About the Chinese Crested...

The exact origin of the Chinese Crested dog is unknown, and there is great disparity in theories. It is said that the ancient culture of the Aztecs kept this dog and used it as a bed warmer. There are sources that say that this breed is a cross between the Mexican hairless dog and the Chihuahua. However, it seems that the most logical is that the breed originated in Africa, and it was called the "African hairless terrier" or bred to it or from it.  From there  as the continental drift began to further separate the continents, several variations were soon located in other continents like the Mexican hairless, the Inca Orchid, and the Peruvian hairless.  Due to the slave trade, the African Hairless Terrier began to rapidly decline when it was picked up by Chinese trading ships to be used as a ratter in the 13th century and also used for trading with merchants throughout Egypt, Turkey, and Central and South America. It was then that the Chinese may have crossed the Hairless Terrier with their toy breeds in order to refine the "pony look" since the Chinese Crested possesses the most hair out of all the hairless breeds and possesses the least amount of "primitive" behaviors.  History suggests that hairless dog breeds arose by mutation and existed in China as early as the 1200s. It was selectively bred until the mutated gene became dominant in this breed.  It was in the 1800s that evidence of the breed was first recorded in Europe by way of paintings, and later, by photographs. In the latter part of that century, Ida Garrett, an American credited with popularizing hairless dogs, helped to garner admirers for the Chinese crested. Gypsy Rose Lee, a famous burlesques dancer/actor in her time, was one of the breeders committed to improving the favor of this breed. But it wasn't until 1991, an entire century later, that the breed was finally recognized by the AKC. It quickly gained popularity with those interested in dog shows, but it hasn't been as successful in gaining the attention of pet owners.

A fine-boned and slender dog, the Chinese crested is considered to be one of the most graceful and elegant breeds. It is slightly longer than it is tall, and the legs are long and straight. The feet are narrow, hare-like feet with elongated toes. The wedge-shaped head has almond-shaped eyes are wide set, and they offer an intense and alert expression. The large ears are not cropped and sit erect.  It is often described as a mini-clydesdale or pony.  The cheeks taper smoothly into the muzzle, which features a solidly pigmented nose. The teeth meet in either a scissors or level bite. The slightly arched neck is lean, and the tail is slender, tapering to a curve at the end. The gait of this breed is described as smooth, agile, and lively. For the coat, the hairless variety features soft and silky hair on certain portions of the body including the head (crest) therefore giving the dog its name, the tail (plume), and the feet (socks). The hairless portions of the body are soft and smooth. The coat of the powder-puff variety features a soft and silky double coat over the entire dog. The hair is straight and moderately long and dense. The Chinese Crested can come in any solid color or combination of colors.

The Chinese Crested is a loving, intelligent dog that is a joy to own.  Consistency in training and patience is necessary since this is a gentle breed.  They are great with children, family living, apartment living, are hypo-allergenic and non-shedding, and highly trainable.