Before starting to describe the temperament of the Chinese crested (hairless), we have to say that this is a breed that comes in 2 varieties: Powderpuff and Hairless. Although there is this distinction between these two varieties, it must be said that lack of hair is a semi-complete dominant trait within a single breed and both varieties may come with or without fur.
The Origins of the Breed
The Chinese Crested (hairless) originates from China. These are very rare dogs and are a combination of a gentle lap dog, playful pixie and an excellent companion for children.
Physical Features
This dog is small, having a height of 12 inches and a weight of around 10 or 13 pounds. It presents a soft, human-like skin, and also fur on its paws, head and tail. It may come in a large variety of colors, ranging from pale brown to black. Regarding their teeth, hairless crested usually do not have premolars or lack some of them, but this is not seen as a fault.
Temperament
A dog of this breed is devoted to its family and is always ready to play and willing to please its owners. This dog is always alert and playful; consequently, this small cutie is always ready to perform tricks. It shows intelligence, is lovable and agile and requires a lot of love. Because it lacks fur on several of the most important parts of its body, where its internal organs are placed, it should be dealt with care, because it can be easily injured.
Temperament Issues and Training
This breed is usually very friendly; however if the owners do not appear as leaders in front of them, these hairless crested can, all of the sudden, transform into dogs with unwanted behaviors; a dog like this could start biting regularly, if it is allowed to do it on several occasions. Luckily, unwanted behaviors can be corrected by professionals.
Health
This breed is not affected by the many diseases that one may normally encounter when searching for information about other toy breeds. Nevertheless, dogs of this breed have several problems, out of which most are related to their teeth. The hairless crested have what specialists call "a primitive mouth", in other words, pointy teeth. Eyes are also prone to some problems, especially to progressive retinal atrophy, which may lead to blindness.
Life Expectancy
A Chinese crested can live up to 12 years, but it very much depends on its health problems. If the dog is well taken care, it may even overcome this barrier and live 14 or 15 years.
Conclusion
In the past few centuries, this breed was particularly popularized in Asia, but several years ago, due to the efforts of many committed breeders, it started to be recognized in America and Europe as well, and since then, it has become very popular among dog enthusiasts. As this breed becomes increasingly notorious, it is very likely to see more and more Chinese crested (hairless) on the streets.
