CHINESE CRESTED

Although the name of the breed is very clear about its origin, there are quite a few theories about where the roots of the Chinese Crested Dog go. All, mainly due to the fact that hairless dogs in ancient times were found in different parts of the world, among other things, in North and South America, as well as in Asia. Some sources mention that hairless dogs appeared in China as early as 200 BC. - 220 AD, during the reign of the Han Dynasty. Breeders who were then breeding breedswere supposed to have a high social status. Primarily, Chinese Cresteds were bred for medicinal purposes - as heating pads, but unfortunately they were also fattened and bred as animals for slaughter. Thanks to the records of Chinese researchers Chiao Tai and Ming Tao, quite detailed information has been preserved about how hairless dogs appeared. Based on the found records, we know that two types of hairless dogs were bred at that time:

The Chinese crested dog in the form in which we are accustomed to seeing it today originated in America in the late 80s of the 19th century, as a result of crossing a hairless Mexican and Peruvian dog with various dwarf representatives of long-haired breeds, mostly with maltese. Of course, they did not take root there immediately, and even after many years they were rarely seen anywhere. For the first time, Chinese Crested Dogs were presented at a cynological exhibition on April 28, 1885. It was an exhibition at the Westminster Kennel Club, held at Madison Square Garden, featuring a single Chinese Crested Dog. Circumstances were favorable and this animal was noticed by journalist Ida Garrett, who was so fascinated by this breed that her interest in it grew into a passion, which later became the reason for breeding the breed and its appearance at exhibitions. When she met Deborah Wood in the 1920s, both girls immediately found a common language and from that moment began to breed the breed together. Dancer and singer Gypsy Rose Lee, a big fan of the Chinese Crested dog breed, helped make the breed more popular and her dog named Fu Manchu became the progenitor of many modern representatives of the breed.

Initially, dogs that did not have a documented pedigree took part in the breeding of the breed, it was Deborah Wood who began to keep books about her own selection in the Cross Haven kennel and brought out a type of Chinese crested, which in its appearance is very similar to modern representatives of the breed. In the 30s of the twentieth century, the first genealogical books originate, on the basis of which, twenty years later, registration of the breed was started. In 1959, she founded the Hairless Dog Club of America, also developed the first breed standard, and coined the term "puff" (or "Powder puff") for coats of the breed. After her death, in 1969, the secretary of the American Hairless Dog Club continued to maintain the pedigree books. It wasn't until 1979, when the American Chinese Crested Club was founded, that all breeding documentation for the breed was handed over to it.

In 1965, it was decided to limit the right to participate in exhibitions and recognize only those dog breeds, that are approved by a canine organization that issues pedigrees that are approved by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Dogs of the Chinese Crested breed were not included in this group and were crossed out. They were able to take part in the exhibition only after two decades, on February 1, 1986. For them, two arenas were installed: one for hairless dogs, and an arc for long-haired, also called powder puff. The American Kennel Club approved the final breed standard on June 12, 1990. This standard combined both varieties of the breed into one (hairless and coated dogs). Thanks to this, since February 1, 1991, the registration of this breed has become possible. In the 60s of the twentieth century, Chinese crested came from the United States to Great Britain, then to Germany and France. The first dogs of this breed came to Russia in the 90s of the twentieth century.

Chinese crested dogs are very hospitable, cheerful animals. You can often see how the dog seems to depict a smile. These little cheerful pets are very cheerful, they adore people and are very attached to the owner. This feature of the animal has become the reason that they are often called "Velcro", because they constantly follow their master and do not miss the opportunity to hug their beloved master.

Small Chinese crested cats are very similar to cats in their ability to climb. The owners of these pets claim that this cute creature never gets tired of playing and frolicking with children, as well as with other animals.

Small size, docile nature and the desire to please the owner, make the Chinese Crested an excellent dog for older people who have a lot of free time. Dogs of this breed love to be the center of attention, absorbing all the affection and tenderness of others.

Among the health problems that often arise with the health of these miniature dogs, progressive retinal atrophy is very common, which, eventually, can even lead to complete blindness. This suggests that dog owners need to regularly show their pet to an ophthalmologist.

Like most small breed dogs, Chinese Cresteds often suffer from dental problems. The main reason for this is the small size of the oral cavity. Diseases such as deafness, diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism (a condition in which the thyroid gland is unstable) often occur.

Quite often, allergic reactions occur that cause itching, dry skin, or even acne. Regular skin care is an important point in the overall care of the Chinese Crested, especially if we are talking about a hairless pet.