Eerie-Looking Halloween Chinese Crested Dog

Are you ready to see a dog that truly represents the Halloween spirit? Viewing the photo of this dog has made stomachs turn. It has also induced some nightmares. Enterprising individuals have brought these dogs in circus and carnivals. It has generated disdain for its freaky, creepy look. The best representative of a Halloween Dog is the three time undefeated champion for "The Ugliest Dog Contest" held at the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Northern California. His name was Sam and he was a hairless Chinese Crested Dog.

The Chinese Crested dog can have tiny Mohawks. Some can have profuse crest or hair on its head. The breed can have plume or hair on the tail and hair on the feet also called "socks".

Unknown, unseen, and unheard of, the hairless Chinese Crested dog has a twin variety, the Powderpuff. Unlike the horrendous look of the hairless Chinese Crested dog, the Powderpuff is simply beautiful. The Powderpuff's head is well chiseled. Chinese Crested Powderpuffs are covered with double coats. The coats grow from 3 to 6 inches long. The body has a miniature pony-like grace and elegance.

Interesting History

The Chinese found the Chinese Crested dogs to have mystical powers. They call them "healing dogs". These dogs were recommended for arthritic and bedridden patients. The dog's effect on a sick person was similar to the therapeutic use of a hot bottle. Research indicated that historically this breed was eaten during famine or served in dinner tables. This is one of the reasons its number today is low compared to other breeds.

The Chinese Crested enthusiasts claim its origins from Africa. However, its presence in Mexico, other parts of South America countries and a few warm countries shrouded the truth of its African origin. The Chinese Crested was considered a very precious commodity. It was mostly owned by royalties in China and traded in Europe for luxury items. The Chinese Crested has been carried by trading ships to many parts of the world as early as 3000 years ago.

Nineteenth century English breeders tried breeding only hairless varieties to create the "exotic" look. No matter how much they bred a hairless Chinese Crested with another hairless, it always produced a Chinese Crested Powderpuff. The gene of the Powderpuff, a recessive gene, is extremely important in breeding a hairless Chinese Crested. Attempts to breed the same hairless variety had resulted to congenital problems in the breed.

An Exceedingly Beautiful Breed

The American Kennel Club (AKC) classified the Chinese Crested dogs as toy breeds. The typical Chinese Crested stands at 11- 13 inches. Most are under 10 lbs.

A member of the ChineseCrestedCrush.com forum called its Chinese Crested dog as " ¼ dog, ¼ cat, ¼ monkey and ¼ human." The Chinese Crested dog's feet allow it to climb and hold their toys and food. Owners describe their paws to have an ability to "hug" like humans. The Chinese Crested breed is very good at jumping. It is useless to have gates or fences to confine them. Chinese Crested dogs, even as puppies, are so smart to allow their owners to think that they can stay inside their gates. Most of these dogs, no matter how small or young, have an amazing ability to climb their fence. Thus, the gates and fences are said to serve its purpose only if the Chinese Crested allows it.

The Chinese Crested has a high learning rate and has a mind of its own. They do not respond to harsh training techniques. Excessive praise and food treats are better training options. The breed gets offended and actually snubs efforts of its trainer.

Chinese Crested has a temperament of a clown and a great love to entertain. It thrives on human companionship and forms strong attachment to its owner. It actually wails when separated from its owner. The needy trait of this dog disqualifies the owner who wants an independent dog.

It is very healthy with life span from 13 to 15 years. It is also very athletic. In spite of its size, dog owners find them on top of sofas, counters and refrigerators.

What are qualities that personify the Chinese Crested owners? The Chinese Crested owners have a passion for uniqueness and finding beauty in weirdness. The Chinese Crested dogs are very rare. "Judging a book by its cover" is an understatement.

And now for the Best Kept Secret...

What are the best kept secrets of this breed? The Chinese Crested are great for allergy sufferers, and have an amazing ability to snuggle and hug. And, don't forget that aside for its high price tag, the Chinese Crested dogs have no doggie odor.

Sources:

"Ugly Dog Sam Dies at 14". CNN.com

"The Chinese Crested Powder Puff, An Ancient Breed. The Other Twin.", Hotntotcresteds.com

"Life with Cresteds", Chinese Crested Club Nashville

"Windspiel", Ourcresteds.com

"General Description of a Chinese Crested Dog", Breederretriever.com