Ask Zena                                  Total Questions: 24        

I am getting a Chinese Crested. Is there any way I will be able to know its weight and whether it will have spots or not? Do they make a good guard dog and are they are good with children?

Chinese Crested Dogs can be any colour or combination of colours and spots are very common, although a solid colour is also available. It is always a good idea to talk to the breeder ahead of time and express your wishes for colour preference. Experienced breeders are able to provide some insight as to what the colour and weight might be. A careful examination of the parents can give you some ideas on the looks of the offspring.

Please remember that colour isn't everything. Personality is one of the most important aspects of dog ownership and a great personality will remain long after you outgrow the colour. Chinese Crested Dogs can reach a maximum of 12 pounds or 5.5 kg. Of course the females are usually smaller in size and weight, and again an experienced breeder can discuss future weight with you.

Chinese Crested Dogs thrive in a home where they have constant companionship and the comforts of home. They are anxious to please, adore their families, and enjoy participating in family events. They do well with gentle children who respect their space and needs. The Chinese Crested is a good watchdog, but not a guard dog. Like most dogs they will alert their family if someone comes to the door or the car window, but Chinese Crested Dogs are likely to welcome a new friend once they are introduced.

Is there a purpose for the ridge on a Rhodesian Ridgeback?

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is only one of two recognized breeds that possess a distinctive ridge of hair running the length of the back. The other ridged breed is the Thai Ridgeback. In both cases, the ridge is comprised of hairs that grow in the opposite direction as that of the rest of the coat. The ridge starts just behind the shoulders with two symmetrical crowns or swirls of hair and continues straight down the back to the hipbones where it tapers to a point.

The ridge has survived many generations of dogs that originated from the ridgebacked "jackal-like" African Hottentot Hunting Dog. When the European settlers colonized southern Africa, their hunting dogs most likely interbred with the native ridgebacked dogs creating the ancestors of today's Rhodesian Ridgeback.

Contrary to popular belief, Rhodesian Ridgebacks were never bred to attack and kill lions. Instead they were used to trail the big cats, then harass and preoccupy them until the hunters could shoot them at a close range. The size and strength of the loyal Rhodesian Ridgebacks provided the hunters with protection and companionship.