Chinese Crested Dog

Overview

Some would call the Chinese Crested ugly with their exposed skin, plumes of hair, and lack of teeth, but who cares when they are such adoring, cuddly companions! You can't walk down the street without at least one person doing a double-take and asking about your dog! Named for the crest of hair on their head, paws and tail, how could you not fall in love with a dog that looks like a tiny unicorn come to life or someone in an 80s hair band? Some Cresties of note are Krull in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Peek in Cats and Dogs 1 and 2! Some think this dog is a cousin of the Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless) and the Chihuahua, tracing their origins to the Aztecs. Others believe that Chinese traders found them on the coast of Africa, where they were made famous on merchant ships serving both as vermin killers and companions during plague times. Their hairlessness meant fewer hiding places for fleas! Don’t be surprised if you find both the hairless and powderpuff varieties in the same litter since each Crestie carries a recessive gene for a full coat! However, the genes for hair and teeth are linked, so the more hairless your pup, the fewer teeth they will have! Their fur is easy to take care of but pay special attention to their skin because Chinese Cresteds may be prone to skin infections and sunburns.