brookcove
Posted : 6/22/2007 10:33:19 AM
Please do not get a crested from a pet store. They are prone to many health issues that commercial breeders pay absolutely no attention to. Besides the teeth problems, cresties often have skin problems and a variety of congenital and genetic defects, if not bred very carefully.
Cresties are a freak of nature. Their key characteristic is the result of a lethal mutation. Breeders who care about not only the breed, but about the dogs themselves, spend the time to learn how to breed pups that will be as healthy as possible, and also meet the standard of the breed for temperament, and how they look.
Getting a quality puppy from a breeder like this costs money, but it's well worth it in the long run. If I were to go the breeder route to get a crestie, the breeder I'd go to would probably want about $900 for a companion-quality puppy. But even with my limited experience with the breed, I feel certain I'd not only get a quality, healthy puppy that would save me thousands in the long run, but I'd also get a friend who was very knowlegeable about the breed and would be there for me as I raise my puppy.
The grooming requirements on this breed are tremendous. Frequents baths are a must, with special products as cresteds have sensitivities to many common skin care products. I have a very hairy hairless - similar coat to the puff - and I comb her out every day, or she gets terrible matts. I have a friend who has her half brother, a puff, and his coat is worse than hers to matt.
Responsible breeders breed as much as possible for a correct coat that doesn't matt too badly, but they have to make health their number one priority. It's better to have dogs that you have to groom frequently, than blind, and deaf pups with no teeth and skin so sensitive they can't go outside.
Rescue is a terrific way to go. With a rescue you know just what you are getting. This breed has a wide variety of personalities and needs, from clingy lap warmers to very active terrier-like dogs like my Zhi. Even the best breeders sometimes can't predict what the pups from any cross are going to be like, exactly - that's one of the fun things about this breed.
But for those buying from unscrupulous breeders, or from a pet store with no history, nasty surprises could be in store. My Zhi had three homes before she was ten weeks old because she's over the top active. She rivals many Jack Russells I've known, for craziness.
Good luck and please, please, please don't support the pet store. They'll just make more.
ETA: Crest Care is the main crested rescue link:
http://www.crest-care.com/ They are great people. The crested community is a great bunch of people in general and very welcoming to "newbies"! Check out the forums: Crested Crush is my fav - kind of offbeat but with some great information, well laid out.
http://www.chinesecrestedcrush.com/phpBB2/index.php