Anyone have a Chinese Crested Dog?

[roliepolieoliefan]

I'm looking for a small non shedding pup for my DD (9).
I've had collies for years. Yep the total opposite of a Chinese crested.
I've showed and taught obedience classes so I know general dog care.

I've read a lot about the breed. It sounds like what we're looking for. But just wanted some insight from someone who may have one.

DD loves the collies. But she wants a small pup she can carry around and take care of . The collies are attached to me and are mine so to speak.

I'm welcome to any info good and bad.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I think Pakey does.

 

[Pakey]

Thanks Pea, yes I have two Chinese Cresteds, a male hairy hairless and a female very hairless. One is 8 and one is 7; they are not related.

What exactly are you wanting to know about this breed? Grooming is easy but skin care is not. They have lots of blackheads that must be taken care of. Both of them have skin issues and allergies. Both have digestive issues and I'm constantly trying to find foods that don't bother their skin or stomach! They are allergic to grains and potato. They are also allergic to wool and lanolin so I have to watch shampoos and lotions.

The breed is known to have chronic dry eye. Before you get one, have it tested-it's genetic. My rescue (male) had one and after years of seeing an opthamologjst, he lost one eye. I spent thousands trying to save the eye and keep him from feeling discomfort.

They also have teeth problems so teeth cleaning is critical. Most will lose their teeth as the age even with excellent dental care.

As far as temperament, neither are fond of children. In fact my rescue could not go to a home with children. Both are skittish; one much worse than the other. This is not a breed that likes to be left alone. Both of mine are loyal to one person and not very interested in anyone else. To the one receiving that loyalty, they are very loving.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

I know that you didnt ask but I have a toy poodle that does not shed and she is the most loving little thing in the world. My kids have dressed her up and pushed her in strollers and everything else with her and she just takes it. She has never snapped at them once. We have has her for nine years and the kids still adore her. I think they are good dogs for people with allergies.

She has been very healthy. She does have an occasional ear infection, normally just after being groomed, so we have learned to put drops in her ear just after to dry them out to prevent that. Other than that our only expense has been regular check ups and grooming visits.

Ours is red in color and her name is Libby Lu.

 

[sms]

I agree with the poodle. My brother has one and she is great and so sweet. My nephew has really bad allergies to animals but has no problem with their poodle or with my chihuahua.

 

[irishsymphony]

Out of curiousity, have you looked into seeing if a Bichon Frise would suit your family?

 

[kacaju]

I'm looking for a small non shedding pup for my DD (9).
I've had collies for years. Yep the total opposite of a Chinese crested.
I've showed and taught obedience classes so I know general dog care.

I've read a lot about the breed. It sounds like what we're looking for. But just wanted some insight from someone who may have one.

DD loves the collies. But she wants a small pup she can carry around and take care of . The collies are attached to me and are mine so to speak.

I'm welcome to any info good and bad.

hahaha...as you know we have collies and I have fallen in love with a Chinese crested at our handling class. I think they are cute little dogs...I always said my *go to* old lady dog was a Boston....but recently I have been thinking more of the Cresteds!!

Edited to add..the one I see at class is handled by a child ad they work great together....You know dogs....I would get one for your dd.

 

[ilovepcot]

Another big fan of the TOY POODLE. Have had one consistently since 1970 and hope to never experience a day without one.

 

[yoopermom]

What about a Xolo, instead? Here's a link to their rescue page:
http://www.xolorescueusa.org/
I have not had a lot of interaction with the smallest variety, but the larger ones are very interesting, rather primitive, but hardy.

My second choice would be a (well bred) Poodle.

I have had multiple breeds as well, and just don't know if I could make a commitment to a breed who has as many known genetic issues as a Chinese Crested.

Good luck in your search!

Terri

 

[Wendy31]

Everything that Pakey said about Chinese Crested dogs would worry me. I've also read that they're not always great with children.

We have a Keeshond who is wonderful, but he's a medium-sized dog. He's sweet, very patient w/ the kids, & a good "barking" watch dog. He's also relatively low maintenance - even w/ all his hair, he requires minimum bathing (too much bathing actually damages his fur) & grooming. He's also not a high energy dog & loves just being w/ us. On the dog's intelligent scale, a Keeshond ties w/ a Collie at #16. At the time we got him, our younger son was 2, & we wanted a sturdier breed. Also, DH prefers medium dogs to the smaller breeds.

