Adopt a Chinese Crested-Hairless

Oh, Pip. She's a pretty little petite, 5 yo hairless Chinese Crested with beautiful furnishings and a very challenging temperament. She's not for the faint of heart (or the inexperienced), but for a very patient home, she would love you to the moon and back. With a dog like Pip, it's easy to get pulled in by her great looks. She does have a lot going on in her plus column, so she's worth checking out.

**THE GOOD** She LOVES toys, and will amuse herself with her favorite soft ball. She fetches and brings it to you, and loves to chase and toss it about. She attaches very strongly to her person and follows her foster mom everywhere, including the bathroom, of course. She's a good eater, and sleeps quietly in her crate at night or in bed with you. She needs to burrow under blankets. She loves to cuddle on the couch and will put herself to bed when she's tired. She has the best chance of success with a strong leader and a consistent routine. 

**THE BAD**  Although she bonds to her person, she does not always like to be held or handled. It can be difficult to pick her up or put a leash on her, although there are sure-fire strategies to manage this. It is not possible to put her into clothes other than a velcro coat. She does not want her legs pulled or manipulated to go into jammies. Whoever adopts Pip has to know that she may never have the same wardrobe as all her girlfriends do. When the weather gets cold, we get a coat on her and pretty much leave it on as long as possible.

Pip is extremely vocal. What can be adorable squeaks and yawns, frequently turns into screams. She screams when heading out on squirrel patrol, and sometimes when coming back inside. She chatters when on leash walks.  (We can provide video with audio. It's very dramatic.) Pip also has an extreme talent for climbing a wire fence, although she'd only climb it if she thought it would take her to you. She must have a yard with privacy fencing. No exceptions.


The Ugly. Upon first settling in, Pip's behavior can be unpredictable. It seems to be rooted in fear (as opposed to just being an aggressive dog).  If she doesn't want to be picked up, and you pick her up anyway, she will scream, will probably pee, and might bite. She needs an adopter who is willing to work with her to find a way not to scare her, but not to indulge her either. If spoiled, Pip would quickly develop bad behaviors. 


We have worked with Pip for a while now, and observed her extensively. She is absolutely adoptable, but will be a "project dog" requiring patience and sensitivity. The most important thing is for Pip to gain trust, and then she is quite easy to manage. Pip CAN be corrected, and does understand what "no" means. She does want to please and has come a far way with patience and understanding. She is not an impossible dog to own by any means, but she can be intense. She loves her routine and has settled in nicely. Anyone who adopts her must be willing to make that long term commitment to her rehabilitation. On our part, we will be direct and honest about observed behaviors, and will set expectations likely to help her be successful. 
 


Pip's home MUST meet the following criteria:   .   

  ** An owner with experience working with dogs   .
** A house (not apartment) with space between neighbors. Or really tolerant neighbors.
 **A secure yard with privacy fencing. She can climb a metal fence lickety-split   .
  **No young children living in or frequently visiting the home   .
 **Other dogs are fine, but must be balanced, good role models. A highly anxious dog would not be a good influence. Pip does not play with the other dogs, but gets along fine with them.
  ** Cats are fine.
 ** Live within driving distance of Greenville, SC. Pip is not a candidate for ground or air transport and it'll be important to meet first.