Although hairless dogs have been found in many places in the world, it is unlikely that the origins of the modern Chinese Crested Dog are, as the name might suggest, in China. The same genetic mutation shared with the Xoloitzcuintli (featured second on one of our rare breed lists) leads to the theory that they have a shared origin. It is thought the origins of the modern Chinese Crested dog are either Africa or, more likely, Mexico.
Spanish explorers found Chinese Crested dogs in Mexico and other parts of Central and South America as early as the 1500s. British, French, and Portuguese explorers likewise found the breed in various parts of Africa and Asia during the 1700s and 1800s.
In the 1950s, Debora Wood created the "Crest Haven" kennel and began to purposefully breed and record the lineages of her Chinese Crested Dogs. The famous burlesque dancer Gypsy Rose Lee also bred Chinese Crested Dogs, and upon her death her dogs were incorporated into Crest Haven. These two lines are the true foundation of every Chinese Crested Dog alive today. Ms. Wood also founded the American Hairless Dog Club in 1959, which was eventually incorporated into the American Chinese Crested Club (ACCC) in 1978. The ACCC became the US parent club for the breed when the Chinese Crested Dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club 13 years later, in 1991.
According to their breed standard, the Chinese Crested should be a "gay and alert dog" that enjoys human companionship. They are funny little dogs that like to please their owners. If they find something that amuses you, they are likely to do it again to get your attention. And again, and again! They are said to be “cat-like” and enjoy sitting in high places like the back of a couch or the arm of a chair. Their activity level is medium to high but they enjoy quiet times with their family. They can adjust well to apartment living.
Chinese Cresteds learn quickly and can do well in various performance activities such as Agility, Obedience, Fly Ball, Lure Coursing and many other dog sports. Remarkably friendly, they tend to have a natural trust of strangers. I had a Chinese Crested Powderpuff that used to sleep on my front porch while I worked in my flower beds. He once saw a neighbor that he had never met walking down the sidewalk, so he decided to follow this stranger to his house. When I approached that neighbor's house approximately 30 minutes later (about 6 houses down the street from mine), I could see my Crested playing with their children (whom he had also never met) while their mother was attempting to call my home phone (remember those?) to let me know where my dog was. This might be a good time to mention that they should be leashed or confined by a secure fence when outdoors. As with all breeds, the Chinese Crested needs early socialization to help avoid developing fear of normal objects and people. They should be exposed to many different environments, people and other pets when they are young.
Grooming and Skincare
Hairless Chinese Crested’s skin may become sunburned. It is good for them to spend time outside on a sunny day but you may need to limit their exposure to the sun by providing shady areas, protective clothing and sunscreen. Some dogs are not as sensitive to the sun and others may build up a base tan towards the end of the summer so they do not burn as easily. In general, young puppies that have never been exposed to the sun will burn very quickly. If your dog is sunburned, use an after sun aloe lotion to help soothe the skin. If you are concerned about the severity of the sunburn, take the dog to a veterinarian.
Hairless Chinese Cresteds may occasionally get blackheads and acne. Most products that are used to treat and prevent acne in humans can also be used on the Hairless Chinese Crested. Prevention is the key. A weekly bath with a quality shampoo and conditioner, clean clothes and bedding, fresh water, a good diet, fresh air, and exercise are essential. Resist the urge to squeeze pimples or blackheads. This can cause infections, scarring and discolor the skin. If the dog has severe breakouts, consult your veterinarian. Most veterinarians will likely refer you to a canine dermatologist to resolve the issue.
Puppies should be bathed as needed with a mild, puppy safe shampoo and kept warm and out of drafts until completely dry. Hairless Cresteds' tufts of hair should be brushed regularly to avoid matting. The powderpuff variety should be brushed at least every other day to avoid matting and to keep natural oils properly dispersed throughout the coat, thereby keeping the long hair healthy. I recommend using a straight-toothed greyhound comb for most of the brushing, as well as a blunt-tipped pin brush. Any matts should be gently teased until they are unknotted and then brushed out.
Brush the Chinese Crested’s teeth regularly and provide appropriate chew toys (not rawhide, as those are a severe choking hazard as well as a potential intestinal blockage). Have your veterinarian check the teeth yearly. Poorly maintained teeth may lead to other health problems. Teeth in hairless breeds have a higher chance than normal in becoming a problem, so prioritize dental hygiene!
Clean ears with a cotton ball and mild ear cleaner made for dogs. If the inside of the ear is red, irritated, has a foul odor or a dark brown residue, have your dog checked by a veterinarian. Trim your Crested’s nails regularly. If you do not feel comfortable with this procedure, have your veterinarian or a groomer do it. Untrimmed nails can create splayed feet and make walking uncomfortable for your pet.
Yay Sports!
The Chinese Crested is adaptable. They can make absolutely incredible apartment dogs, taking long cat-naps. That same dog can also be insanely active, running and playing for hours at a time. Exercise is important, and one of the most fun ways to change up the exercise routine is to participate in AKC events. These are also useful for socializing! Consider signing up for things like FastCAT at first, and work your way out from there. You can search by state to find various events you may be interested in on the AKC website's Event Search!
POPULAR PUPPY WARNING
This breed has exploded in popularity in recent years. They can no longer be considered the rare breed they once were. And this is for good reason; they're wonderful little dogs! But as we have mentioned in previous articles, with popularity comes a dreaded issue; for-profit unethical breeding. Ethical breeders will be health testing, and they will be proud to show you proof of those tests! Health tests can be looked up on the OFA website, and the breeder should provide you the links to the results on OFA upon request. Many breeders, such as myself, are linking directly to all OFA testing results from their websites as OFA testing is something to share openly with pride. Please take the time to educate yourself on what ethical breeding is so that you can recognize the unethical ones!
Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:
Patella Evaluation
Cardiac Exam
Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) - DNA Test
Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Rod-Cone Dysplasia 3 (PRA-rcd3) - DNA Test
Resources:
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