Bald Chinese Crested dog: description and conditions for its maintenance
The bald Chinese crested dog is a dwarf breed, in the history of which there are many white spots. It is reliably known only about a pair of dogs that were imported into Great Britain in 1966 - it was she who became the ancestor of the modern livestock. But Chinese hairless dogs are credited with a much more ancient origin. They are either declared the favorites of the Chinese emperors, referring to ancient historical sources, or they are considered the descendants of Mexican or African hairless breeds.
Today this compact companion dog has both a fully furred version and a hairless variety. And not only breeders, but also private owners speak about her excellent character and high intelligence.
Description of the breed
According to the established breed standard, the Chinese Crested Dog (hairless variety) is compact in size. The height of an adult animal varies in the range of 30-33 cm, the weight of a dog can reach 3-6 kg, depending on gender and type of constitution. With this parameter, everything is also not so simple. There are two basic types - "ponies" (larger, with a strong bone) and "deer". The second option is distinguished by grace and fragility, but according to the standard, both versions are allowed, the lines also intersect with each other.
There are hairless dogs of spotted, black and other colors - there are no restrictions, but blue and marble versions of coat shades are considered basic. The hair of the Chinese Crested in this type of breed can only be found on the head, paws, tip of the tail - it is long, straight, without signs of waviness.
Also, according to the standard, hairless dogs should have the following characteristics:
- compact, graceful head with a slightly elongated muzzle, dry lips, pronounced stop;
- brown or black nose, well-defined nostrils;
- oval eyes of a dark shade, without a trace of white, with a wide set;
- large straight ears, set at the level of the temples;
- scissor bite (an incomplete set of teeth is allowed, a change in the direction of canine growth);
- dry, clearly visible neck without excess skin;
- well-defined muscular body;
- limbs are long, thin, straight set;
- a long, high-set tail, saber-shaped, should fall below the hock.
The body of the Hairless Chinese Crested Dog is covered with soft skin with a slight sheen. Normal shade of pink with gray pigmentation. In the summer, the skin that is sensitive to ultraviolet light tans and changes its original color.
Character
The bald Chinese crested dog is a loyal friend, a good companion, but it has a number of characteristics that should be considered. This breed is characterized by gullibility, benevolence towards people, including strangers. This can create certain difficulties and even lead to the abduction of a pet - it is easy to lure, take away. Another serious problem is curiosity, which sometimes leads to very unusual situations.
Dogs explore the most inaccessible corners of the house, thanks to their compact size they are taken under cabinets, sofas... Such activity often leads to the fact that the pet gets stuck and meets the owner in a very difficult position.
There is one more important point - like other decorative dogs, the bald Chinese crested has a mobile, unstable psyche. She is strongly attached to the owner, yearns in his absence, and does not tolerate indifference to herself. The dog reacts sharply to harsh sounds, it is afraid of everything new and unusual.
Among the obvious character merits of the bald Chinese Crested breed, it can be noted peacefulness - easily gets along with other animals, loves children, willingly plays with them. Dogs are not jealous, have a calm disposition, rarely bark. High intelligence allows them to easily master not only the general course of training, but also complex tricks.
What is needed for content?
Keeping a hairless Chinese Crested dog requires a comfortable, calm environment. Must-have accessories include:
- a house or a soft bed with high sides;
- various toys - rubber tweeters, balls, balls, boxes;
- carry bag or spacious travel box;
- toilet tray and filler, if necessary;
- supply of absorbent diapers;
- soft harness or collar that does not squeeze the body;
- brush with natural bristles for grooming wool;
- overalls and special footwear for walking.
All these types of accessories must be purchased before buying a puppy, and then changed as the dog grows.
What to feed?
Owners of hairless Chinese Crested dogs often wonder: what to feed them? The first and most important rule when drawing up the diet of such a pet: no food from the common table. The breed has a tendency to develop food allergies; it simply does not digest many foods. The appearance of skin rashes, the formation of wen, purulent discharge from the eyes, vomiting and upset stools are considered a cause for concern.
Semolina, oatmeal, pearl barley, any kind of raw meat, fish should be completely excluded. Do not give animals milk, pork, chicken, sausages and sausages of all kinds. Sweets and fruits rich in sugars are prohibited.
If a natural feeding diet is chosen, it should consist of low-fat fermented milk products, boiled beef or veal. It is permissible to give fresh cabbage and carrots, grated, seasoned with vegetable oil. Elderly animals should receive milled food.When choosing dry food, preference is given to super-premium products with a hypoallergenic composition.
How to care?
The peculiarities of the breed of a bald Chinese crested dog require careful attention to the preservation of its health. Exotic pet for most of the year - from autumn to spring - needs special clothing for walking, covering all parts of the body that are devoid of hair. When choosing equipment for walking, it is better to give preference to special products made of soft fabric - harnesses or wide collars that do not rub delicate skin.
The decorative bald variety of the Chinese Crested dog does not need much physical activity. The pet can fulfill its hygiene needs in a tray or on a diaper. It is not difficult to train a dog to the toilet even in puppyhood. Moderate praise and regular cleaning can help instill life-long skills that keep your pet free of dirt or cold.
The bald Chinese crested dog needs hygiene. Among them, it is worth highlighting the necessary ones.
- Brushing the tuft and brush on the tail with a soft brush... It is held daily. Hairless areas of the dog's body are treated with a special napkin that does not cause allergies.
- Bathing. It is carried out 2-3 times a month, out of turn - only in case of severe contamination of the animal's body. The breed is characterized by the presence of a fat layer on the surface of the skin - it protects the dog from the aggressive influence of the external environment. With more frequent bathing, this natural protection is washed away.
- Removal of blackheads and comedones. White mildews formed on the body are removed with a needle. Acne is squeezed out on steamed skin, wearing sterile gloves. Allergic rashes and sunburns are treated with panthenol ointments.
- Eye and ear care. It is performed daily, with inspection, removal of contaminants. For hygienic processing, antiseptic compositions and cotton cosmetic pads are used.
- Teeth cleaning. Oral hygiene problems are common in this breed of dog due to malocclusion. Plaque should be removed regularly, tartar as needed. During the period when milk teeth are replaced with permanent ones, the correct sequence of eruption of new elements of the row should be monitored, if necessary, removal is performed artificially.
In caring for a hairless Chinese dog, it is very important to provide it with optimal conditions. Animals are afraid of drafts, they need a warm comfortable bed or their own rest house.
Dogs love company. If the owners are not at home for a long time, it is worth having a couple of pets of the same breed.
In the next video, 10 questions about the Chinese Crested Dog are waiting for you.