Chinese Crested

Newborn Chinese crested puppies of more common “hairless” variety are born with hair on the head and toes, and the less well known powder-puff type is covered with short hair. As they grow, their hair becomes longer and their bodies slimmer, and they will developed skin markings that will remain visible on the hairless. As early as 1 month, puppies of this breed are already walking briskly and even jumping.

This breed is said to have been developed by the Chinese, who miniaturized African hairless dogs, but some people believe they are descended from hairless dogs raised for food by the Aztecs in Mexico, and that the name refers merely to the resemblance of their groomed hair to a traditional Chinese queue.

The enigmatic aura of the hairless Chinese crested is enhanced by its bare skin and the soft featherings on the head, tail tip, and toes. Although these dogs are intelligent, friendly and affectionate, they are wary of strangers.

The mating of two hairless or a hairless with a powder puff will produce puppies of both types, but only powder puff puppies are produced from two powder puff. Also mortality rates are high among puppies born from two hairless dogs, and these puppies are sometimes born with a few teeth missing.

The bare skin of the hairless type, though stronger than that of the powder puff variety, is warm and soft, and has a slightly sticky feeling.

Though the hairless does not require coat care, its skin is vulnerable to strong sunlight, dryness, and cold and can be soothed with cream or baby oil. Powder puff dogs require brushing.

Origin : Central and south America ; Africa
Size : (male) Height 10-11 inches ; weight about 16 pounds
(female) Height 9-10 inches ; weight about 13 pounds
Coat : Hairless (except for head, tail tip, and toes) or powder puff.
Colors are solid or with markings; any colors are permissible, although the darker the skin color, the better.