For smaller dogs, I would probably consider a Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, Japanese Chin, King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Papillon, Poodle, or a Yorkshire Terrier.

My cousin's family has a Coton de Tulear. He's small, white, cute, & fluffy, & he's a wonderful companion to her son. Her son has allergies & some other health problems as well, & he has no problem w/ the dog. He's very friendly & sociable as well, which is, I think, a common trait to the breed.

My niece has a Yorkshire Terrier, & he's absolutely adorable!! So, so sweet! My niece just had a baby, & they were a little worried about how he would handle a new baby because he (the Yorkie) was so used to being "the baby," but he's done wonderfully.

My hairdresser has 2 Japanese Chins, & she loves them! They are supposed to be friendly little dogs too.

Older son's karate instructor's wife has 2 Papillons,& they're really cute! They're so friendly & lovable!

The Japanese Chin & Papillon are small & have a distinct "look" to them as well - not quite as distinct as the Chinese Crested, though.

The Bichon Frise, Havanese, & Poodle are supposed to be good small dogs too - good w/ children & in families.

I adore the King Charles Cavalier spaniels - they look so sweet. But, from what I've read, they can have some health problems & shorter little lives.

 

[kacaju]

I would take a crested before a Xolo. We see them at shows.. and I do not think they are cute at all. Cresteds are cute!!

 

[yoopermom]

I would take a crested before a Xolo. We see them at shows.. and I do not think they are cute at all. Cresteds are cute!!

Not that they need me to defend them, but I was going by the fact that the OP seems to want a small, hairless, genetically stable dog in which case the xolo would be a better fit, that's all. My DH (Mr Big Strong He Man) finds ALL the small hairless breeds terribly frightening, and would run screaming like a little girl if I ever brought one home .

Terri

 

[Pakey]

I don't know how cute she is but Paris Hairless Hilton is a pill. Here she is sulking because I put a cute pink shirt on her. She stayed like this until I took the shirt back off.

This is Andy before he lost his right eye. He's had a lot of medical issues; probably caused by his inability to stay out of things he's not supposed to have.

 

[Robbi]

Everything that Pakey said about Chinese Crested dogs would worry me. I've also read that they're not always great with children.

We have a Keeshond who is wonderful, but he's a medium-sized dog. He's sweet, very patient w/ the kids, & a good "barking" watch dog. He's also relatively low maintenance - even w/ all his hair, he requires minimum bathing (too much bathing actually damages his fur) & grooming. He's also not a high energy dog & loves just being w/ us. On the dog's intelligent scale, a Keeshond ties w/ a Collie at #16. At the time we got him, our younger son was 2, & we wanted a sturdier breed. Also, DH prefers medium dogs to the smaller breeds.

For smaller dogs, I would probably consider a Bichon Frise, Coton de Tulear, Japanese Chin, King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Papillon, Poodle, or a Yorkshire Terrier.

My cousin's family has a Coton de Tulear. He's small, white, cute, & fluffy, & he's a wonderful companion to her son. Her son has allergies & some other health problems as well, & he has no problem w/ the dog. He's very friendly & sociable as well, which is, I think, a common trait to the breed.

My niece has a Yorkshire Terrier, & he's absolutely adorable!! So, so sweet! My niece just had a baby, & they were a little worried about how he would handle a new baby because he (the Yorkie) was so used to being "the baby," but he's done wonderfully.

My hairdresser has 2 Japanese Chins, & she loves them! They are supposed to be friendly little dogs too.

Older son's karate instructor's wife has 2 Papillons,& they're really cute! They're so friendly & lovable!

The Japanese Chin & Papillon are small & have a distinct "look" to them as well - not quite as distinct as the Chinese Crested, though.

The Bichon Frise, Havanese, & Poodle are supposed to be good small dogs too - good w/ children & in families.

I adore the King Charles Cavalier spaniels - they look so sweet. But, from what I've read, they can have some health problems & shorter little lives.

We have a Japanese Chin. He's 12 yo and has always been the sweetest dog! Rox never barks unless a stranger comes to the door. He's been the perfect family member. Rox has never had a health problem until the last year. We switched him to canned food and he's doing great. The Chin is an excellent dog for anyone who wants a laid back furry friend who loves their family.

 

[abdmom]

I've had a poodle, 2 Bichons and 2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

My favorite breed is the Cavalier King Charles. They're not the brightest bulbs in the bunch, but they're very sweet, extremely obedient and friendly to everyone. Their average lifespan is 10 years. My first one lived to 10 years, 1 month. My second one is 4 years, 6 months.

