JUDGING THE CHINESE CRESTED
By the American Chinese Crested Club
T he Chinese Crested is a striking dog in both the Hairless and Pow- derpu ff . When they fi rst enter the ring you should be looking for: “A Toy dog, fi ne-boned, elegant and graceful. Th e distinct varieties are born in the same litter. Th e Hairless with hair only on the head, tail and feet and the Powderpu ff completely covered with hair. Th e breed serves as a loving companion, playful and entertaining.” When you stand back to observe the dog on the table, keep in mind that they are rectangular rather than square. Th e Hairless variety can be sensitive to cold hands during the table exam and may tuck up. Th e topline should be assessed as the dog is moving around the ring. Starting with the head—the Chinese Crested head is to be a wedge from the top and from the side. Th ere is to be a slight but distinct stop. Th e eyes are almond shaped and set wide apart, which enhances the alert and intense expression. Teeth are di ff erent in Hairless Chinese Cresteds— you can have everything from a full mouth correctly placed to a minimal number of teeth. Th e most important part is that the jaw is properly aligned. Both scissors and level bite is allowed in either variety.
Th e Hairless Variety is not to be faulted for the absence of full dentition. Missing teeth in the Powderpu ff are to be faulted, how- ever there are no DQs in the Breed stan- dard and are not to be considered any more of a fault than any other deviation from the standard. In both varieties the ears are large and erect, round or pointed; either are equal- ly seen and acceptable. Grooming may include shaved ears, fully-coated ears, a shaved face, a fully coated face and any combination of these—all are equally cor- rect and acceptable. Th e topline is level, leading to a slightly sloping croup. Tail is slender and tapers to a curve. It is long enough to reach the hock. When the dog is in motion, the tail is carried gaily and may be carried slightly forward over the back. At rest the tail is down with a slight curve upward at the end resembling a sickle. In the Hairless variety, two-thirds of the end of the tail is covered by long, fl owing feathering, referred to as a plume. Th e Powderpu ff variety’s tail is completely covered with hair. In the Hairless, soft and smooth skin is a virtue. Th e most important part when evaluating hair on the Hairless Chinese Crested is that it is to be soft and silky, fl owing to any length. Areas that have hair usually taper o ff slightly with the
placement of hair not as important as over- all type. Th e Powderpu ff variety is com- pletely covered with a double soft and silky coat. Close examination reveals long thin guard hairs over the short silky undercoat. Th e coat is straight, of moderate density and length. Excessively heavy, kinky or curly coat is to be penalized. Grooming is minimal-consisting of presenting a clean and neat appearance. Th e angulation of sti fl e is moderate, shoulders clean and narrow with a 45 degree layback to allow for good reach and freedom in movement. Th e hare foot has elongated toes and hair on the feet is from the toes to the front pasterns and on the hock joints. Th e gait of the Chinese Crest- ed is lively, agile and smooth without being stilted or hackneyed. Th e dog comes and goes at a trot moving in a straight line. All in all, the Chinese Crested stan- dard’s fi rst sentence explains the essence of the breed “A Toy dog, fi ne-boned, elegant and graceful.” Our members and exhibitors continue to strive towards the written description of the Breed’s virtues with each generation. In looking back to 1991 when we fi rst were accepted into the Toy Group it appears we have continued towards this goal. Find more online at http://accc.chines- ecrestedclub.info/index.html
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