has a foul odor or a dark brown residue, have your dog checked by a veterinarian. Trim your Crested’s nails regularly. If you do not feel comfortable with this procedure, have your veterinarian or a groomer do it. Untrimmed nails can create splayed feet and make walking uncomfortable for your pet.

Grooming your Chinese Crested for AKC Conformation

Whether you have a Hairless or Powderpuff Chinese Crested, the members of the American Chinese Crested Club are eager to help you and your companion get off to a great start! Grooming your Chinese Crested for AKC Conformation shows is minimal—consisting of presenting a clean and neat appearance. Hair on the face and ears is permitted or may be trimmed (including shaving) in both varieties.

Activities

Regardless of what type of activities you choose, your Chinese Crested will be happy to simply be with you. If you are interested in participating in dog sports, the American Kennel Club provides a variety of events for owners and their dogs to participate in. Conformation shows can be a fun family activity with regular classes open to all as well as Junior Showmanship for the kids. Canine Good Citizen (CGC) is an award given to dogs who demonstrate basic manners and social skills and is a natural progression for graduates of the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® program. With continued training an interested owner of a Chinese Crested can also participate in many performance events such as Agility, Obedience, Rally, Tracking and Lure Coursing. Visit the AKC website for more information about nearby clubs offering training at www.akc.org

Responsible Dog Ownership

Along with proper feeding and care of your companion, if you are not going to show your dog in Conformation consider spaying or neutering. AKC encourages the exhibiting and competition of spayed/neutered dogs in all of its Companion Events. There may be several new events you might wish to explore with your companion, see the American Kennel Club website for this and other good information on many breeds:
www.akc.org

If you need to release your Chinese Crested 

In the future, should you find that you can no longer keep your Chinese Crested for any reason, contact the breeder you obtained your dog from to ask for their assistance. You can also go to our website for this and for more information about this special breed. Please visit the American Chinese Crested Club at:
www.chinesecrestedclub.info

The AKC Reunite® website for information about microchipping or tattooing your dog and the way home for lost pets at:
www.akcreunite.org

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (Funding research that helps dogs live longer healthier lives) at:
www.akcchf.org