• Height (at the shoulders): 12 inches (30 cm)
• Weight: about 10 pounds (4.5)
• Life Expectancy: 10 – 12 years
• AKC Group: Toy Group – AKC recognized in 1991
• Shedding: sheds little to no hair
• Living Conditions: good for apartments; fairly active indoors; okay without a yard

Personality of the Chinese Crested Dog Breed

The Chinese Crested dog is playful, gentle, and devoted. They are always on the lookout for fun and games, and yet are quite satisfied to enjoy quiet time sitting in your lap.

They are devoted to their families and always willing to please their owners. These dogs are friendly towards other dogs and household pets. They are even friendly towards strangers. They will warn you when strangers approach, but because of their friendliness, may not be such effective watchdogs.

They are great with children, but because they are hairless, they can get injured more easily than other breeds. For this reason children should be taught to be gentle with these dogs.

The Chinese Crested dog loves to jump and climb so you may want to keep an eye on them so they do not fall and hurt themselves.

History of the Chinese Crested Dog Breed

The breed is believed to have originated in China, but their exact origin is uncertain. Most of the hairless dog breeds are mutations that come from various parts of the world, particularly Central and South America. However, there seems to be some credible evidence that the Chinese Crested Dog originated in Africa and were then introduced to China.

Researches claim that the dog’s history can be traced back to as far as the 13th Century.

These dogs were introduced to other countries when the Chinese used them on their ships to catch rodents. They were then traded to local merchants in other countries. Over time, the breed was introduced in places like South Africa, Egypt, and Turkey.

The Chinese Crested Dog can be seen in paintings throughout Europe in the 1800s. In the latter part of the 1800s, Ida Garrett, an American woman, began spreading the word about these unusual little dogs. Dog breeders then adopted the breed and continued to pursue the bloodline.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1991 as a member of the Toy Group.

The Chinese Crested Dog Breed Care and Grooming

Chinese Crested dogs can get most of their exercise by running around the house. But like all dogs, they would love to take a nice walk and sniff around and explore. However, they do not fare well in very cold weather, so just keep them in mind when you are taking them outside.

They would also enjoy the opportunity to run around and play in a safely enclosed area.

Grooming these dogs is pretty simple. You should regularly trim the head, neck, tail, and feet. Rub moisturizer on their hairless body to promote healthy skin. When taking these dogs outside on sunny days, consider applying sunblock.

These dogs shed little to no hair.

Health Problems of the Chinese Crested Dog Breed

The average life expectancy of the Chinese Crested Dog breed is about ten to twelve years.

Major health concerns for this breed are:

• lens luxation
• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
• glaucoma

Minor health issues include:

• seizures
• deafness
• patellar luxation
• can get sunburned
• prone to tooth loss and decay

These other issues can occur, but are rarely seen:

• Legg-Perthes

Veterinarians recommend having the Chinese Crested Dog breed tested specifically for knee, eye, and hearing problems.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:

• Height (at the shoulders): 15 – 18 inches (36 – 46 cm)
• Weight: 25 – 45 pounds (11 – 20 kg)
• Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
• AKC Group: Sporting Group – recognized in 1940
• Shedding: light shedder
• Living Conditions: okay in an apartment; moderately active indoors; appreciates an average size yard

Personality of American Water Spaniels

From their names alone you can probably guess that these dogs just love the water. They have a natural ability to swim and hunt. They are also highly skilled retrievers.

The American Water Spaniel makes an excellent family pet. They are intelligent, lovable, and always willing to please their owners. They are usually excellent with children.

Some dogs can be quite shy. Others may actually be somewhat aggressive towards strange dogs.

They are also know to bark loudly, especially if they do not get sufficient mental and physical exercise

History of American Water Spaniel Dogs

No one is certain where the breed actually came from. However, many experts believe that the breed was created from some combination of the Irish Water Spaniel, the Tweed Water Spaniel, the English Water Spaniel, and the Curly Coated Retriever. Although, this theory is simply based on the AWS appearance.

Another popular theory suggests that the American Water Spaniel was created by tribes of American Indians living in the region around the Great Lakes.

Wherever they came from, it is agreed that this dog breed became really popular in the Midwestern United States for being a reliable hunting dog. This is no surprise, considering the dog’s keen sense of smell and their waterproof coats. They are able to hunt in rough terrain, and retrieve a variety of game on land and in the water.

Before 1940, no one seemed interested in breeding the American Water Spaniel for any other purpose than to hunt. In 1940, the AKC officially recognized the breed. Since then, more breeders have taken an increased interest in the breed. However, the AWS is still considered a rare dog breed.

American Water Spaniel Care and Grooming

Like all dogs whose natural instincts are to hunt and retrieve, the American Water Spaniel requires a lot of physical exercise. Their exercise routine should include at least a couple of long daily walks on the leash. However, if possible, some free running around time in a safe area would be a great activity to burn off some energy.

These dogs are okay being outdoors during the day, but will do best if allowed to stay indoors at night with the rest of their family.

The breed has an oily coat and tend to be a bit more work than other dog breeds. Brush the coat at least weekly, but twice a week preferably. Give them a bath only when necessary. Too many baths can remove the natural oils from their coats. It can also dry out the skin. Be aware that the coat may have a strong odor due the amount of oil in the coat.

Occasionally, the hair around the feet, ears, and topknot may need to be clipped.

The breed is a light shedder.

Health Problems of American Water Spaniel Dogs

The average life expectancy of a healthy American Water Spaniel is about twelve to fifteen years.

The only major health concern for the breed is mitral valve disease. Other minor health issue include PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus), CHD (Canine Hip Dysplasia), and pulmonic stenosis. A few dogs may show signs of PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) and patellar luxation, but these are rare cases.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Best,

Omar Reyes

For even more information about this dog breed check out the book:

American Water Spaniel (Comprehensive Owner’s Guide)

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