• Entries of the breed at American dog shows began in the late 1800's.
• The Chinese Crested is AKC's 132nd breed.
  American Chinese Crested Club was founded in 1979.
• Gypsy Rose Lee acquired a Crested in the early 1950's; became an ardent breeder.
• Became eligible for AKC registration effective February 1, 1991

So you want to own a Chinese Crested?

The Chinese Crested is a breed that generally does well with people with allergies. This information is based on breeds who possess a single layer of coat and therefore usually produce less dander than double-coated breeds. The American Kennel Club does not recommend or endorse any specific breed, nor does it claim that this breed will not affect people with allergies.

It is important to use lotion to keep the hairless variety's skin from becoming dry. Suntan lotion should also be used to protect the skin when outdoors.

Chinese Cresteds are happy and alert. They are loyal and affectionate dogs who make wonderful, playful, and entertaining companions.

While the factual origin of the hairless dog has not been definitively established, it is believed that the Chinese Crested and other hairless dogs shared a common ancestry. However, the Chinese Crested is an ancient breed, dating as far back as the 1500's. Allegedly, early Chinese explorers and traders took these dogs with them on their ships and they frequently sold or traded the dogs with people met along the way. As a result, Cresteds have been found in port cities wherever Chinese ships have visited.

Spanish explorers found Chinese Cresteds in Mexico and other parts of Central and South America. British and French explorers also found the breed in various parts of Africa and Asia during the 1800's. By the mid-19th Century, pictures of Cresteds began to appear in numerous European paintings and prints.

There are two types of Chinese Crested; the Hairless, and a coated-type, called a Powderpuff. They are shown together, and are judged by the same standard, noting the different characteristics for the Powderpuff dealing with coat and with dentition. Legend has it that the Powderpuff was designed by Nature to help keep the newborn Hairless puppies warm.

With the advent of organized dog shows in the 1800's, it was not too long until Cresteds began appearing in competition. Although rather rare, they have been seen at shows in various countries around the world for the major part of this century. Today, there are numerous Crested Clubs throughout the world. The breed is recognized by many kennel clubs and is seen in increasing numbers.

Prior to 1965, the Chinese Crested was eligible for entry in the Miscellaneous Class for many years. There was one such entry at the Ninth Annual Bench Show under the auspices of the Westminster Kennel Club, held April 28 through May 1, 1885 at Madison Square Garden. The Chinese Crested was included in the list of breeds eligible for the Miscellaneous Class in 1955 when the list was first published in the Dog Show Rules. In 1965 the list was revised to include only breeds that were registered by a registry organization whose pedigrees AKC accepted. In view of this, and the fact that there was no reliable standard, no national specialty club and no certainty as to country of origin, the Chinese Crested was dropped from the list.

The Chinese Crested became eligible to compete in the Miscellaneous Class at dog shows, obedience trials and tracking tests on February 1, 1986. On April 1, 1991 the Chinese Crested became eligible for regular classification in the Toy Group offered at all-breed shows.