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These Powder puff puppies have gone to their new homes.
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Home » The Early Show » Contributors » Debbye Turner (CBS) Dog lovers may think they know a lot about man's best friend. But, as The Early Show continued its weeklong series, "Early Goes to the Dogs" on Wednesday, its resident veterinarian, Dr. Debbye Turner, had four very unique breeds of canine -- on the catwalk! No matter what the breed, Turner stressed, "You really need to do the research and find out what that dog was bred to do and match the dog's natural abilities to your family and your lifestyle. You get a good match, you've got a great family member. A bad match? Then you've got tough times." CHINESE CRESTED Origin: Africa CHINESE CRESTED What kind of temperament do these dogs have? The most popular of the hairless breed, the Chinese Crested are still very rare. These dogs are sweet, lively, playful and cuddly. They are exceptionally loving and likes to hug and smile. Affectionate with children. Children should be taught not to be rough with this breed as it is friendly, but it does not have the protective hair that other breeds have and can get injured easily. They are an entertaining companion. Intelligent and very alert. Puppies should be well-socialized and exposed to loud noises when young to avoid potential timidity. If its owners do not baby them, these dogs can grow up to be a very well-adjusted dog. They have an ability to perform tricks and are generally good with other pets. They are not barkers. Chinese Crested Dogs like to climb and dig holes. They tend to become very attached to their owners and have difficulty adjusting to a new one. Chinese Crested Dogs crave constant companionship What were they bred to do? The Chinese Crested originated in Africa where they were called "African Hairless Terriers." The ancient Aztecs kept them as bedwarmers, and believe it or not, did eat them. The Chinese trading ships stopped along Africa on their routes, and it was there that they picked up these dogs because they were excellent ratters for aboard their ships. They renamed the dogs "Chinese Crested" and the name stuck. The stripper, Gypsy Rose Lee, used to breed Chinese Crested. This unusual breed was first exhibited in the West in 1885, but the first American breed club was not established until 1979. Full AKC recognition was granted in 1991. The similar Mexican Hairless was formerly recognized by the AKC, but is no longer recognized. The Chinese Crested Dog has been gaining popularity as a cheerful companion dog in both the United Stated and England. The breed is a frequent competitor in rare breed dog shows. Four hairless breeds are known in the U.S. today: The Chinese Crested, the Mexican Hairless, the Inca Hairless Dog, and the Peruvian Inca Orchid. How big do they get? Height: 12 inches Weight: not over 10 pounds How long do they typically live? About 10-12 years. What family situation or lifestyle is most suited for this breed? Good for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard. They should wear a sweater in cold weather. Although it is tempting to carry these dainty creatures about; these are active little dogs, who need a daily walk Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display a wide array of behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard. Don't think that just because he is small he should be confined to a small space. Any other quirks and interesting facts about Chinese Crested? The "crest" in its name refers to a copious shock of silky hair that graces the dog's head.The Chinese Crested is found everywhere, but has never reached great popularity. It has often been exhibited in circuses and carnivals as a "freak." However, this little dog has many assets that go unrecognized.
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