Chinese crested

[suffolkpunch85]

We've seen a Chinese Crested puppy at a rescue centre and going to see in the flesh this weekend. We currently have 4 Maine Coon cats and a 3 year old. Has anyone got experience of these dogs? I'm 5 minutes from the beach so planning on 2 x 45 min walks a day (would this be too long for it) and we have a big enclosed garden.

Any advice appreciated! Have had dogs before (terriers and Labradors) so definitely not toy territory

[suffolkpunch85]

Hopeful bump

[DiamondInTheRuff]

Our neighbour has one. He's a really sweet little thing! She has to put him in little jumpers in winter as with no hair he really feels the cold. She usually makes the jumpers as she struggles to buy any small enough. He also gets sunburn in summer so she has to put cream on him.

She's not got cats or children, although I have a 3 year old DS and he has played with him. He can be quite nervy, but I suspect that's more because my neighbour picks him up whenever she sees a bigger dog so he's built up negative associations.

He has epilepsy but I don't think it's a common breed thing, and if you're looking at a rescue presumably you'll know if there are health problems.

[suffolkpunch85]

Thanks Diamond. No health issues highlighted. She's a sweet little thing, was a little nervy at first. Just hope my cats are ok with her. Better get the knitting needles out!

[TrionicLettuce]

Is the pup a powderpuff or hairless? They take a fair bit of looking after either way. The former need either regular clipping or a lot of grooming to keep on top of the coat. The hairless variety need a lot of skin care and can be prone to developing acne and blackheads. Obviously with the hairless ones you do need to be very careful of sunburn and they feel the cold so lots of jumpers and the like necessary for winter. Health wise the main issues in the breed are eye problems; progressive retinal atrophy and primary lens luxation. The hairless variety sometimes have missing teeth.

There's some good information about the breed on the breed club rescue website.