Bichons are too willful for their own good. They like garbage. They will find their way into any garbage can. My current Bichon has given himself pancreatitis, partially because of his predeliction for garbage. I had bought him a special low fat food once he was diagnosed. Then one day, about a week after starting the expensive low fat food, my cleaning lady found him with his head stuffed in a large jar of peanut butter. I'm not spending any more on low fat food for a dog with a death wish. He's 9 years old and still needs to be crated at night. My first Bichon attacked a jar of parmesan cheese one day when I wasn't home. Parmesan cheese makes you thirsty. If you drink a lot of water, you have to go ...... Luckily, my house didn't have carpets at the time.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

I don't know how cute she is but Paris Hairless Hilton is a pill. Here she is sulking because I put a cute pink shirt on her. She stayed like this until I took the shirt back off.

This is Andy before he lost his right eye. He's had a lot of medical issues; probably caused by his inability to stay out of things he's not supposed to have.

Love them. And yes they are so very cute!

Now see everything I read said this breed is good with kids? Is Paris a rescue too or have you had her from a pup? I do worry about all the genetic issues you have mentioned.

The majority of little dogs always seem so yappy. Thats what has steered me away from yorkies and poodles.
I loved that the Chinese crested is loyal to its owner. My DD would love that. The breeder I contacted shows in performance and confirmation so I figured if DD wanted to try her hand at agility this may also be a good breed.

Are there any special precautions or skin care for the hairless type?
I did read about the dental issues? Is brushing enough or is regular vet cleaning required also?

I don't need a hypoallergenic dog. I have 2 very hairy collies. I just didnt want to add any more hair to the pup household.

Are the allergy and digestive issues known to this breed?

My one collie has belly issues but most collies don't thats why I'm asking.

Thx luv the pics!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Another big fan of the TOY POODLE. Have had one consistently since 1970 and hope to never experience a day without one.

That's how I feel about my Shepherds.

 

[Pakey]

Love them. And yes they are so very cute!

Now see everything I read said this breed is good with kids? Is Paris a rescue too or have you had her from a pup? I do worry about all the genetic issues you have mentioned.

The majority of little dogs always seem so yappy. Thats what has steered me away from yorkies and poodles.
I loved that the Chinese crested is loyal to its owner. My DD would love that. The breeder I contacted shows in performance and confirmation so I figured if DD wanted to try her hand at agility this may also be a good breed.

Are there any special precautions or skin care for the hairless type?
I did read about the dental issues? Is brushing enough or is regular vet cleaning required also?

I don't need a hypoallergenic dog. I have 2 very hairy collies. I just didnt want to add any more hair to the pup household.

Are the allergy and digestive issues known to this breed?

My one collie has belly issues but most collies don't thats why I'm asking.

Thx luv the pics!

I got Paris at 8 months old; she had belonged to an elderly woman who had passed and nobody in her family wanted her. Paris is definitely more friendly than Andy but loud noises, sudden movement bothers her--to me that is "skittish". Andy is a hot mess but that's a result of the abuse he suffered before he came to me.

Both of my dogs can be yappy. When Paris barks, her front feet come off the ground.

Skin care: they need regular bathing. You have to rinse, rinse, rinse after bathing. Then you need to use lotion on them. It's common for the breed to have a wool/lanolin allergy. You will have to use a scrub of some sort to help with blackheads. I'm not exaggerating when I talk about the blackheads-hundreds of them. Paris, being very hairless, has them worse. We spend a lot of time exfoliating them. We do it while watching TV. They are really bad on their feet and legs all the way to the torso. They do get some on their torso; Andy has them on the back of his neck under his crest. This needs to be done regularly.

They need sunscreen if they are out for long. Paris gets burned riding in the car for 30 minutes (I have a convertible).

Mine have had their teeth professionally cleaned twice. I dislike having to do it because they have to be put under but it's been necessary. Paris, being very hairless, has worse teeth than Andy.

All of the cresteds I have seen in shows have been the hairy hairless like Andy. They need grooming. His hair is cut on a regular basis. He has no hair under his chin or on his stomach and for most of his back. But his legs are hairy almost up to the body and he has a large patch of hair on his back. Plus his face is full hair. Paris, being a very hairless, only has an inch strip of spare hair down her back and a few scraggly witch face hairs!!!! She is easy to groom.

