As far as unconventional obedience dogs go, the hairless Chinese Crested variety is right up there. These smooth-skinned dogs are certainly eye-catching in the ring, with their tufted heads, plumed tails, and feathery socks. However, breed enthusiast Zelda Casanova wants people to know these toy breed dogs are more than quirky-looking, cuddly companions.
Casanova and her 11-year-old Chinese Crested “Kiss” (GCH CH Adorator Kiss Jr Pretensja UDX OM1 BN GN VER RI OA OAJ NF DCAT DJ CGCU TKA) are looking forward to showing just how smart, lively and driven the breed can be when competing in the 11th AKC Obedience Classic, sponsored by Eukanuba. The event is part of the 2024 AKC National Championship Week, sponsored by Royal Canin, on Dec. 14 and 15th.
From Dobermans to Compact Cresteds
Casanova has always loved animals. She’s ridden horses since childhood and studied equine science at college. But after graduating and moving to Dallas, keeping horses was no longer affordable. She often thought about getting a dog, but it didn’t happen until a car accident made her reevaluate her priorities. A chance encounter while out jogging led to Casanova bringing home her first dog. “I found a loose Doberman Pinscher running on a golf course,” she says. “I fell in love with the dog [‘Bart’], and after finding the owners and becoming friends, I would regularly go to their home to visit him.” Her first dog, “Taipan,” was a puppy from a litter from Bart’s breeder.
Casanova was interested in showing Taipan in the conformation ring, but describes him as having been “too big and lanky.” Her husband, who she was dating at the time, suggested she take him to obedience classes. While he was a sweet dog, better manners would be beneficial, given how large and strong he was.
At that point, Casanova was in her early twenties. Now in her early sixties, she continues to be an active member of the close-knit obedience community, partnering with Dobermans for many years.
Her introduction to Chinese Cresteds was more recent, and didn’t happen until she was introduced to Kiss. A respected breeder friend, Michelle Portaluppi Young, who co-owns Kiss, encouraged her to give them a chance. Now a Chinese Crested convert, Casanova has five of the breed.
A Naturally ‘Edgy’ Competitor
When Casanova got Kiss at four months old, she planned to show him in the conformation ring. He quickly excelled, and Casanova felt they had achieved their goals in the discipline. From there, she started taking him along to obedience classes with her Dobermans and realized he was a natural. “Kiss was sharp, sassy, attentive and really fast,” she says. Training with him was a completely different challenge than with the Dobermans, and their partnership blossomed.
Casanova describes Kiss as being a bit nuts—but in a good way. “For these top competing dogs, you want that edge,” she says. That “edge” means he excels in whatever endeavor he undertakes. He was the first of his breed to earn a versatility excellence title. He’s also a breed ring champion, has titles in agility and Fast CAT, and was one of the first Chinese Cresteds to compete in Dock Diving.
It Can Be Tough at the Top—but It’s Worth It
Casanova and Kiss share a strong bond and love being in the ring together, but competing at such a high level in the big national obedience events isn’t without challenges. As well as all the training time, there’s travel, gear, and even getting from the big car parks to the venue with a small dog to consider.
Some issues are unique to Chinese Cresteds. Casanova explains it’s not just the long-haired Powderpuff varieties that require grooming. The flowing manes of these dogs might look impressive, but she braids Kiss’ hair to prevent it from obstructing his view in the ring. She also regularly shaves him to prevent fluff and stray hairs on his smooth skin.
The exposed skin of hairless Chinese Cresteds needs protection from the sun, and they are sensitive to the cold. Casanova’s dogs wear winter coats, but performing a down-stay on a cold cement floor isn’t a favorite exercise when the coats come off in the ring.
Kiss and Casanova haven’t put in as many training hours in preparation for this year’s Obedience Classic, as her husband is currently receiving treatment for leukemia. “He had a bone marrow transplant and is home and doing okay, but it’s been challenging for all of us,” she says. Her horse, “Apollo,” also needs daily care, as do her four other dogs.
While the dream would be to achieve that elusive perfect score of 200, Casanova is just grateful to have the opportunity to showcase Kiss’ skill and enthusiasm. “I know he has inspired people over the years, because they see what a Crested can do,” she says.
Ambassadors of the Breed
Despite Casanova’s plans to retire Kiss from competitive obedience after the Chinese Crested Nationals next June, she says her dogs will continue to be ambassadors of the breed. “At the moment, I have five,” she says. “I would have 50 if I could, but my husband and I agree the dynamics change, and there’s a lot more management when you have more.” Alongside Kiss, she has two of his grandchildren (“Lordy” and “Tart”), as well as “Pete” and “ZouLi.”
She is currently working with both Lordy and Pete in obedience. Pete came to Casanova in June at 4 years old, so they have some catching up to do, but he is showing fantastic potential. “Ideally, you want to teach from four days old, not 4 years old,” she says. “However, he’s been in the breed ring at the highest levels, and he’s coming along fast.”
Casanova attributes the speed at which he is picking things up in part to working with her trainer, Peggy McConnell, who promotes positive, reward-based techniques. “It’s really working with all my dogs. I love it, but it can be tedious,” she says. Very different from the training techniques widely used when she first started out in the dog obedience world, Casanova points out that you might need more patience initially and getting the timing right with the rewards takes practice. However, importantly, her dogs are having fun and progressing faster as a result.
The AKC National Championship, presented by Royal Canin, is the dog world’s biggest event of the year! Learn more about conformation and follow your favorite breeds at dog shows throughout the year. They might be competing for the coveted Best in Show title in December!