Chinese Crested History                &   Breed Standard

 Version #2 = Unlike the family pet or the show dog one usually sees who are members of Canis Familiaris, the Chinese Crested is from a group known as Canis Africanis. In addition to the hairless factor, another interesting feature is that many people believe the body temperature is higher than that of other breeds and the dogs were frequently used to warm the stomach and drive out sickness or evil. However, this is an "old wives' tale" unfounded in scientific knowledge about the dog. As is the case with most very old breeds, the early beginnings of the Crested is undocumented and gives rise to many tales, such as that of some historians who theorize they are the result of the Aztec crossbreeding the Mexican Hairless to the Chihuahua. While this may be possible, there is pictorial evidence during the 16th century as early as 1550 that Chinese traders obtained Cresteds either in Mexico or Africa and sold them throughout the world. They have been found in port cities wherever Chinese ships stopped. Spanish explorers record them in both Mexico and South Africa. British settlers found them in various parts of Africa and Asia in the 19th century.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   In 1885, two Chinese Cresteds were exhibited at the Westminster Kennel Club Show in New York. Their eligibility to be shown in AKC shows was dropped in 1965. There was no National Club to support the breed, too few dogs were being shown, and the registration books were not available. In 1979, friends and supporters of the breed established the American Chinese Crested Club. Through the hard work and dedication of the members, they were able to compete in the Miscellaneous Classes of AKC in 1986 and then gained full AKC recognition in 1991. The A.C.C.C. have members in almost every State, Canada and Europe.  One of the staunch supporters of the breed was the famous Gypsy Rose Lee and her equally famous sister, June Havoc. June rescued a Crested from an animal shelter in Connecticut and it became Gypsy's first Crested. The dog was abandoned when its owner died on a ship anchored in the harbor.                                                                  Compiled by Evelyn Koch, American Chinese Crested Club              

Version #3 =  The Chinese Crested Dog got it's name from the Mongolian Emperors of China who collected these rare dogs to decorate their palaces. Chinese merchants helped to spread this breed throughout the world by taking them on their ships. It's thought that they were handy rat killers, and not having hair they did not carry fleas! The Chinese Crested is much older than the merchant ships of China though. Small hairless dogs roamed the African dessert for thousands of year before being "discovered". It is thought that the Chinese Crested bred with a Chihuahua to produce the toy Mexican Hairless. Hair growth on the Chinese Crested varies greatly but is commonly known by the full silky main of hair on the head- the crest, the tail- or plume, and the feet- or socks. This hair pattern protects the dogs extremities susceptible to frostbite, but prevents the dog from overheating in the hot sun. They resemble tiny ponies in both appearance and gait.  The coated variety, called the Powderpuff, can be born in the same litter as the hairless and has a full fluffy coat. The only notable difference between the two is in dentition. Hairless dogs have primitive, or tusk teeth that do not have a full root system. Often the hairless are born with missing teeth. This is not considered a fault and is normal for the hairless variety of the breed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Chinese Crested Dogs are very people oriented, to family but can be aloof to strangers. Nicknamed the "clown dog", they will do what it takes to get plenty of attention. Unfortunately this can also lead to destructive behavior. Many times people get these dogs because they are unusual or rare but don't really have the time to spend with them. They keep them crated, or allow them to wander and entertain themselves. Which of course they will do! Just not in the constructive way one would hope. Our Chinese Crested Ming (pictured above middle) takes great pride in shredding paper and tissues when she feels ignored by us. Our foster Chinese Crested powderpuff recently had a temper tantrum after a bath and left a wonderful "present" on the bed to show his displeasure. They will always find new and unusual way to capture your attention.  They are the most personable, comical, elegant, and intelligent dogs I have ever met. BUT they will let you know when they are not pleased or are feeling ignored.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               The Chinese Crested is set apart from the other hairless breeds by it's silky hair and small size. The American Hairless Terrier stands out as a separate type of natural mutation. But, because the Peruvian, Xoloitzcuintle, Khala, and Inca Orchid share many of the same bloodlines it is very difficult to tell them apart. Size used to be a determining factor, but now many breeds are accepted in three size classes. Debates rage over which breed is the oldest, the purest, the truest to the ancient dogs. Each type has it's devotees who are intent on preserving the standard of that breed, as they define it. Perhaps as we move closer to decoding the mystery of canine DNA we can truly begin to see the genetic path these wonderful and rare dogs have taken.