Chinese Crested Dog

The origins of the Chinese crested are difficult to trace. Hairless dogs seem to arise by mutation all over the world, but they have been principally perpetuated in Central and South America. The Chinese crested is the exception, apparently existing in China as early as the 13th century. Chinese seafarers are said to have kept the dogs on ship as ratters and curios and to have traded them with local merchants wherever they called. Thus, the breed was distributed throughout Turkey, Egypt, South Africa and possibly Central and South America. Only in the 1800s were they recorded in Europe, with paintings and later, photographs, including dogs of Chinese crested type. In the late 1800s, the breed found a proponent in Ida Garrett, an American who popularized several types of hairless dogs. With the help of a handful of committed breeders (including the famed Gypsy Rose Lee), the Chinese crested gradually gained admirers in both America and Europe. In 1991 — after a century of effort — the breed was recognized by the AKC. The Chinese crested quickly became popular with dog-show enthusiasts, but the breed has been slower to attract average pet owners. As the breed gets more exposure, this situation is almost certain to change.