Appearance of the Crested Peke
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| The Crested Peke is a small dog but can come in a range of widths as the Chinese Crested Dog is very slim and the Pekingese is quite stocky, and the width of the head can also be quite variable from dog to dog with a broad or tapered muzzle to match. They generally have dark eyes whose shape can range from round to almond-shaped, and they have medium to large ears that hang from the side of the head or stand straight up with the base high on the dog's head. The hairlessness of the Chinese Crested Dog is a dominant trait, and every adult Chinese Crested Dog carries both the dominant hairless gene and the recessive gene that produces the Powderpuff variety, which is entirely covered with a thick, silky double coat. This means that the coat coverage of this dog can range from full coverage to just the crest of the head, the plume of the tail and the socks of the Chinese Hairless Crested Dog. Although this hybrid can exist in almost any color, they are most often seen in brown, gold, sable or beige, and often have black markings. |
Temperament of the Crested Peke
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| These small dogs are extremely family-oriented and affectionate, preferring to be as close as possible to their human or chosen humans, and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. They generally like to be the center of attention and have a desire to please their family, but they can inherit an imperious attitude from the Pekingese and a willful tendency from the Chinese Crested Dog, so training can be difficult and training sessions should be short and frequent, starting as early as possible. Socialization is also very important with this breed, as they can become very wary and surly towards strangers without it. Although they do quite well with well-behaved older children, they may not be a suitable companion for very young or boisterous children. There is a risk of jealous behavior from Crested Chinese Dog genetics, and Pekingese breed dogs also tend to be possessive of their toys and food which can be passed on, and rough or clumsy handling by the child can result in injury to the dog. |
Needs and activities of the Crested Peke
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| Activity requirements for the Crested Peke are relatively low, and are usually met with forty to sixty minutes of vigorous activity per day, although it's usually best to divide these sessions into smaller chunks of time. These small dogs are well suited to life in smaller spaces with several short walks or energetic indoor play sessions a day. They are, however, quite intelligent and lively, and mental stimulation of some kind will be necessary to avoid destructive behavior caused by boredom. These dogs tend to be quite calm and are generally pleasant, polite housemates, making them an appropriate choice for apartment living. |
Maintenance of the Crested Peke
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| Grooming requirements for this breed can vary considerably depending on the type and amount of fur the dog inherits. Crested Peke dogs that are mostly hairless require more frequent bathing, and brushing takes very little time, while the full-coated variety requires fewer baths, but daily brushing is necessary to prevent tangles and matting. The skin of the Chinese Crested Dog is prone to irritation, especially in the hairless variety, and the Crested Peke can also inherit this trait. This means that a good, non-irritating dog shampoo is essential for this dog's health, as is checking for any problems such as rashes, acne or swelling every time you bathe your pet. These dogs can also be prone to dental infections and injuries due to the shape and size of their mouths, so it's particularly important to ensure that their mouths are as clean and healthy as possible. |
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