Find A Breeder

The Tar Heel Chinese Crested Club can put you in touch with several breeders; however, it is your responsibility to do your research regarding both the breed and the breeder before you commit to purchasing a puppy. So before you make that first contact, here is some insight.

Now that you have decided that a dog would make a good family member . . . you need to realize that it's a commitment for the lifetime of that dog, and with a Chinese Crested, that could be as long as 15 years or better. So, it's important that you do your homework in researching kennels to find the right breeder, who in turn will guide you to the right puppy that will fit your family's lifestyle.

While ALL puppies are cute, not all puppies are created equal. Each puppy has their own personality and activity level. With Cresteds, there are basically no temperament differences between males and females or hairless and puffs; it's their individual personality that defines them. A responsible breeder will extensively interview you to learn your lifestyle in order to help match up a puppy that will fit into that style.

In turn, you have a responsibility to thoroughly interview each breeder you visit or speak with. While the Internet allows you to virtually see a kennel and their dogs, there is nothing more reassuring then to meet the breeder in person and to be able to interact with their Cresteds. This up-close and personal experience allows you to see where and how the puppies are raised, to see the parents (or at least one of them), other Cresteds from that kennel, plus gives you the opportunity to ask questions.

Responsible breeders will be happy to show you all their dogs, allow you to peruse their facility and answer all your questions. These breeders will provide you evidence that the appropriate health tests have been performed on the parent dogs and will provide you detailed health checks regarding the puppies. In our About the Breed section, we go over the health issues and what tests should be done. These test forms should be available for your review. Other forms that should be made available to you when you purchase the puppy are:

• Pedigree - This tells you who the parents, grand-parents and great grand-parents are of your new puppy.
• Contract - A contract between you and the breeder for the purchase of the puppy will protect you as the purchaser, and the breeder as the seller. It will describe the puppy you are purchasing, it will spell out what guarantees the breeder will honor and should also indicate that the breeder will take back the dog if you become ill or fall upon hard times.
• American Kennel Club (AKC) Registration Papers - AKC papers means that your puppy is a full blooded Chinese Crested and that both parents are also registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). This registration paper will allow you to register the puppy in your name as owner and will allow you to participate in AKC events that are put on around the country. Also, by submitting that form to AKC, ownership of that puppy will be recorded in their data base. When registered, the AKC will send you a packet of information which includes an offer for a free trial period of the AKC recommended pet health insurance. There are other registries which allow people to provide papers on the puppy, but in America, the only respected one, with accurate record-keeping and longevity, is the American Kennel Club.
• Health Certificates - Each breeder should be asked if their dogs (especially the parent dogs) have been tested for the following: (explained on our About the Breed page):
  • PRA - Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • PLL - Primary Lens Luxation
  • Patellar Luxation
  • CERF
  There are other issues that can come up from time to time and these are not something that can be tested for, but it would be wise to ask the breeder about:
  • Dry eye
  • Allergic reactions or allergies
  • Skin issues

If at any time a breeder cannot provide you evidence that the dogs have been health tested or registration papers are not from the American Kennel Club, then a red flag should pop up in your mind.

The best advice . . . all good things come to those who wait. Be patient, do your homework and a life long experience with your new Crested puppy will be fun and loving.

However, if you have any questions before or during your search or need more guidance, please don't hesitate to contact our Breeder Referral Coordinator: Wendy Ryan.

We are here to assist you!