Chinese Crested Dogs

Chinese Crested Dogs are not actually related to China. In ancient times, similar-looking dogs were kept in the houses of the Aztec nobility as bed warmers and companions. Supposedly, this breed originated in Africa and was originally called the African Hairless Terrier. Chinese sea men picked up these dogs in Africa, as they were good ratters to keep on board a ship. The name “Chinese Crested” stuck to the breed up to nowadays.

This breed is considered to be rare nowadays. It’s one of four hairless breeds known in the USA together with the Peruvian Inca Orchid, the Inca Hairless Dog, and the Mexican Hairless dog. Chinese Crested Dogs were first exhibited in 1885, but at that time the breed was not established yet. The first club of breed fanciers was founded only in 1979, and the AKC recognition was granted in 1991. Today, dogs of this breed can be registered by a number of canine all-breed registries: AKC, CKC, ANKC, NKC, FCI, KCGB, NZKC, APRI, and ACR.

Today, there are two types or varieties of Chinese Crested Dogs: the Hairless and the Powder Puff. The Hairless Chinese Crested Dog is not actually fully hairless. It has long hair on the head, tail, and feet, which makes these dogs look very unusual. The amount of hair differs much in hairless dogs. They can be hairy all over the body or have just a little furnishing. The Powder Puff variety has a long soft coat all over the body and seems to be a separate breed. Both coat types can occur in the same litter. The main difference between these types is lack of undercoat in hairless dogs and a thick undercoat in Powder Puffs.

The preferred height of the Chinese Crested Dog is 12 inches (30 cm) at the withers. The weight of the dog should not exceed 10 pounds. Since the hallmark of the breed is its coat, other characteristics, such as body structure, coat color, bite, and others are not so important. These dogs come in a variety of coat color and patterns. The muzzle of Chinese Crested dogs should be long and narrow; the eyes are large and dark in color; the ears are erect.