Are you thinking about owning a Chinese Crested dog? It’s surprising how many people have no idea what a Chinese Crested dog is. This small, hairless beauty stands as one of the most exotic and unique dog breeds in the world. With its feathered hair on its head, tail, and paws, the Chinese Crested sure stands out in a crowd!
However, owning a Chinese Crested dog requires more than just an eye for aesthetics. So, before inviting this unique creature to your home, you might want to ask, “Is a Chinese Crested a difficult dog to handle?”
Hang on to that question, we’ll delve into that in a bit.
Chinese Crested don’t just have a distinctive look; they also have a fascinating history. Originally descended from African hairless dogs, this breed was significantly reduced in size by Chinese breeders. Sailors on Chinese merchant ships in the mid-16th century were fascinated by these canine oddities. They began to trade for them and bring them back to their home ports in Europe, and thus their popularity slowly spread across the world.
Okay, let’s hit the pause button on the history lesson and delve into the real issue at hand. Is the Chinese Crested a difficult dog? As adorable, attention-stealing, and captivating as this breed may be, it would be best if you were prepared for what you are getting into.
First things first, one aspect that is often overlooked when it comes to caring for Chinese Crested dogs is their vulnerability to temperature changes due to their lack of fur. Because they lack the protective hair coverage that other dogs have, you need to be attentive to temperature changes, especially in colder climates. For instance, when taking your dog for a winter walk, you might need to dress them in a doggy coat or sweater. Likewise, during hotter periods, sunscreen cream tailored for dogs may be needed to protect their skin from sunburn. If you live in a region with extreme weather conditions, the Chinese Crested may not be an easy match.
Another important factor to consider is grooming. Though Chinese Crested dogs lack hair on most of their bodies, the areas where they do have hair – the head (or “crest”), tail (“plume”) and paws (“socks”) – need regular grooming. Proper grooming ensures their skin remains healthy and their hair does not become matted. This grooming process is not difficult per se, but it requires time and commitment from the owner.
Now let’s talk about their health. The Chinese Crested breed, like other small dog breeds, can suffer from a number of genetic health problems, including dental issues, eye diseases, and certain skin conditions. Regular check-ups and early preventative measures can help to manage these issues. You, as an owner, should be prepared to handle these potential health problems and the costs associated with them.
Moving on to their behavior. The Chinese Crested dogs are known to be loving, responsive, and sociable, a good fit for families and individuals alike. However, they also have been known to have a stubborn streak that requires consistent, positive training methods. They are intelligent and quick to learn but need patient and encouraging trainers. Therefore, if you are a first-time dog owner or lack sufficient time to put into training, the Chinese Crested might prove a bit challenging to handle.
Despite these challenges, the Chinese Crested breed has many positive traits that can outweigh their difficulties. They are incredibly loving, friendly, and loyal, making them perfect companions. They aren’t excessively active and can comfortably fit into apartment living conditions. Their exotic and unique appearance is also a head-turner, and they are bound to attract attention and admiration wherever they go.
In summary, a Chinese Crested can be a challenging pet to own, especially when considering their specific grooming and health needs. However, with the right amount of care, commitment, and with a supportive, loving home environment, a Chinese Crested can make an excellent family pet. The most critical point to remember is that they’re not just an intriguing novelty; they are loyal, loving, playful beings that deserve the best care a dog owner can provide. Such preparation and understanding will undoubtedly lead to a rewarding relationship between you and your Chinese Crested.
