Chinese Cresteds

Although the exact origin of the Chinese Crested is unknown, it is believed to have evolved from African hairless dogs which were reduced in size by the Chinese, who seemed to like smaller Toy breeds. The breed in earlier times was known by several different names including the Chinese Hairless, the Chinese Edible Dog, the Chinese Ship Dog, and the Chinese Royal Hairless. It also took on local nicknames depending on where it was found. Thus, in Egypt it was called a Pyramid or Giza Hairless, in southern Africa it was the South African Hairless, and in Turkey a larger version was known as the Turkish Hairless.

It is believed that for centuries Chinese sailors sailed the high seas with the breed on board, and that puppies were frequently traded with local merchants at port cities. It is known that during the time of the plagues that originated in China, hairless dogs were stowed on board ships to hunt vermin which were heavily infested with fleas carrying the disease. Today the breed can still be found in ancient port cities around the world.

By the mid-19th century, Cresteds began to appear in numerous European paintings and prints. During the 1850s and 1860s, some dogs of the breed were exhibited at a local zoological show in England, and photos of them were published, but no breeding program was established.

Entries of the breed at American dog shows began in the late 1800s. In the 1800s, Ida Garrett, a young, New York newspaperwoman, became interested in Cresteds and other hairless breeds. Over the course of 60 years Mrs. Garrett bred, exhibited, and wrote extensively about dogs--hairless breeds in particular. She traveled widely and imported several prized Cresteds. In the 1920s she assisted Debra Woods of Homestead, Florida in obtaining Chinese Cresteds and other hairless breeds, and the two women became close associates. For nearly 40 years they jointly promoted the Chinese Crested--Mrs. Garrett through her prolific writing, speaking, and dog club activities, and Mrs. Woods through her extensive breeding, advertising, and registration service.

Mrs. Woods began keeping a log of all of her dogs in the 1930s and by the 1950s it had become a registration service for all hairless breeds, and eventually the American Hairless Dog Club. She took great pride in maintaining these stud books and closely guarded them until her death in 1969. They were then maintained for nearly 12 years by Jo Ann Orlik and then became the property of the American Chinese Crested Club, founded in 1979.

Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous stage personality, acquired a Crested from her sister, June Havoc, in the early 1950s and became an ardent breeder and helped considerably in publicizing the breed.

The Chinese Crested was admitted to the AKC Miscellaneous class in September 1985. It became eligible for AKC registration effective February 1, 1991, and eligible to show at AKC licensed events on April 1, 1991.

At first sight the two types of Chinese Crested--Hairless and Powderpuff--may appear to be different breeds. However, as one becomes more familiar with the breed it is easy to see that they are almost exactly the same, except that the coated have more hair. The Hairless should have hair on its head, feet and tail--the Powderpuff is born fully coated. Breeding a Hairless to a Hairless, or a Hairless to a Powderpuff, can produce either type. However, breeding a Powderpuff to a Powderpuff will always produce the Powderpuff type.

A unique feature of hairless dogs is that they have sweat glands. In addition to panting to release body heat as coated dogs do, they also sweat. Properly cared for, the skin of the Hairless remains soft to the touch, yet it is thicker and tougher than that of a coated dog and it heals very quickly if scratched or cut.

While the hairless variety of Chinese Crested gets most of the attention, there is another variety to the breed called the Powder Puff. The Hairless dogs have hair on their feet, tail, and head. These attributes are known in the breed as furnishings. The Powder Puff dogs have a fairly dense, straight undercoat and longer guard hairs that extend beyond the undercoat.

Ideally, the hairless dogs have hair only in the furnished areas, but it is not uncommon to see a dog with heavy furnishings that can have anywhere from no hair to lots of body hair. The cresteds with the excess body hair are commonly referred to as a "hairy hairless". If shown in conformation shows, the excess body hair is removed, and the furnishings are combed out. The hair on the hairless dog is a single coat and typically a different texture than that of a Powder Puff.

It would be nice to think of the hairless as 'grooming free', but that just isn't reality. The hairless need frequent bathing to keep the skin clean and free of blemishes. The Powder Puff is like any other breed with longer hair, it needs to be kept clean and conditioned. Frequent brushing is needed to keep mats under control. The hairless become chilled in the winter and will need shirts and sweaters to keep warm.

