The Dog Breed Chinese Crested Dog or Chinese Naked Dog

The origins of the dog breed: Chinese crested dog or Chinese naked dog, are lost in the mists of time and there are several legends and myths about this breed. In fact, it is thought that the various breeds of naked dogs on earth are all descended from the same strain and that the warm climate in which they developed is the origin of the genetic mutation, so it is assumed that they originated in Africa, where they were spread around the world by humans during their movements.

There is no definite information about when this breed arrived in China, but it is known that these dogs already existed in the 1200s in these lands and were used to hunt mice on merchant ships. Later it is believed that they belonged to Chinese noble families where they were the guardians of household treasures, to the point of being bred by Han dynasty emperors.

But until the 1800s they were unknown in the rest of the world, and it was at this time that they became popular in Europe as well, thanks to the intervention of Iva Garret, a fancier of the breed who introduced them to the rest of the world, gaining particular acclaim in Britain and the United States.

The Chinese naked dog is one of the three breeds of naked dogs officially recognized by the FCI; there are many other types of naked dogs scattered around the world but they are not recognized as an official breed; by the way, this is the only breed to have the hairy variety recognized as well. In fact, it is not uncommon to have both naked and hairy dogs in the usual litter.

Despite its Chinese origins, this dog is currently almost unknown in China, while it is known and widespread in Europe and the United States. They are even found in cold countries such as Norway and Sweden. They are in all respects companion dogs, and because of the great variety of colors and textures, and it is difficult to find two similar dogs in this breed, so much so that it is said of the Chinese crested naked that it is one of a kind.

They are dogs suitable for 'show, agility, obedience, pet therapy.

Character of the dog breed Chinese crested dog or Chinese naked dog

The Chinese naked dog is a perfect companion and apartment dog, suitable for living with all families because it adapts quickly to any environment. It is small, docile and becomes very attached especially to its owner, from whom it struggles to detach itself. In fact, it is a dog that suffers a lot being alone, needs to be the center of attention and is also very obedient and protective of children. He hardly ever barks, so he is perfect for being in an apartment, he just needs company and to play a little. He is therefore suitable for families with children and also for elderly people.

He socializes easily with other dogs and other pets; the only problem in handling him is to take care of getting him constant exercise, as he has a tendency to get heavy despite his very slim constitution.

As for training, they are particularly sensitive and intelligent dogs; they learn very ion quickly and can understand commands and directions very quickly. With strangers they are never fearful or aggressive for no reason, they normally tend to avoid them.

Appearance of the dog breed Chinese crested dog or Chinese naked dog

The Chinese naked dog is a small breed, also called mini or toy because there are extremely small specimens in the Chinese naked. At the withers the height can range from 15 to 35 centimeters for a weight between 3 and 6 kilograms. The structure is fine and elegant, with a medium to fine bone structure. It is undoubtedly the most exotic and spectacular of the representatives of the canine species.

There are two distinct types of this breed: the deer type that has a fine bone structure and the cobby type that is heavier in body and bone structure. The gait is fast. The limbs are long and slender, the tail, attached high, carried high or horizontal in action. It is long and rather straight, tapering toward the end with a plume of long, flowing fur.

The head is smooth, without wrinkles, with well-defined cheeks and a pronounced stop. The ears are large and straight, with or without hair; on the furred variety they are sometimes found with drooping ears. The eyes are generally very dark and well spaced apart.

The special feature of this breed is precisely its coat. Generally the trunk is smooth and hairless, which are present only on the feet, head and tail. But in addition to the naked variety, the Chinese naked dog also has a hairy variety, whose coat is covered with a soft veil of hair that extends over the entire body. Its coat is particularly fluffy and voluminous because it consists of an undercoat and a veil of long hairs above.

The skin of the naked is fine-grained and soft and warm to the touch. On the head, the fur forms a long tuft that is one of the characteristic features of this breed. Its skin has small folds and its color varies according to the season: more pinkish in winter, in summer it has pigmentation with dark spots. Both types of specimens possess in powder puff gene, which is responsible for coat growth. Therefore, from two hairless specimens can be born one with a long coat, but the opposite can never happen.

Coat color has all possible shades of all colors, the most common being black, apricot, chocolate, cream, blue and tricolor.

Health and care of the dog breed Chinese crested dog or Chinese naked dog.

These specimens are not predisposed to particular diseases of hereditary nature, but they are more prone to certain diseases: closed auditory canals, immune deficiency, epilepsy, allergies.Another typical problem in toy breeds is dislocation of the kneecap.

Oral cavity disorders can then occur, due to the particular dentition of this breed. In fact, most of the teeth are pointed, and this could cause the onset of certain diseases.Therefore, it is necessary to regularly take care of the dog's oral hygiene and have regular specialist examinations. They have a fairly long average life expectancy of around 14 years.

As for coat care this requires time and patience, hairless specimens need frequent bathing, especially if they are outdoors a lot. In contrast, long-haired specimens also need to be brushed daily to avoid knots and eliminate dead hair.

It should also be considered in bare specimens that the skin lacks defenses against sun and heat, so it is good to avoid taking the dog outside during the hottest hours and to keep the skin hydrated.

Nutrition should be balanced and controlled to avoid overweight. Fresh foods or commercial products are equally indicated as long as they are of good quality.