Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison

Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed ComparisonBoth Tea Cup Chihuahua and Chinese Crested Dog are originated from Mexico. Tea Cup Chihuahua may grow 8 cm / 4 inches higher than Chinese Crested Dog. Both Tea Cup Chihuahua and Chinese Crested Dog are having almost same weight. Both Tea Cup Chihuahua and Chinese Crested Dog has same life span. Both Tea Cup Chihuahua and Chinese Crested Dog has almost same litter size. Tea Cup Chihuahua requires Moderate maintenance. But Chinese Crested Dog requires Low maintenance

History

tea cup chihuahua - historyChihuahua is a state in the country of Mexico. From this state, the dog breed Chihuahua and the “teacup, or toy” chihuahua take their name. Interestingly the Chihuahua Club of America maintains that “teacup” Chihuahuas do not exist and that the size differential is normal for the breed. Chihuahuas or their ancestors have been around a very long time, sadly the exact origins of the Chihuahua are lost into the pages of history, but archaeological clues such as wheeled dog toys, art, and pottery link the Chihuahua to Mexico and to the Techichi dog. The Techichi dog at the time of the Spanish Conquistadors was sold for food (not unlike we sell beef or chicken) and also as a companion dog to death. Cortez even mentioned the Techichi dog in a letter sent back to Spain, describing them as being raised for food and sold in the marketplace.

When a death occurred a dog was chosen as a companion and cremated with the deceased. It was believed that the dog helped the soul of the decedent reach their eternal destination. The Techichi dog from which the modern-day chihuahua likely descended was very plentiful in the central American area that is now the country of Mexico and raised by the ancient Toltecs and later the Aztec people.

Chihuahuas are little dogs and come in a variety of coats, head shapes and even (within the designation small) sizes. The designation “teacup, toy or pocket” while not an official breed name is a useful descriptor, since they are the littlest of an already small breed and these minute pets, as puppies, may fit into a teacup or a pocket.

Fortunately while no longer a food source, the chihuahua is now sought after as a loyal and lively pet and companion.

chinese crested dog - historyThe Chinese Crested Dog is believed to have its origins in Africa and there are many texts from the 19th Century that feature an Africa Hairless Terrier that resembles the Chinese Crested. However, the scientific and genetic evidence leads to an origin that is shared with the Mexican Hairless Dog. Any way you look at it the dog did not originate in China. The Chinese were very fond of this breed and used them on their ships to control the rat populations. This is probably how they got their name.

There are two types of Chinese Crested Dogs – the well known Hairless, and the lesser known Powderpuff. The Hairless type is better known because they carry the dominant trait and the Powderpuff is recessive. However, this recessive gene is carried by every Chinese Crested Dog so the Powderpuff can show up in all litters even those of two Hairless Crested. Two Powderpuffs will not result in any Hairless in their litters as the Powderpuff does not have the gene for the Hairless.

The “Crest Haven” Kennel was opened by Debora Wood in the 1950’s to breed the Chines Crested Dog. At the same time Gypsy Rose Lee, of the famous burlesque shows, was also breeding Chinese Crested Dogs. The two lines of Crested bred by Americans came together following the death of Rose Lee. Every Chinese Crested that lives today can trace their heritage directly to these two breeding lines. In 1959, Debra Wood founded the American Hairless Dog Club which became a part of the American Chinese Crested Club or the ACCC in 1978. This organization then became the breed’s parent club after AKC (American Kennel Club) recognized the breed in 1991. Prior to this the Federation Cynologique Internationale, recognized the breed in 1987, the United Kingdom (UK)the Kennel Club recognized them in 1981 and the Australian National Kennel Council recognized the Crested in 1995.

Description

tea cup chihuahua puppy - descriptionChihuahuas are small. Even the bigger ones are only about six pounds and a “teacup” or “toy” is often three pounds or less. Their bodies are slightly longer than they are tall, but even the tallest are not over nine inches. Chihuahua standing under five inches in height is not uncommon in the “teacup” or smallest of these dogs. They have two different head types and a domed skull. One type of head shape is like a deer while the other is described as an apple-shaped head. The apple-shaped heads are more popular than the deer shaped heads, although sometimes in the “teacup” especially the soft spot fails to close at maturity when growth is complete and the bones should knit, therefore leaving a soft spot in their skull – this is called a molera.

