The origins of the hairless dogs have not been established, it is believed that the Chinese Crested and other hairless breeds do share common ancestory. However, the Chinese Crested is an ancient breed, dating as far back as the 1500s. Allegedly, early Chinese explorers and traders took these dogs with them on thier ships and they frequently sold or traded the dogs with people met along the way.
The first Crested was shown in the late 1800s
Gypsy Lee Rose aquired a Crested in the early 1950s and became an ardent breeder.
The American Chinese Crested Club was formed in 1979
Became eligible for AKC registration, Febuary 1, 1991
The Chinese Crested is AKC's 132nd breed
There are two types of Chinese Cresteds, the Hairless, and a coated type, called a Powderpuff. They are shown together and are judged by the same standard, noting the different characteristics for the Powderpuff dealing with coat and dentition. Legend has it that the Powderpuff was designed by nature to keep the newborn Hairless puppies warm.
BREED STANDARD
General Appearance: A toy dog, fine boned, elegant and graceful. The distinct varieties are born in the same litter. The Hairless with hair only on the head, feet and tail, the Powderpuff completely covered with hair. The breed serves as a loving companion, playfull and entertaining.
Size,propotion: Ideally they are 11-13 inches tall, but can be slightly smaller or larger. They should be more of a rectangular shape, being longer than taller.
Coat: The Hairless variety has hair on certian parts of the body; the head (called the crest), the tail (called the plume), and the feet from the toes to the front of the pasterns or hocks on the rear feet (called the socks). The texture of the hair is soft and silky, flowing at any length. Where ever the body is hairless the skin is soft and smooth. Hair on the ears and face is permitted in both varieties, but often shaved off for neatness. The Powderpuff variety is completely covered with a double soft and silky coat. Close examiniation reveals long thin guard hairs over the short silky undercoat. The coat is straight of moderate density and length. Grooming is minimual- consisting of presenting a clean and neat appearance.
More information on the breed standard can be viewed at:
www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/chincr.cfm
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