I do not know about digestive issues common in the breed but the two I've got definitely have it. I made their food for years but I've been trying to find some type of dog food that works for them. Right now I'm doing Nature Variety Instinct which is grain and potato free. Paris is having stomach issues on it and Andy is having skin issues on it but it's better than any of the others I have tried. I've tried every high end dog food there is so I may be back to making dog food from scratch.

The dry eye is definitely prevalent with this breed, at least according to the specialist who treated Andy. Andy had two surgeries and was on 3 different medications but finally the eye just got too dry and had to be removed. Neither of them have very good eyesight but Andy can be pretty comical now.

I've really struggled with potty training too. Paris lived in an apartment in the city with the older lady and learned with pee pads. I had to remove every throw rug in the baths and kitchen because she kept peeing on them. Still to this day, drop a paper towel and she's on it in a heartbeat! Andy, because he was kept locked in a cage 24-7 and is so nervous, has a lot of bladder accidents. I'm glad I have no carpet.

I got this breed because I have severe allergies and I love these two to pieces. I'm not sure I would have another though.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

I got Paris at 8 months old; she had belonged to an elderly woman who had passed and nobody in her family wanted her. Paris is definitely more friendly than Andy but loud noises, sudden movement bothers her--to me that is "skittish". Andy is a hot mess but that's a result of the abuse he suffered before he came to me.

Both of my dogs can be yappy. When Paris barks, her front feet come off the ground.

Skin care: they need regular bathing. You have to rinse, rinse, rinse after bathing. Then you need to use lotion on them. It's common for the breed to have a wool/lanolin allergy. You will have to use a scrub of some sort to help with blackheads. I'm not exaggerating when I talk about the blackheads-hundreds of them. Paris, being very hairless, has them worse. We spend a lot of time exfoliating them. We do it while watching TV. They are really bad on their feet and legs all the way to the torso. They do get some on their torso; Andy has them on the back of his neck under his crest. This needs to be done regularly.

They need sunscreen if they are out for long. Paris gets burned riding in the car for 30 minutes (I have a convertible).

Mine have had their teeth professionally cleaned twice. I dislike having to do it because they have to be put under but it's been necessary. Paris, being very hairless, has worse teeth than Andy.

All of the cresteds I have seen in shows have been the hairy hairless like Andy. They need grooming. His hair is cut on a regular basis. He has no hair under his chin or on his stomach and for most of his back. But his legs are hairy almost up to the body and he has a large patch of hair on his back. Plus his face is full hair. Paris, being a very hairless, only has an inch strip of spare hair down her back and a few scraggly witch face hairs!!!! She is easy to groom.

I do not know about digestive issues common in the breed but the two I've got definitely have it. I made their food for years but I've been trying to find some type of dog food that works for them. Right now I'm doing Nature Variety Instinct which is grain and potato free. Paris is having stomach issues on it and Andy is having skin issues on it but it's better than any of the others I have tried. I've tried every high end dog food there is so I may be back to making dog food from scratch.

The dry eye is definitely prevalent with this breed, at least according to the specialist who treated Andy. Andy had two surgeries and was on 3 different medications but finally the eye just got too dry and had to be removed. Neither of them have very good eyesight but Andy can be pretty comical now.

I've really struggled with potty training too. Paris lived in an apartment in the city with the older lady and learned with pee pads. I had to remove every throw rug in the baths and kitchen because she kept peeing on them. Still to this day, drop a paper towel and she's on it in a heartbeat! Andy, because he was kept locked in a cage 24-7 and is so nervous, has a lot of bladder accidents. I'm glad I have no carpet.

I got this breed because I have severe allergies and I love these two to pieces. I'm not sure I would have another though.

Thank u so much. You have been a wealth of information!

 

[summerblue]

We have a cavachon, bichon and king cavalier mix. She is perfect she has a little spunk but the king cavalier calms out some of the bouncy bichon, they are fluffy and full of hair, but they do not shed and are low dander. I have dog allergies and have had no issues with her. Our dd is 8 and carries her around everywhere, at 8 months old she is right around 10 pounds. She sleeps a lot and is very sweet tempered, just note she gets mats if give a bath and not rinsed well enough. My grandmother had a Chinese crested but it had so many skin problems she swore never again. Ami,al planet has an absolute wealth of information on every breed imaginable, the pros and cons, we done several months of research before settling on our cavachon, and couldn't be happier that we did.