The Chinese Crested

A true family dog, the Chinese Crested is a playful, elegant toy breed that loves human companionship. One litter can commonly produce two varieties: the hairless, which features soft, silky hair on the head, tail, and feet, and the Powderpuff, covered in a soft, straight coat. Because it sheds little to no hair, the Crested is recommended for allergy-prone owners. The breed is thought to have evolved from African hairless dogs and to have sailed the high seas aboard Chinese ships during the plague, chosen for its hairless status and ability to hunt vermin. Its status was elevated by the breed’s appearance by the mid-19th century in European art and in American dog shows in the late 1800s. By the early 1900s, the breed had acquired a considerable following in the us. The burlesque entertainer gypsy rose Lee acquired a Crested in the 1950s and became an ardent breeder and enthusiast, helping to further popularize the breed. It’s interesting to note that six of the last ten World’s ugliest dog contest winners were Chinese Cresteds. With its champions and detractors, this breed may truly exemplify the saying “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

Dog: Fancy Collar:Hartman & Rose “Good as Gold” kelly green collar, hartmanandrose.com.