Powderpap

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Powderpap is a cross between the Papillon and the Powderpuff variety of the Chinese Crested. Both parent breeds are small, dainty dogs prized as much as for the beauty of their long coats as for the intelligent, alert, and friendly companionship they offer.

The Powderpuff is notable in that it comes in the same litter as the Hairless, another Chinese Crested variety. As the name suggests, its litter-mate is hairless all over, with a few tufts only here and there. The Powderpuff, on the other hand, lives up to its name with an abundant double coat, the top coat growing to the floor, if allowed, and lying over its back and body in a silky, straight fall.

The Papillon, so-called because the common variety has prick ears with a butterfly-shaped fringe of hair, also shares a litter with the Phalene, a droop-eared variety. The Papillon is one of the oldest and smallest of the Spaniel family, and is a an elegant yet loving companion dog. The breed is believed to have originated from Belgium.

Color

Coat color could be any solid or combination, or the Powderpap could take after its Papillon parent and be parti-colored. This would result in a largely white coat with markings or tan, black, lemon, sable, or red.

Coat

The Powderpuff is double coated, while the Papillon only has a single coat. Whichever type the Powderpap inherits, it is certain to have a coat of a good length (neither parent breed has fur that grows continuously), fine or silky to the touch, and lying flat over the back and sides. An undercoat will be soft and fine.

Personality

The Powderpap is an ideal companion dog for those with the wherewithal to handle and care for an elegant, long-coated, small-boned dog that is very lively in nature. The Powderpap is best for a home with adults or older children who enjoy clever antics and affectionate play, yet can keep in mind that a small dog underfoot means extra caution not to cause injury.

Care

A well-loved and well-brought up Powderpap will be a confident and positive animal, friendly with other dogs and not too needy of affection or attention --- although the Powderpap will thrive especially on the latter, as with all highly intelligent dogs that love to perform. Agile as well as quick to pick up on commands, the Powderpap can provide hours of amusement and laughter. It is bred for companionship, so prolonged absences of its owners could result in anxiety and eventual bad behavior.

Training

Training and socialization for the Powderpap will be easy enough, as long as it starts early and is consistently done. Obedience training is recommended for puppies, to curtail any stubbornness. Constant socialization will ensure the Powderpap does not grow up timid, and is positive and friendly towards new dogs or newly introduced people. More complicated commands can be easily taught to the Powderpap, with some patience and a little reward. As mentioned, this dog would love to perform and impress, and takes to new tricks easily enough. Babying and carrying the Powderpap around is not recommended, as a walk will better benefit its mood, and over-cuddling can lead to the dog assuming a dominant role over its owner.

Activity

A small dog, the Powderpap will be quite happy with indoor games and play. However, it does need to be taken out every now and then, to satisfy its instinctive need for walks. Obviously, leashed walks are best, as the Powderpap is vulnerable due to its size. Despite its size, the Powderpap is a very energetic, agile dog, and will appreciate daily sessions of play or walks. A tendency to dig can be taken care of by a pre-assigned area in the yard, or a trip to the sandbox.