Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested comes in two coats from the same litters — the near-hairless with tufts on head, feet and tail, and the fully coated Powderpuff.

History

Hairless dogs travelled on Chinese trading ships, where they were kept to hunt vermin, and the breed's name records that route rather than an origin: hairlessness itself almost certainly arose in Africa or the Americas. The gene responsible is dominant and lethal when doubled, which is why the coated Powderpuff appears in every line and is essential to it.

Temperament

The breed is known for being affectionate, playful and intensely people-oriented, often shy with strangers and unhappy left alone.

Care and training

The hairless variety needs sunscreen, warmth and skin care rather than brushing; the Powderpuff needs regular grooming of a fine coat that mats. Exercise needs are small. Both are indoor dogs in any real weather.

Health

Known tendencies include dental problems — the hairless variety's missing teeth are linked to the same gene — patellar luxation and skin conditions. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.