Both varieties of this breed have incredibly loving personalities. They are fun and entertaining, mostly 'clown' like. They tend to attach to a particular member of the family, although they enjoy everyone. They love being with people, especially in their beds!

It is said that cresteds are good with people that have allergies, due to having less dander. They still have dander, it would depend on the degree of the person's allergies. Some people are still allergic to poodles, and they are always recommended for allergy sufferers.

If you are considering a crested, I would suggest that you find a way to spend time with one. Get to know both varieties, and then decide your preference. Many like both equally well.

The Chinese Crested is a very healthy, long lived breed. Cresteds have been seen to live as many as 13 to 15 years. When buying a crested, make sure that the breeder is concerned about health problems and is breeding for good health, temperament as well as good conformation. Buy from a breeder that guarantees the health and temperament of the dog as well as conformation. Request a written contract from that breeder.

Cresteds like many toy breeds can produce some degree of patellar luxation. This is basically a loose tendon that holds the kneecap in place. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals will certify patella's in dogs over a year old. It is a good idea to ask a breeder if they have ever seen this type of problem in their breeding stock.

The hairless crested can sunburn very easily if care is not taken. Fifteen to twenty minutes to exercise in the sun is usually plenty and will darken their skin a bit to a nice tan. Special care should be take with dogs that have lighter skin such as white or pink.


