CHINESE CRESTED HISTORY:
Chinese Cresteds are a breed of toy dogs thought to have been developed from the hairless dogs of Africa and bred to a smaller size in China more than 500 years ago.  Early Spanish explorers of the New World found these dogs in Mexican and Central American coastal cities  It is thought that these dogs were taken aboard Chinese merchant ships to hunt rats and vermin infested with fleas carrying the Plague.  It is also thought that the puppies were frequently traded with merchants in port cities.  Today the breed can still be found in anceint port cities around the globe.  The Chinese Cresteds were recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club in 1991.

POWDERPUFF VS HAIRLESS:
There are two varieties of Chinese Cresteds.  The Hairless should have hair on its head (creating the crested effect), on its tail (or plume) and on its feet.  The coated variety, the Powderpuff, has a full coat of silky hair.  Besides this obvious difference, the two are almost identical.  A litter may consist of both Hairless and Powderpuff puppies.  Breeding an HL to an HL or an HL to a PP will produce either type.  Breeding a PP to a PP however, will produce only Powderpuffs.  Both varieties have the same playful, happy personalities which make Chinese Cresteds such ideal companions.
The Hairless have sweat glands which is a unique feature.  This means that they release body heat by panting as the coated dogs do and they can also sweat (like us!).  The skin of the Hairless is soft to the touch but thicker and tougher than the skin of a coated dog.  They are also susceptible to sunburns.
The Powderpuffs, although covered with hair, do not shed. The Powderpuff coat is a double coat of long thin guard hairs over a soft, silky undercoat. Their coats require regular brushing to keep them from matting.  Powderpuffs have little dander making them an excellent choice for people with allergies and they do not have a "doggy oder".

PERSONALITY:
Chinese Cresteds are very lively, intelligent, devoted, extroverted, affectionate, people-loving dogs.  They make excellent companions as there is no place they would rather be than by your side or preferably in your lap.  My Cresteds are excellent with small children (under supervision, as all dogs should be with children) and are not at all snappish or short tempered.  They are a very playful  and have a happy disposition.  Because of their love of people and need for attention,  they will not do well in situations where they are isolated or kept away from their family for 8 hours a day.  Chinese Cresteds are companion animals and require human interaction.  If you are can provide this, you will be rewarded with a most devoted companion.  You'll be lucky if you are even able to sneak off to the bathroom without an audience!  I absolutely can not think of one negative thing to say about this breed!

Chinese Crested Links!

CHARLIE'S PAGE

BAILEY'S PAGE

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