At Crestars things are basically pretty simple...but busy!  From the time the puppies are born to the time I have to say a temporary or my last goodbye, all my dogs are very special to me.  They are all house companions first.  And here is what happens from day one: They are born in the spare bedroom and at a week old the babies are transferred in my kitchen so daily noises, (including Blazee's endless barking!) become a natural way of living from the beginning. .  At about week 4,  I have a pretty good idea what name will suit them.  The puppies get micro-chipped around this time as well.  At 7-8 weeks of age, they visit my veterinarians where they have their first check-up and receive their first set of shots,  I am willing to let them go.  I find they bond so much better with their new owner and at this point they are asserting themselves between each other and know how to act with the rest of my dogs. 

If I decide to keep a puppy from the litter or if a puppy hasn't found a home yet I enroll them into puppy socialization classes if available at that time.  I also have to stress that NONE of my dogs will ever make it to live in an outside kennel or graduate for the basement once they are old enough .  That is one of the reason I have so very few litters.  Anyone is welcomed to come to my house anytime.  I keep my house clean.  I always get comments on how I can keep it so clean and smelling so good with all my dogs living in the house.  One other reason for my limited number of puppies is that I will not always breed to the closest available male.  I carefully assess my females and from there try to find the best males that would compliment them and go from there.  I will never use a stud male on the simple fact that it is a big winner or because he is producing a certain color...I have to admit that I am a big fan of good movement and I am always attracted to the best moving outgoing dog out there. 

As for my adults well I try to take on a separate project with everyone of them at some time or other.  Ziggy is the only exception.  He is getting quite old and is just happy to be couch potatoes... that is until we go for car rides of for walks.  I bought a video on clicker training done by Karen Pryor.  It is very interesting. I strongly recommend it to everyone!  You can find out more at: www.dontshootthedog.com .  Zack, Tayzer, Enlil and Bugzy have been obedience trained.  Daizee, Zeekitah, Bugzy have done a little basic agility and Jozee has done up to intermediate level.   She is a much happier to live in a situation where she is the only dog.   Those who are not showing or breeding anymore, immediately get fixed!

I am considering myself to be fairly new as far as breeding the Chinese Crested goes.  My oldest homebred is 10 years old.  However I have owned and studied the breed for quite some time now (17 years).   I have learned quite a bit but so far I am still learning every day!  Chinese Crested are such a lovely breed to live with!  If you are thinking on getting one, please remember NOT to treat them as a novelty that will soon wear off.  Too many Chinese Crested are already ending in Rescues.   Too many of them now are now being sold at Pet Stores.  Remember that a breeder who supplies these stores doesn't have any interest in finding out who the puppies will end up with, and if they are going to be loved or abused.  Worst yet how can they possibly find out if any health problem ever hit their puppies?  Chinese Crested are highly intelligent and sensitive dogs. I can only imagine the sadness they must feel when from day one they don't even have a name and are destined to be bred every time they come in heat.

• A good breeder will back their puppies all the way. 
• A good breeder will not rush or push you into buying something that might not be suitable for you at the time.  (different people need different dogs). (you should also be prepared to be patient). 
• A good breeder knows her/his dogs and will not always sell to the first buyer if the personality and lifestyle are going to be different of what they think the puppy will do best.
• He/She will be there when you need grooming tips, feeding and training instructions.
• A good breeder will take a dog back when things don't work out.
• He/She will stay in touch to find out if everything is OK.
• A good breeder will possibly become one of your best friend.
• A good breeder also expects a lot of dedication from the buyer to the dog.

Please consider researching your breeder very carefully. Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions before hand.  Ask for references from previous puppy buyers.  Ask to see the contract right away.  Have all guarantees put in writing.  Remember that a breeder who offers you a dog right away for cheap may be hiding something or possibly doesn't really care about the dog.   Don't be offended if the breeder ask for a lot of references...be thankful that they care enough to find out where their puppies goes. 

• Remember that this breed is getting very popular and many breeders have already been tricked by some not so ethical people who are saying what the breeders wants to hear.  The puppies have end up in Puppy Mills  Good breeders are always worried of getting their dogs in this sort of situation...I know I do as most puppies inquiries are made from telephone or email.  I wish I could just have a good look in their eyes when I talk to potential new buyers.

Contracts: Companion       Show or breeding