Greek Sheepdog vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison

Greek Sheepdog vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed ComparisonChinese Crested Dog is originated from Mexico but Greek Sheepdog is originated from Greece. Chinese Crested Dog may grow 45 cm / 17 inches shorter than Greek Sheepdog. Chinese Crested Dog may weigh 45 kg / 99 pounds lesser than Greek Sheepdog. Both Chinese Crested Dog and Greek Sheepdog has almost same life span. Both Chinese Crested Dog and Greek Sheepdog has same litter size. Chinese Crested Dog requires Low Maintenance. But Greek Sheepdog requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Working dog
undefined
Mexico
Greece
Height Male:
28 - 30 cm
11 - 12 inches
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
26 - 28 cm
10 - 12 inches
65 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 5 kg
8 - 12 pounds
32 - 50 kg
70 - 111 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
32 - 50 kg
70 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
4 - 6
Size:
Toy
Large
Other Names:
Crested, Puff
Greek Shepherd, Olympus Dog
Colors Available:
Any color or combination of colors
White with red, black or brown markings
Coat:
hairless or Puff has double coat
Thick, double-coat, long hair
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Friendly, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Playful
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

chinese crested dogThe 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.

greek sheepdogKnown as the Olympus Dog or even simply as the Greek Shepherd, the Greek Sheepdog is a large to giant molosser dog from Greece. His purpose has always been to guard flocks and livestock from predators and he has been around for hundreds of years, looking much like the Great Pyrenees.

It is believed that the dog was likely bred with a number of breeds – both local and non-local dogs.

Unfortunately there were no records kept of the development of the breed but today the Greek Sheepdog remains a rare and fairly unknown breed outside of Greece.

It's numbers are dwindling in Greece too and since 1998 the Greek ARCTUROS has made attempts to save the breed, starting the Greek Shepherd Dog Breeding Program.

Description

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.

greek sheepdog puppy - descriptionThe Greek Sheepdog is a large dog, standing at 65 – 75cm and weighing roughly between 32 to 50kg. He is a dog that displays physical strength. He has a large head with brown eyes and a serious expression on his face. He has a thick double coat which is essentially white with red, black or brown markings.

You will also see tri-color dogs. He has floppy ears today but there was a time when the right ear of the male dog was cut off or cropped. The tail is long and bushy and it can be held low but also held up so that it curls over the back.

Temperament:

Maybe because of his size and him being a strong-willed, independent thinker, the Greek Shepherd may not be the best choice for a first time dog owner. Having said that, if you're a strong, firm, patient, kind person, then you'll be able to raise any kind of dog, first time or not.

The Greek Shepherd is a brave, loyal, calm, protective dog and with socialization and training, can make an awesome pet. They are dogs who are a bit suspicious with strangers, not making friends too easily. He loves his human family and wants to be part of their activities. He can't be left on his own day after day as this can lead to excessive barking and destructive behavior.

They've been dogs used to working with livestock and they will certainly need to be taken on daily walks and involved in rough and tumble games as they thrive on activity. The dog won't fit easily into city life where there is just a handkerchief-sized garden as he needs space and activity.

Characteristics

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.

greek sheepdog dog - characteristicsYour Greek Shepherd is an intelligent, independent dog who likes to show his loyalty and devotion to his owner.

He is a protective dog too and when trained and socialized makes an excellent family pet. These Molosser type dogs are formidable dogs known for their bravery and courage.

They're the type of dogs who like a strong leader-type of owner and when he gets someone who he can look up to as his leader, he becomes a loyal, devoted pet.

Health Problems

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

greek sheepdog puppies - health problemsWith good care and lots of love, this dog can live to be between 10 to 12 years of age. He is unlikely to get sick very often, but still it it wise to know of some of the health issues than can occur with large breed dogs like this.

Some diseases to look out for include -

Dilated cardiomyopathy:

This is a disease of the heart muscle. The heart is enlarged and unable to have the right heart rhythm. The distended muscle isn't able to push the blood through the heart chambers to where it is needed. Cause for this dilated heart can be genetic, nutritional, infectious or metabolic.

Because taurine and carnitine are involved in good heart function, and low levels of these amino acids can cause symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy, supplementation is useful, especially if you feel your dog isn't getting in the right kind of food.

Lyme Disease:

Borreliosis, a bacterial infection, causes Lyme disease, transmitted by the Ixodes tick. The tick bites the dog and the toxins gets into the dog's bloodstream, with the bacteria travelling to different parts of the body.

Typical symptoms in a dog includes loss of appetite, fever, no energy, swelling of joints and lameness, but symptoms can progress to kidney failure too or cardiac problems. Treatment will include antibiotics.

Caring The Pet

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.

Grooming:

greek sheepdog dogs - caringThe coat of the Greek Shepherd is fairly long so it will need to be brushed at least twice a week to keep it free from matting and tangling. He is an average shedder and the brushing will remove all loose hairs, keeping the coat sleek and shiny.

Diet:

Feeding your Greek Sheepdog requires giving him top quality food as this will ensure he is healthy and can ward off common dog illnesses. If you're going to be feeding him kibble, make sure to go for the top quality brands, and as a treat for your pet you can add in some brown rice, pasta, brown bread, cooked chicken and vegetables.

Dogs are essentially carnivores and he will need to have some raw meat such as beef added into his kibble from time to time. He should never ever be without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Chinese Crested Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Chinese Crested Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Chinese Crested Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Chinese Crested Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Chinese Crested Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Chinese Crested Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Chinese Crested Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Chinese Crested Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Chinese Crested Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Chinese Crested Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Chinese Crested Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Chinese Crested Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Chinese Crested Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Chinese Crested Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Chinese Crested Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Chinese Crested Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Chinese Crested Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Chinese Crested Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Chinese Crested Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Chinese Crested Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Chinese Crested Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Chinese Crested Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Chinese Crested Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Chinese Crested Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Chinese Crested Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Greek Sheepdog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Greek Sheepdog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Greek Sheepdog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Greek Sheepdog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Greek Sheepdog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Greek Sheepdog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Greek Sheepdog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Greek Sheepdog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Greek Sheepdog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Greek Sheepdog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Greek Sheepdog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Greek Sheepdog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Greek Sheepdog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Greek Sheepdog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Greek Sheepdog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Greek Sheepdog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Greek Sheepdog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Greek Sheepdog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Greek Sheepdog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Greek Sheepdog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Greek Sheepdog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Greek Sheepdog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Greek Sheepdog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Greek Sheepdog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Greek Sheepdog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison