The Chinese Crested breed is considered as a toy group breed and it stands only 12 inches in height and weighs no more than 10 pounds in weight. Most of the breeds in the toy group are undeniably cuddly and fluffy to touch but there is a variety of the Chinese Crested breed that is cuddly yet far from fluffy. This breed often produces two varieties that are either hairy or hairless and whatever the outcome is, it is loved by many people still around the world.

These two varieties are named the Powderpuff and the Hairless. The Hairless variety does not have a coat on its body except for the socks, tail and head areas where a little growth is visible. The exposed skin of this variety is prone to damages such as bruises, dryness and sunburn.

The Powderpuff or Puff variety is the one that has a double coat of long, smooth and straight hairs. Without proper grooming, the hair can grow as long as floor-length but the standard cut for it is a shaved snout. The Puff is a minimal or non-shedder at all therefore it is considered hypoallergenic by experts.

These two varieties may look like they are of different breeds but they come from one litter. Grooming is different for each other as each has different cleaning needs. The Puff’s coat should be brushed regularly in order to avoid it from matting while the Hairless should be cared for like human skin meaning it should be applied with moisturizing lotions and creams all over in order to protect it from sun damage, dryness and patching.

All of Chinese Crested dog varieties are sweet, energetic, playful and cuddly little creatures. They like human companionship and will be at their happiest when their master includes them at any activities even as minor as watching TV on the sofa. These varieties also love playing and being around with children and they can live harmoniously amongst different kinds of animals.

They may look fragile for their size but the Chinese Crested dogs are intelligent, agile and are able to learn and perform tricks. In fact, they are often seen competing at various dog sporting events such as agility, conformation and obedience competitions. They are very devoted and loyal little pets and they wish to please their master eagerly; therefore, training them is quite easy and fast unlike other stubborn dogs.

A lot of people see the Hairless variety as an ugly dog and because of this; this variety is often included in the “World’s Ugliest Dog” competition. A Hairless Chinese Crested dog named Sam won this title in 2004 and 2005. Sam died in 2006 due to inevitable health problems but still, to this day, he is considered as the ugliest dog in the world.

Although named as Chinese Crested dog, the origin of this breed is not China but Africa wherein it is called the African Hairless Terrier. As Chinese merchant ships pass by Africa, they brought with them these hairless creatures to use as rat hunter aboard their ships. The Chinese Crested dog was first shown in the Western world in 1885, had its first American breed club in 1979 and received American Kennel Club recognition in 1991.

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