Like different shaped heads chihuahua may have long hair or short-haired coats. The short-haired coats are smooth. The Chihuahua coats may be a large variety of colors ranging from black to white, with red, brown, fawn, cream and chocolate and they may be solid-colored, spotted or sabled. Personal preference is the determining factor on the type of coat a pet Chihuahua has since the breed does not have a preferred color, pattern, hair length or feel. Their muzzle (nose/mouth combination) is short and pointed. Chihuahua have have naturally erect pointed ears and large round eyes. A Chihuahuas tail is relatively long and mostly either curled up and over the back or carried up.

chinese crested dog puppy - descriptionThis is a toy breed and very small. The Hairless and the Powderpuff are two types of the same breed, although they do not look like it. The Hairless type can have fur anywhere on its body, but it will not have much. It will have hair on its paws, tail and head. The Powderpuff on the other hand will have a thick double coat. When discussing the color of the hairless, one is referring to the color of its skin. It can range from flesh to black.

The Powderpuff has a soft, thick, straight double coat. It can have very long hair. The Hairless must have its skin taken care of and protected. Both types of Chines Crested are small in stature with well proportioned, athletic bodies.

Characteristics

tea cup chihuahua dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness very interactive with family but has been known to nip at small children and bark, so no not really

2. Special talents more stamina than expected in such a small dog and barking

3. Adaptability yes but they are better off in apartments and homes not out in the country where their size makes them targets for predators.

4. Learning ability average ability to learn but Chihuahua can be but stubborn which may impact ability and willingness to learn.

chinese crested dog dog - characteristicsThe Chines Crested Dog is very intelligent and love to perform for audiences. They do well with obedience courses and they are very affectionate lap dogs. They want to be with you and on you or in your arms all the time. They are loyal and playful.

Health Problems

tea cup chihuahua puppies - health problemsChihuahuas live on average fourteen to eighteen years. There are some issues that may cause concern or lower life expectancy.]

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is something to watch for. Low blood sugar can cause death in just a few hours but when caught is very easily treated. Some of the symptoms are being uncoordinated when walking, acting sleepy or lethargic, unfocused sight, fainting, having a seizure or having spasms in the muscles of the neck. First aid can right this condition with a sweet supplement like corn syrup, or honey. This is more common in puppies, but the teacup chihuahuas are susceptible.

• Hydrocephalus (water on the brain) can affect many toy dog breeds. The puppy or dog will appear to have an oversized head, and be slow (display lethargy) and grow slower than its littermates.

• Pulmonic stenosis (a heart condition) occurs when the right ventricle is impeded. Teacup Chihuahuas are also susceptible to heart murmurs.

• Collapsed trachea this occurs when the cartilaginous rings in a Chihuahua do not form completely or weaken. This can be hereditary or an acquired condition and occurs in other small breeds of dog.

• Molera – where after finishing growth a soft spot remains in the skull and the bones do not knit. As a puppy, the owner must remain vigilant about head injuries.

• Obesity (overweight). Most of the time this is a result of the Teacup Chihuahua being overfed. Obesity can contribute to a shortened lifespan and chronic bronchitis.

• Cold susceptibility. Cold weather can cause Teacup Chihuahuas to shiver or tremble when exposed and during cold temperatures, the dogs may need to wear a sweater and boots outside and cuddle with their owners under blankets or bask in the sun to stay warm.

• Infected or injured eyes. Due to the prominent eyes, exposure to irritants such as dust, allergens, or dry air can cause the dog to develop this beginning with watering eyes.

chinese crested dog puppies - health problemsThe Chinese Crested Hairless version must have its skin take care of much in the same way we take care of our own. It will burn if exposed to too much sun without protection. They can suffer from dry skin, acne, need moisturizing cremes. They get skin allergies as well and it is important to take care of the skin instead of the brushing you don’t have to do.

