The Chinese Crested dog is a hairless dog which originated in China. There are other varieties of hairless dogs throughout the world, most of them probably began as mutations but were gradually developed as a specific breed. Some examples of other hairless dogs are breeds such as the Mexican Hairless and the Peruvian Inca.
The breed is a rarity, although it is becoming more popular in the United States and was accepted by A.K.C. into the Toy Group in 1991. The Chinese Crested, as opposed to other hairless varieties, is embellished with tufts of hair on the skull and over the ears, on the feet and pasterns and a flowing "mane" along the neck and the tail has a plume. This makes the little dog appear almost like a small pony in appearance and makes it actually more appealing than most of the other hairless breeds. The Chinese Crested also has a coated variety which is called the "Powderpuff".
Because the skin is hairless, the breed can suffer from exposure to cold and heat and must be protected in severe weather. For obvious reasons this is not an "outdoor" dog. The Chinese Crested carries genetic malformations consisting of missing teeth, missing toenails and breeding difficulties. The "Powderpuff" has all the teeth. Both varieties can be born in the same litter. The Powderpuff is a "recessive" gene, but is necessary to the breed's existence, since a mating of a hairless to a hairless can produce extreme genetic abnormalities that are often lethal. The most common mating and genetically healthier mating is a Powderpuff to a hairless, which will then produce both examples of the breed in one litter.
The skin color varies from pink to blue-black and may have pigmented spots of purple or black. The Powderpuff has a "veil" of soft undercoat all over the body. The breed is small, 9-13 inches in height. The head is finely chiseled, giving the appearance of refinement and elegance. There are two "body types" of Crested: one is a type which has a bit more bone and substance which is referred to as the Cobby type, the more fine boned and racier variety being called the Deer. Both types are shown and judged to the same standard. The skin must be fine grained and smooth.
The Chinese Crested has endeared itself to the hearts of its owners. The dog is sweet and affectionate and makes a perfect bed warmer on a cold night, loving nothing more than to curl up beneath the covers with its master. They are not aggressive in any case, but will bark a warning of strangers. Because this is a tiny dog, care must be taken with children in the household, so that they do not play with the dogs, especially the puppies, until they are old enough to understand how delicate the breed is.
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The "crest" in its name refers to a copious shock of silky hair that graces the dog's head.
The Chinese Crested is found everywhere, but has never reached great popularity. It has often been exhibited in circuses and carnivals as a "freak." However, this little dog has many assets that go unrecognized.
There are two types of the Chinese Crested:
Hairless
With a full coat, which is called the Powderpuff
The Powderpuff is just about identical to the hairless except for the coat. The two are interbred and shown together. If you breed a hairless to a hairless or a Powderpuff to a hairless you can end up with either type or both types of puppies. Breeding a Powderpuff to a Powderpuff will always produce the Powderpuff type puppies.
Some authors claim the origin of the Chinese Crested is Africa. Others find its origin in Mexico or any of several other warm countries. The Chinese Crested is known to have been carried by trading ships from and to many different ports where it was bought and sold. Therefore, its origin is shrouded by sea tales.
The date of origin of the Chinese Crested is considered to be during the thirteenth century. Oriental countries concentrated on breeding miniaturized dogs, so the Chinese Crested ancestors probably include some of these small, hairless mutations.
The Chinese Crested originally enjoyed a pampered life with few duties except those associated with being a good companion. Very early in the development of the Chinese Crested breed it was probably used as a ratter on trading ships and was even sometimes eaten by human residents of these trading ships (how horribly awful to think of eating such a beautiful creature).
Personality
The Chinese Crested is said to be "a nimble and cunning playmate." He is a vigilant and sensitive house dog. The Chinese Crested is a loving and obedient pet. He socializes well with other pets and is only a little cautious of strangers. The Chinese Crested is lively and active, but is rarely seen in agility contests. He is easily trained and should do well in obedience work.
Appearance
The Chinese Crested is fine-boned and graceful. He stands about 11 to 13 inches tall and weighs 5 to 12 pounds. He is athletic-looking and well muscled. The legs of a Chinese Crested are straight and strong. The Chinese Crested has a copious shock of silky hair that graces his head. Hair is absent over much of the remainder of its body except for tufts of hair on the tail and feet.
The Powderpuff has a flowing double coat of silky hair that covers its entire body. It is seen in any coat color or combination of colors.
Exercise Requirements
As with most toy breeds the Chinese Crested needs a minimal amount of exercise which can be obtained in your backyard.
Grooming
The Chinese Crested needs to be kept clean with frequent baths using a good shampoo followed by a moisturizer like baby oil or baby lotion. This routine is especially true for the hairless type.
The Powderpuff requires regular brushing and combing. The teeth need cleaning regularly.
You will need a good-quality bristle brush and a safety razor (to shave the face) for the Hairless variety. For the Powderpuff coat you will need a good-quality bristle brush, a wide-toothed comb and clippers.
The skin of the Hairless type responds well to frequent oiling by massaging baby oil or Nivea face cream into the hairless parts. This helps to keep the skin on the Chinese Crested Hairless type smooth and nicely moisturized.
The Powderpuff puppy requires frequent brushing with a bristle or pin brush particularly when the puppy coat changes to the adult coat, at which time daily grooming may be needed. The coat of a Powderpuff Chinese Crested should be brushed in layers with the lie of the coat.
After bathing, grooming and blow-drying, the face should 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." This cut is similar to the face of a Poodle. In the U.S. the Powderpuff face is not shaved. Finish off the entire body with a wide-toothed comb if desired. The comb will find any remaining tangles in the coat. Of note in the Chinese Crested is that the dog's nails should be moderately long.