CHINESE CRESTED

COUNTRY: China/Africa

WEIGHT: 5-10 pounds
HEIGHT: Males 13 in. max, females 12 in. max
COAT: Hairless, except for tufts appearing on
the head (crest), feet (socks), and tail (plume); Powderpuff—longish, double, soft, silky coat
COLOR: Skin from pink to black, mahogany, blue, lavender or copper, solid or spotted; Powderpuff—any color or combination
GROUP: Southern

Hairless mutations have occurred in pariah-type litters, and from these the modern hairless breeds have evolved, likely first developing in Africa. Hairless dogs captivated the attention and fancy of ancient dog lovers in Africa, Mexico, Spain and China. During the Han dynasty, the Chinese Crested dogs were cultivated into two types: "treasure house guardians," or deer-type, and the larger, heavier cobby "hunting dog," which, when he didn't bring home meat, was the main ingredient in the cooking pot.

Other hairless varieties, like the African Elephant Dog, or the Abyssinian Sand Dog, developed in similar warm climates.

Fortunately for the breed, Chinese dogs accompanied their masters on trade vessels throughout the world, leaving mementos of their visits behind. True to the dominant genetics, hairlessness would show up in that first Utter!

Chinese Cresteds, along with other lovely Chinese breeds, are now rarer than Cadillacs in their native land. Along with the belief of a "Chinese Crested in every pot," the Communist ideology against pets has nearly eliminated dogs on mainland China.

The breed enjoyed a brief stay in the AKC Miscellaneous Class and was exhibited at Westminster in 1885 and at the Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1926. After a respite of several decades, fanciers organized the Chinese Crested Club of America in 1975, and the breed resumed competition in Miscellaneous Classes again in 1986.

A gay, loving personality, similar to the other hairless varieties, has endeared them to many. Their hair tufts are denser than the sparse wisps on other hairless dogs. They possess a hare foot and can grasp and hold their toys, food or people. Owners describe how they "hug" when held. Perhaps it was that quality or perhaps their "unclad" appearance that enamored Gypsy Rose Lee to their charms.

The powderpuff s veil coat has a soft undercoat with coarser guard hair, and may be short or long. Ears are erect on the hairless variety; the weight of the hair on the powderpuff may cause ears to drop.