Dog

The Chinese Crested breed is considered as a toy group breed and it stands only 12 inches in height and weighs no more than 10 pounds in weight. Most of the breeds in the toy group are undeniably cuddly and fluffy to touch but there is a variety of the Chinese Crested breed that is cuddly yet far from fluffy. This breed often produces two varieties that are either hairy or hairless and whatever the outcome is, it is loved by many people still around the world.

These two varieties are named the Powderpuff and the Hairless. The Hairless variety does not have a coat on its body except for the socks, tail and head areas where a little growth is visible. The exposed skin of this variety is prone to damages such as bruises, dryness and sunburn.

The Powderpuff variety, or shortly called Puff, has a long and smooth double coat all over its body. The hair grows so long it could reach the floor, however, grooming for this breed is needed and the standard cut is a shaven hair around its snout. The Puff is considered as hypoallergenic as it doesnt shed as much as other breeds do.

These two varieties may look like they are of different breeds but they come from one litter. Grooming is different for each other as each has different cleaning needs. The Puff’s coat should be brushed regularly in order to avoid it from matting while the Hairless should be cared for like human skin meaning it should be applied with moisturizing lotions and creams all over in order to protect it from sun damage, dryness and patching.

All of Chinese Crested dog varieties are sweet, energetic, playful and cuddly little creatures. They like human companionship and will be at their happiest when their master includes them at any activities even as minor as watching TV on the sofa. These varieties also love playing and being around with children and they can live harmoniously amongst different kinds of animals.

Their little size is often mistaken for frailty but the truth is, the Chinese Crested breed is very able, intelligent and energetic. In fact, it is often seen competing in different dog sports such as agility, obedience and conformation competitions. This breed is also known to be very loyal, devoted and an eager- pleaser of its master.

The Hairless variety is often conceived as an ugly dog and therefore, is often a contestant in the “Worlds Ugliest Dog” competition. A Hairless named Sam was the champion of the competition for two consecutive years in 2004 and 2005. He died in 2006 due to old age and to this day, many consider him as the ugliest dog in the world.

Although named as Chinese Crested dog, the origin of this breed is not China but Africa wherein it is called the African Hairless Terrier. As Chinese merchant ships pass by Africa, they brought with them these hairless creatures to use as rat hunter aboard their ships. The Chinese Crested dog was first shown in the Western world in 1885, had its first American breed club in 1979 and received American Kennel Club recognition in 1991.