When I was a junior in high school, I begged my mom for a puppy. I didn鈥檛 know I鈥檇 have to specify I wanted a hairy puppy, but nevertheless I was stunned and overjoyed when she brought home a wriggling, quivering, adorable Chinese Crested Dog. Apparently one Crested wasn鈥檛 enough, because since I鈥檝e moved out of the house (leaving behind little Primrose, as she鈥檚 developed a strong bond with my parents), two more have joined my pack.
Chinese Crested: The Ultimate Hairless Dog Breed
Chinese Cresteds are a small breed of hairless dog, usually weighing around 10 to 14 pounds. They鈥檙e most distinguishable by their lack of hair except on their paws (like little winter boots) and long manes on their heads. They鈥檙e very affectionate, personable, and playful.
Like many small dogs, they鈥檙e also a bit fragile. Which means that while our family loves to adventure with Primrose, Finley, and Jackie, it requires some preparation.
Sunscreen For Dogs
The first, and perhaps most obvious, reason is their skin. Chinese Crested skin is much like ours and can get greasy, even pimply, and sunburned. Along with regular baths, our dogs require vigilant skincare. We apply dog-specific sunscreen if they鈥檙e going to be out in the sun for long hikes or walks. Human sunscreen contains ingredients, like zinc oxide and para aminobenzoic acid, that can be toxic to dogs, so we use brands like . It has an SPF of 15, is non-greasy and is small enough to slip in any backpack or pocket. We reapply generously when needed, making sure to get the susceptible spots like their ears and top of their heads. They don鈥檛 mind the process of applying it, and though they initially lick their backs here and there, they quickly forget about it.
Do Dogs Sweat?
We鈥檙e also mindful of keeping the dogs鈥 skin cool by sprinkling them with water and keeping them hydrated. Chinese Cresteds, unlike other dogs, can cool down without panting because they actually sweat. So if they begin to pant, it鈥檚 usually a sign they鈥檙e overheated.
Tips For Taking Chinese Crested Dogs 国产吃瓜黑料
Our pups go with us everywhere and we keep a sharp eye on how they鈥檙e feeling when adventuring. Although they have tons of energy, our smallest (Primrose) has short legs and not much stamina. Sometimes she needs a break, which means we carry her in our arms or聽 or carted around in a basket like the princess she is.
Watch Out For Predators
Adventuring with any small dog聽like a Chinese Crested also requires being aware of what鈥檚 lurking in the trees and skies. Because they鈥檙e so small, our dogs are vulnerable to coyote and hawk attacks. While we鈥檝e never had a close encounter, my parents live in the woods and sometimes prefer to be safe than sorry if there鈥檚 been a coyote sighting. Enter this fashion statement.
The is a sort of body armor that鈥檚 meant to deflect any surprise attacks. Much like a porcupine, the vest has bright nylon bristles that will not only make predators hesitate to attack, but might poke and jab if one does. Finley loves his, and doesn鈥檛 particularly mind prancing around with it on.
Relish Social Time
Whether they鈥檙e wearing CoyoteVests or not, one of the most unique parts of adventuring with Chinese Cresteds聽may be the attention they garner. It鈥檚 not a typical outdoor excursion if at least one person doesn鈥檛 stop us to take a photo of Finley or pet Jackie. Regular questions include, 鈥淲hat are they!?鈥 and 鈥淒id you give them those haircuts?!鈥 but the overall reaction is always pawsitive.