Chinese Crested Hairless Dog

The Chinese Crested Hairless Dog has a long history, but it’s impossible to trace its origin. Similar-looking dogs were kept by the Aztec nobility; elegant hairless dogs were found in Africa. The only relation of the breed with China is that the Chinese sailors took them from Africa and kept as ratters on their ships. Today, these dogs are rare. The present-day variety of the breed was created by American breeders in the 1920s. First, it was named the American Hairless Dog. The first breed club for the fanciers of the American Hairless Dog was founded in 1959. In 1978, the breed was renamed, and it was incorporated into the ACCC (American Chinese Crested Club.) The Kennel Club (UK) recognized the new breed in 1981; the FCI – in 1987. The AKC recognized the breed in 1991.

The hallmark of this breed is its coat. Actually, there two coat varieties of the Chinese Crested Hairless Dog – the hairless and the Powderpuff, which at first glance appear to be different breeds. Hairless dogs have long flowing hair on the head, feet, and tail. The amount of hair may differ greatly; hairless dogs may have fur all over the body. The only difference between hairy hairless dogs and powderpuffs is lack of undercoat in the hairless variety. So-called “hairy hairless” dogs are not a mixture of two varieties, but a result of the varying expression of the characteristic. Both varieties may occur in the same litter. The gene responsible for hairlessness is dominant, so hairless puppies are more common than Powderpuffs.

The Chinese Crested Hairless Dog is a Toy breed. Its height is around 12 inches at the withers. These dogs look very elegant and graceful with their long and narrow muzzle, erect ears, and large eyes. The coat and skin in this breed come in a variety of colors and patterns. Both coat varieties need much grooming and professional trimming to participate in shows. The skin of hairless dogs needs moisturizing and protection from the sun.

This breed is susceptible to a number of health disorders typical of all toy dogs. Poor dentition is a common problem with hairless Chinese Crested Dogs. Eye problems are typical of the breed. The Chinese Crested Hairless Dog can live up to 15 years.