The Chinese Crested was carried by sailors from Africa to China and nearly every other port of call. Fanciers are found everywhere; however the breed has never reached great popularity. It has been exhibited in circuses and carnivals as a freak. This little dog has many qualities that go unrecognized.

The Chinese Crested is seen in two types. One is the hairless type and the other is called the Powderpuff type with a full coat. The Powderpuff type is nearly identical to the hairless except for the coat. The two are interbred and shown together.

The Powderpuff's coat care is probably less demanding than the skin care of the hairless type. The Powderpuff is covered entirely with long, soft hair (referred to as a "veil"). You will need only to brush and comb occasionally and bath when dirty to keep the Powderpuff looking "spiffy."

The hairless type requires moisturizing creams applied daily, sunblock for the light-skinned dogs and a coat is needed in cool weather. The hairless type is prone to blackheads and will need special shampoos to control this problem. The hairless type Chinese Crested has a crest of hair on its head, extending partway down the neck. There are socks covering its toes, as well as a plume on the tail. The rest of the body is hairless.

The Chinese Crested is an active and unique household companion. He will follow his owners around the house, play games with the children and join in family activities. He is a superior family pet. He also can serve as an adequate alarm dog. The Chinese Crested is a good choice for an older child's playmate.

You will need a good-quality bristle brush and a safety razor (to shave the face) for the Hairless variety. For the Powderpuff purchase a good-quality bristle brush, a wide-toothed comb and clippers for the coat.

The skin of the Hairless type requires frequent moisturizing. You can use baby oil or Nivea face cream to massage into the hairless parts to keep the skin smooth and nicely moisturized.

Grooming procedure for the Hairless:

Keep the Hairless type clean with frequent baths, and us a good shampoo followed by a moisturizer (you can also use baby lotion to moisturize the skin of the Hairless Chinese Crested.

The crest, socks and plume should be blow-dried with a good bristle brush.

When hair appears on the body of the Hairless type, you need to remove it.

Remove the facial hair with a safety razor or an Oster No. 40 blade against the grain. You can also be used to remove body hair. Be careful when using a razor to remove the hair from a Chinese Crested. If you are at all apprehensive about using a razor, consult a professional groomer.

Large patches of hair on the Hairless Chinese Crested are classed as a fault in the show ring.

Towel-dry and finish with a hair dryer on the crest, socks and plume. Brush these areas very carefully with a bristle brush. Avoid brushing on the skin areas.

Grooming procedure for the Powderpuff:

You will need to brush the Powderpuff coat frequently with a bristle or pin brush.

Daily brushing may be necessary as the Chinese Crested puppy coat changes to the adult coat.

Mats should be teased out with thumb and forefinger.

When all mats are removed work through the coat with a bristle or pin brush.

Tangles and mats may be found in the area between the front legs and the inside of the elbows. Teach your Chinese Crested to lie on its side while you remove these mats.

To keep the coat of the Powderpuff Chinese Crested looking nice bath regularly with a good-quality dog shampoo. Follow the bath with a blow-drying.

Brush the coat of a Powderpuff Chinese Crested in layers with the lie of the coat. If you use a pin brush be extra careful not to cause the dog discomfort.

After bathing, brushing and blow-drying, the face can be shaved using clippers (10 mm blade). Take a line from the outer corner of the eye to the ear and in a gentle curve from the ear down to the "Adam's apple." In the U.S., however, the Powderpuff face is not shaved.

Check between the pads of the feet for felting and remove to prevent discomfort to the Powderpuff Chinese Crested when walking.

Finish off with a wide-toothed comb if desired. This will find any remaining tangles in the coat.

Check the Powderpuff Chinese Crested' nails, ears and teeth. The nails should be moderately long.