There’s an ancient myth that suggests once upon a time, Chinese noblewomen used tiny dogs to keep themselves warm. The dogs, supposedly, would be tucked into the wide sleeves of their robes or placed into their beds to function as furry little hot water bottles. This quirky and fascinating legend is associated with none other than the Chinese Crested dog – a unique, hairless breed that’s as misunderstood as it is uncommon.
Think about the Chinese Crested and the images of hairless bodies, tufts of fur on head, tail, and paws, and a Queen of the World attitude come to mind. Many might even envision them as elite, diva-ish dogs draped in designer duds and carried around in posh bags by Hollywood celebs. However, beneath these typical stereotypes lurk intriguing questions: Is the Chinese Crested aggressive? Is it just a high-maintenance lap dog, or is there more to this breed than meets the eye?
By diving into the depths of this individualistic breed, we’ll take a closer look at the temperament, behaviorism, and overall personality of these dogs. Understanding these traits will help potential owners make informed decisions while also helping existing owners fetch a few solutions to challenges they might be facing. Let’s begin.
Tackling the primary query, “Is the Chinese Crested aggressive?” the response broadly is: No. However, like all dogs, Chinese Cresteds have their individual personalities, and a lot rests on upbringing, socialization, and overall environment. If adequately trained and nurtured, these dogs are known to be affectionate, friendly, and great with their human families. However, they can sometimes be wary or suspicious of strangers and might bark to alert their family members – a behavior more linked to their protective nature rather than aggression.
Chinese Crested dogs are intelligent, quick learners, which makes them relatively easy to train. They need firm, consistent, but gentle handling as they don’t respond well to harsh punishment, and such treatments could lead to distinctly shy or, at times, slightly aggressive behavior due to fear or insecurity. This caution brings us to the second tip for existing or aspiring Chinese Crested dog owners – always practice patience and kindness when dealing with these dogs.
Despite being small in size, these little guys love to play. They enjoy participating in agility games and have an inherent athletic streak. Therefore, it’s essential to provide them with physical and mental stimulation, thus ensuring that they don’t resort to nuisance behavior or aggression due to boredom or inactivity. Consequently, lead a balanced lifestyle that includes ample exercise, brain-stimulating activities, and ample chill-out sessions with your Chinese Crested.
You’d be surprised to know that Chinese Cresteds also have a strong instinct for digging! While it might seem adorable at first, it could sometimes lead to destructive behavior, especially if they’re left alone for long periods. However, instead of discouragement or reprimanding, direct this curiosity towards constructive outlets. For instance, provide them with designated digging areas in your yard, or invest in nose-work toys.
Due to their hairless nature, Chinese Cresteds are more prone to skin issues compared to other breeds. Hence, good hygiene practices and a well-balanced diet are central to their good-natured behavior and overall well-being. Therefore, always keep your dog’s health in check as an unhealthy, uncomfortable dog could exhibit signs of aggression.
Moving on to their social behavior, rumors might have you believe that Chinese Cresteds are loners and jealous dogs, especially around children or other pets. However, with early socialization and proper training, they can coexist happily with other household animals and can also be great companions for respectful, older children. Teaching your kids the importance of being gentle and considerate towards the pup will ensure a healthy, aggression-free relationship.
In conclusion, the Chinese Crested breed is generally warm, loving, and great companions. They aren’t inherently aggressive, but, like with all breeds, early socialization, consistent training, a healthy lifestyle, and encountering love and respect are key to ensure that they remain friendly and well-adjusted members of your family. Therefore, if you’re considering getting a Chinese Crested, remember that behind the tufted hair and toothy grin, lies a world full of love, loyalty, and a sense of companionship that’ll redefine the dog-human bond!
