AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB
Official Breed Standard for the Chinese Crested Dog
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, tail and feet and
the Powderpuff, completely covered with hair. The
breed serves as a loving companion, playful and
entertaining.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size-Ideally 11 to 13 inches. However, dogs that are
slightly larger or smaller may be given full
consideration. Proportion-rectangular-proportioned
to allow for freedom of movement. Body length from
withers to base of tail is slightly longer than the height
at the withers. Substance-Fine-boned and slender
but not so refined as to appear breakable or
alternatively, not a robust, heavy structure.
Head
Expression-Alert and intense.
Eyes-Almond-shaped, set wide apart. Dark-colored
dogs have dark-colored eyes, and lighter-colored
dogs may have lighter-colored eyes. Eye rims match
the coloring of the dog. Ears-Uncropped large and
erect, placed so that the base of the ear is level with
the outside corner of the eye. Skull-The skull is
arched gently over the occiput from ear to ear.
Distance from occiput to stop equal to distance from
stop to tip of nose. The head is wedge-shaped
viewed from above and the side. Stop-Slight but
distinct. Muzzle-Cheeks taper cleanly into the muzzle.
Nose-Dark in dark-colored dogs; may be lighter in
lighter-colored dogs. Pigment is solid. Lips-Lips are
clean and tight. Bite-Scissors or level in both
varieties. Missing teeth in the Powderpuff are to be
faulted. The Hairless variety is not to be penalized for
absence of full dentition.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck-Neck is lean and clean, slightly arched from the
withers to the base of the skull and carried high.
Topline-Level to slightly sloping croup. Body-Brisket
extends to the elbow. Breastbone is not prominent.
Ribs are well developed. The depth of the chest
tapers to a moderate tuck-up at the flanks. Light in
loin. Tail-Tail is slender and tapers to a curve. It is
long enough to reach the hock. When dog is in
motion, the tail is carried gaily and may be carried
slightly forward over the back. At rest the tail is down
with a slight curve upward at the end resembling a
sickle. In the Hairless variety, two-thirds of the end of
the tail is covered by long, flowing feathering referred
to as a plume. The Powderpuff variety's tail is
completely covered with hair.
Forequarters
Angulation-Layback of shoulders is 45 degrees to
point of shoulder allowing for good reach.
Shoulders-Clean and narrow. Elbows-Close to
body. Legs-Long, slender and straight.
Pasterns-Upright, fine and strong. Dewclaws may be
removed. Feet-Hare foot, narrow with elongated toes.
Nails are trimmed to moderate length.
Hindquarters
Angulation-Stifle moderately angulated. From hock
joint to ground perpendicular. Dewclaws may be
removed. Feet-Same as forequarters.
Coat
The Hairless variety has hair on certain portions of the
body: the head (called a crest), the tail (called a
plume) and the feet from the toes to the front pasterns
and rear hock joints (called socks). The texture of all
hair is soft and silky, flowing to any length. Placement
of hair is not as important as overall type. Areas that
have hair usually taper off slightly. Wherever the body
is hairless, the skin is soft and smooth. Head Crest
begins at the stop and tapers off between the base of
the skull and the back of the neck. Hair on the ears
and face is permitted on the Hairless and may be
trimmed for neatness in both varieties. Tail Plume is
described under Tail. The Powderpuff variety is
completely covered with a double soft and silky coat.
Close examination reveals long thin guard hairs over
the short silky undercoat. The coat is straight, of
moderate density and length. Excessively heavy,
kinky or curly coat is to be penalized. Grooming is
minimal-consisting of presenting a clean and neat
appearance.
Color
Any color or combination of colors.
Gait
Lively, agile and smooth without being stilted or
hackneyed. Comes and goes at a trot moving in a
straight line.
Temperament
Gay and alert.
Approved June 12, 1990
Effective April 1, 1991
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