Where the Chinese Crested came from
The Chinese Crested has an unclear past. Its true origin is unknown. Despite the name, China is an unlikely birthplace, and Mexico and Africa are other ideas. Explorers reported hairless dogs in many parts of the world, from the 1500s through the 1800s.
In the 1900s, a breeder named Debora Wood built a kennel called Crest Haven, and she kept records of the lines. The entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee also bred the dogs, and her dogs later joined that kennel. The FCI recognized the breed in 1987.
The AKC recognized the Chinese Crested in 1991. There are two kinds, Hairless and Powderpuff, and both can be born in the same litter.
- 1987 The FCI recognizes the breed
- 1991 AKC recognizes the Chinese Crested
- 2003 A hairless Crested named Sam wins the World's Ugliest Dog Contest, repeating in 2004 and 2005
- 2008 A study finds the gene change that causes hairlessness
The job a Chinese Crested was bred for
Cresteds are companion dogs, bred to stay close to their people. That is why many follow you everywhere, are sensitive and like warm laps and blankets.
What you may see at home
Clingy, sensitive, digs, bolts after fast things.
Give them: Fast CAT, agility style games, and warm alone time practice.
Sports that fit a Chinese Crested
- Agility. Fast, light and surprisingly athletic
- Fast CAT. Lets them sprint and chase a lure
- Trick dog. Quick learners who love attention
- Rally. Great teamwork with a close handler
Training tips for a Chinese Crested
- Use gentle, food based training. Cresteds are sensitive to harsh tones.
- Practice alone time with a chew and a cozy bed in small steps.
- Teach recall in a fenced area, because they can bolt after fast things.
- Protect the skin. Use sunscreen and a coat when it is cold, especially for hairless dogs.
Body and health
Hairless Cresteds can get sunburn and cold, and may have missing teeth. Both types can have knee and eye problems. Ask your vet about screening.
Fun fact. A hairless Chinese Crested named Sam won the World's Ugliest Dog Contest three years in a row, from 2003 to 2005.
Breed is where we start
A study of more than 18,000 dogs found breed explains only about 9 percent of the differences in behavior between dogs (Morrill and others, Science, 2022). So your Chinese Crested is a starting guess, not a label. We find the drive your dog actually runs on, give it a job, and teach you to read them.
Free tools for your dog
- Breed drive calculatorMixed breed? Add the other breeds and see the drives your dog was bred with.
- Dog breed quizTen photos, four names each. The same quiz our trainers take.
- Dog drive testAnswer everyday moments and find the job your dog runs on.
Looking for a different breed? See what 137 breeds were bred to do, and download any of their guides.