	V.KaNi's Chinese Cresteds Rt 1 Box 216 Lampasas TX 76550 Tel.512-556-8698 We have two HL boys available to find out more click on Litters: Litters Size: Height-12 inches Weight-not over 10 pounds Color: numerous colors, either solid or mixed or spotted all over Coat Length & Grooming Requirements: Chinese Crested are very clean, with no doggie odor and is not prone to fleas of ticks. Power Puffs (the long haired variety of the hairless) need a lot more grooming. Daily brushing of the Powder Puffs long, fine, double coat is recommend, with extra care when the dog is shedding. The wooly under coat becomes matted if neglected. Bathe the Hairless frequently and massage a little oil or cream into the skin to keep is supple. Activity Level: These dogs do well with just regular sessions of play. Although they do love they do enjoy brisk walks Temperament: Chinese Cresteds are happy and alert. They are loyal and affectionate dogs who make wonderful, playful, and entertaining companions. Reception to Training: Fair Good with Children: Affectionate with children Health Problems: Exposed skin needs special care to prevent skin problems and irritations. The breed should be protected with sunscreen. Many Chinese Crested are allergic to lanolin and wool. Life Span: 10-12 years As a Conformation Show Dog: Excellent choice. As an Obedience Prospect: Fair choice. As a companion/family dog: Good choice. Chinese Crested Breed History Although the exact origin of the Chinese Crested is unknown, it is believed to have evolved from African hairless dogs which were reduced in size by the Chinese, who seemed to like smaller Toy breeds. The breed in earlier times was known by several different names including the Chinese Hairless, the Chinese Edible Dog, the Chinese Ship Dog, and the Chinese Royal Hairless. It also took on local nicknames depending on where it was found. Thus, in Egypt it was called a Pyramid or Giza Hairless, in southern Africa it was the South African Hairless, and in Turkey a larger version was known as the Turkish Hairless. It is believed that for centuries Chinese sailors sailed the high seas with the breed on board, and that puppies were frequently traded with local merchants at port cities. It is known that during the time of the plagues that originated in China, hairless dogs were stowed on board ships to hunt vermin which were heavily infested with fleas carrying the disease. Today the breed can still be found in ancient port cities around the world. By the mid-19th century, Cresteds began to appear in numerous European paintings and prints. During the 1850s and 1860s, some dogs of the breed were exhibited at a local zoological show in England, and photos of them were published, but no breeding program was established. Entries of the breed at American dog shows began in the late 1800s. In the 1800s, Ida Garrett, a young, New York newspaperwoman, became interested in Cresteds and other hairless breeds. Over the course of 60 years Mrs. Garrett bred, exhibited, and wrote extensively about dogs--hairless breeds in particular. She traveled widely and imported several prized Cresteds. In the 1920s she assisted Debra Woods of Homestead, Florida in obtaining Chinese Cresteds and other hairless breeds, and the two women became close associates. For nearly 40 years they jointly promoted the Chinese Crested--Mrs. Garrett through her prolific writing, speaking, and dog club activities, and Mrs. Woods through her extensive breeding, advertising, and registration service. Mrs. Woods began keeping a log of all of her dogs in the 1930s and by the 1950s it had become a registration service for all hairless breeds, and eventually the American Hairless Dog Club. She took great pride in maintaining these stud books and closely guarded them until her death in 1969. They were then maintained for nearly 12 years by Jo Ann Orlik and then became the property of the American Chinese Crested Club, founded in 1979. Gypsy Rose Lee, the famous stage personality, acquired a Crested from her sister, June Havoc, in the early 1950s and became an ardent breeder and helped considerably in publicizing the breed. The Chinese Crested was admitted to the AKC Miscellaneous class in September 1985. It became eligible for AKC registration effective February 1, 1991, and eligible to show at AKC licensed events on April 1, 1991. At first sight the two types of Chinese Crested--Hairless and Powderpuff--may appear to be different breeds. However, as one becomes more familiar with the breed it is easy to see that they are almost exactly the same, except that the coated have more hair. The Hairless should have hair on its head, feet and tail--the Powderpuff is born fully coated. Breeding a Hairless to a Hairless, or a Hairless to a Powderpuff, can produce either type. However, breeding a Powderpuff to a Powderpuff will always produce the Powderpuff type. A unique feature of hairless dogs is that they have sweat glands. In addition to panting to release body heat as coated dogs do, they also sweat. Properly cared for, the skin of the Hairless remains soft to the touch, yet it is thicker and tougher than that of a coated dog and it heals very quickly if scratched or cut. The above information is courtesy of the American Kennel Club, and like any breed history, has a certain amount of 'speculation' involved. Is The CC Right For You? While the hairless variety of Chinese Crested gets most of the attention, there is another variety to the breed called the Powder Puff. The Hairless dogs have hair on their feet, tail, and head. These attributes are known in the breed as furnishings. The Powder Puff dogs have a fairly dense, straight undercoat and longer guard hairs that extend beyond the undercoat. Ideally, the hairless dogs have hair only in the furnished areas, but it is not uncommon to see a dog with heavy furnishings that can have anywhere from no hair to lots of body hair. The cresteds with the excess body hair are commonly referred to as a "hairy hairless". If shown in conformation shows, the excess body hair is removed, and the furnishings are combed out. The hair on the hairless dog is a single coat and typically a different texture than that of a Powder Puff. It would be nice to think of the hairless as 'grooming free', but that just isn't reality. The hairless need frequent bathing to keep the skin clean and free of blemishes. The Powder Puff is like any other breed with longer hair, it needs to be kept clean and conditioned. Frequent brushing is needed to keep mats under control. The hairless become chilled in the winter and will need shirts and sweaters to keep warm. Both varieties of this breed have incredibly loving personalities. They are fun and entertaining, mostly 'clown' like. They tend to attach to a particular member of the family, although they enjoy everyone. They love being with people, especially in their beds! It is said that cresteds are good with people that have allergies, due to having less dander. They still have dander, it would depend on the degree of the person's allergies. Some people are still allergic to poodles, and they are always recommended for allergy sufferers. If you are considering a crested, I would suggest that you find a way to spend time with one. Get to know both varieties, and then decide your preference. Many like both equally well. HAIRLESS POWDER PUFF Health Information The Chinese Crested is a very healthy, long lived breed. Cresteds have been seen to live as many as 13 to 15 years. When buying a crested, make sure that the breeder is concerned about health problems and is breeding for good health, temperament as well as good conformation. Buy from a breeder that guarantees the health and temperament of the dog as well as conformation. Request a written contract from that breeder. Cresteds like many toy breeds can produce some degree of patellar luxation. This is basically a loose tendon that holds the kneecap in place. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals will certify patella's in dogs over a year old. It is a good idea to ask a breeder if they have ever seen this type of problem in their breeding stock. The hairless crested can sunburn very easily if care is not taken. Fifteen to twenty minutes to exercise in the sun is usually plenty and will darken their skin a bit to a nice tan. Special care should be take with dogs that have lighter skin such as white or pink. Females Males Litters Next E-mail