The Chinese Crested
 The
hairless „Nackthund“ is one of the rarest, most exotic and most interesting
dogs there are. No more hair on carpets and furniture, and the only option
for dog lovers suffering from allergies.
The origins of this strain go far back in time and remain somewhat elusive.
Centuries ago, hairless dogs evolved from of a mutation (a small change in
hereditary information, i.e. the chromosomes), giving rise to the “Canis
Africanis”, which were further bred by humans. Long time ago, hairless dogs
moved from Africa to China, and from there to America on “tee-ships”. The
early history of the
 Chinese
Crested in America remains in the dark. However, during
the Han-Dynasty (from 200 bc to 200 ac) the Chinese Mandarin caste already
bred the “Treasure House Guardian” from the hairless Hunting Dog. These dogs
were bred with great care and love and were kept as beautiful pets next to
china, silk, beautiful women and fragrances. The Chinese Crested belongs to
the smallest strain of dogs, a toy with an average weight of 2-3 kilograms.
The ideal shoulder height of the Chinese Crested is between 28-33 cm for
male dogs and 23-30 cm for female dogs. It is a lively, elegant, slim, small
and graceful dog, with an approximately height of an Italian Greyhound. Its
main body is hairless but the head is covered by a long and silky
shock of
hair. The all
over head crest make the Chinese Crested as charming as a paradise bird; the
wavy mane is another popular hair style.
 You
sometimes even find dogs with punk or straight hairstyles. The Chinese
Crested has a little panache, similar to a sceptre, at the end of its tail
and socks on his legs. There are even entirely hairless dogs. The Chinese
Crested has a very fine skeleton and the skin feels soft and warm. The
Chinese Crested easily adapts to a colder climate but may require more food,
which they burn to produce more heat. Dogs do not even mind walks at
temperatures as low as 10 degrees Celsius as long as they are in motion and
the climate is dry. The rabbit-like paws of the Chinese Crested are
remarkable as they are much more mobile and flexible than those of other
breeds of dogs. They are able to crab much better and tighter than other
dogs, almost like little apes; they could even hug their owner. We
differentiate between the more elegant “Deer Type” and the somewhat heavier
“Cobby Type”. Hairless dogs were already admired by the Aztecs who
attributed magic powers to them, such as the healing of asthma, arthritis,
and rheumatism.
The Chinese Crested is easily educated and thus optimal for first time dog
owners. Its playful and human-like behaviour makes it the ideal dog for
children. The Chinese Crested is also ideally suited for agility, mass
sports, as well as for therapy; More information on the therapeutic values
of dogs can be found at:
"Das
Therapiehunde-Team"
von Inge Röger-Lakenbrink,
Kynos Verlag (1.
Aufl., Dezember 2006)
ISBN-10: 3938071206
ISBN-13: 978-3938071205
The book also talks about Maike Tell’s work with “Laureola’s Blind Date
Lucy”. |
