Chinese Crested Powderpuff

Chinese Crested Powderpuff
History:

Country/Date of Origin: China/Han Dynasty/100 BC

It is widely accepted that hairless dogs are spontaneous genetic mutations. They have been reported all over the world but for some reason they are more often found in Central and South America. The Crested dogs are recorded in China two thousand years ago but it was in Central America that they were fostered, keeping the breed alive when it fell out of favor in its native land. The Chinese Crested is found in two varieties, hairless and powder puff, and both types can be found in the same litter. The main difference between the two varieties is the hair coat, of course, but the Powderpuffs can also have a drop ear, which is not permitted in the hairless variety. The Powder puffs are not subject to as many genetic defects as their hairless siblings and need to be retained in the breeding pool to maintain the health of the hairless Cresteds. A breed club was formed in 1975 and the Chinese Cresteds were accepted for registration in the American Kennel Club in 1992.

 Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns

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Chinese Powder Puff

AKC Group: Toy

Breed Club: American Chinese Crested Club

Rescue Club: Crest-Care, Inc.

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Body Type:

  • A small, dainty dog with a soft veil of long silky hair
  • Height: 9-13 inches (at shoulder)
  • Weight: 5-12 pounds
  • Long tail, held low, is not altered
  • Heavily fringed ears may be either erect or dropped
  • The feet of the Chinese Crested are extraordinarily long. They are so exaggerated in shape that it can appear that they have an extra joint

Personality:

  • Affectionate with family but suspicious of strangers
  • Does not like to be handled
  • Active and alert
  • Rather delicate and not suggested for children

Coat:

  • The Powder puff variety has a long silky coat. It can be any color or combination of colors
  • Moderate grooming. The hair tangles easily

Health Concerns:

  • Generally healthy
  • Tooth problems and bad breath
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Tasty Tidbits:
  • One of the early supporters of this breed was Gypsy Rose Lee! Of course she favored the hairless variety
  • A Chinese Crested in motion reminds one of a prancing pony. The gait is fluid with great reach and drive, surprisingly vigorous in a toy dog
  • Cresteds and Powder puffs are often born in the same litter. Legend has it that the hairy pups are to keep their hairless siblings warm
  • Long lived