Dog Breeds 101: Chinese Crested Dog

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The elegant and graceful Chinese Crested Dog is famous for its exotic look. This breed can be found in two variants: the Hairless and the Powderpuff. The Hairless variant has silky hair on the head (crest), tail (plume) and feet (socks) and the genetically recessive Powderpuff has a full coat. Regardless of the variation, the Crested is always slender and finely boned. These dogs have a unique appeal and some would consider them to be beautiful, even though they tend to win Ugly Dog contests more often than other breeds. [1]

The Powderpuff trait cannot be bred out of the Chinese Crested. All dogs of this breed has this recessive gene even the hairless ones. The Hairless variety has the ability to produce Powderpuffs even if they were bred to another Hairless. However, a Powderpuff bred to another Powderpuff can’t produce Hairless pups. [2]

Despite its name, the breed is not from China. In fact, Chinese Crested Dogs are originally from Africa and were called African Hairless Terries in several 19th century texts. The current name of the breed likely comes from their use on Chinese ships as ratters. Debora Wood established the Crest Haven kennel and began to breed Chinese Cresteds. Those dogs became the foundation stock of the breed. The breed was officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale in 1987, by The Kennel Club in 1981, by the American Kennel Club in 1991 and by the Australian National Kennel Council in 1995. [2]

These alert, charming, agile and lovable dogs are entertaining companions and are great in performing tricks. Generally, they are good with children as well as other pets. Their favorite activities include climbing, digging holes and being with their owners. Sometimes, they overly depend emotionally on their owners and demand a lot of attention. They absolutely hate to be left alone. [3]