The Chinese Crested does not suffer from most of the diseases other toy breeds do. They can have ye issues. The Hairless have a “primitive mouth” . They have pointy teeth and poor dentition. This is not true of the Powderpuffs however. Their eye issues include:

  • Lens Luxation
  • PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
  • Glaucoma

Other issues include:

  • Luxating Patellas
  • Legg-Perthes Disease
  • Canine Multiple System Degeneration (CMSD)
  • Allergies

Caring The Pet

tea cup chihuahua dogs - caring1. Feeding the Puppies. Puppies should be fed four times a day. Underfeeding can cause the issues of low blood sugar and overfeeding can result in obesity increasing the risk of other health complications.

2. Feeding the Adult. Adult teacups are also vulnerable to hypoglycemia and obesity. Of course, the low blood sugar will be much more acute than obesity and need prompt care if it occurs. Adult teacups should be fed twice a day.

3. Points for Good Health. The chihuahua generally exhibits more vigor and endurance than pet owners expect from such a small breed of dog.

4. Games and Exercise for Teacup Chihuahua. Go ahead and run and play but remember even with the unexpected stamina and endurance this is a very small dog, small legs, using discernment, judgment, and restraint so the games and exercise is fun and builds health and is a special bonding time, without jeopardizing the sugar levels or causing exhaustion or misery.

Feeding

chinese crested dog dogs - caringLike several other toy breeds, it is easy to overfeed the Chinese Crested because it has such a small stature. Feed once or twice a day but never more than one fourth of a cup total for the day.

Health issues

  • Lens Luxation – causes blindness and is inherited
  • PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) – can also lead to blindness
  • Glaucoma – also leads to blindness
  • Dry Eye Syndrome

Other issues include:

Luxating Patellas – kneecaps move out of place and cause lameness and arthritis

Legg-Perthes Disease – a hip disorder where blood does not reach the head of the femur. The bone dies, and growth stops.

Canine Multiple System Degeneration (CMSD) – a progressive movement disorder can call falls

  • Allergies – skin and sometimes food

Exercise and games

This Breed does not need an excessive amount of exercise, but they do enjoy running. They are competitive and athletic, so they can excel at flyball, lure coursing, agility and obedience. They are sensitive and trainable enough to become a therapy dog.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Toy dog
Origin:
Mexico
Mexico
Height Male:
15 - 38 cm
5 - 15 inches
28 - 30 cm
11 - 12 inches
Height Female:
15 - 35 cm
5 - 14 inches
26 - 28 cm
10 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
2 - 3 kg
4 - 7 pounds
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
Weight Female:
2 - 3 kg
4 - 7 pounds
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 4
2 - 6
Size:
Toy dog
Toy dog
Other Names:
Toy Chihuahuas
Crested, Puff
Colors Available:
any color combination ranging from splashed or solid to marked. One can see solid black, spotted or sabled variations of their coat colors and pattern. The most common coat colors are black, white, cream and chocolate., red, brown, white, fawn
Any color or combination of colors
Coat:
long haired and short dense coarse hair
hairless or Puff has double coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal
Affectionate, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Playful
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  3. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Morkie - Breed Comparison
  4. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  5. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  6. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Pekingese - Breed Comparison
  7. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  9. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  10. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  11. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  12. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  13. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  14. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  15. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  16. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  17. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  19. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Phalene - Breed Comparison
  20. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  21. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  22. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  23. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Snorkie - Breed Comparison
  25. Tea Cup Chihuahua vs Toy Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  26. Chihuahua vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  27. Morkie vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  28. Havanese vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Chorkie vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  30. Pekingese vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  31. Chinese Crested Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Chinese Crested Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  33. Chinese Crested Dog vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  34. Chinese Crested Dog vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  35. Chinese Crested Dog vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  36. Chiweenie vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  37. Chug vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  38. Chipoo vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  39. Chiapom vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  40. English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  42. Russian Toy Terrier vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  43. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  44. Phalene vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  45. Cockachon vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  46. Shih Tzu vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Silky Terrier vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  48. Snorkie vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  49. Toy Bulldog vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  50. Toy Mi-Ki vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds