The Chinese Crested has a fascinating past. The names they have accumulated candidly describe their history. They have been known as the Chinese Ship Dog, Chinese Hairless, Chinese Royal Hairless and Chinese Edible Dog. They have been utilised as ratters, adored companions of Emperors, worshipped as idols for their supposed healing powers and regrettably, even been on the menu!

Through genetic research, they are thought to have a shared heritage with the Mexican Xoloitzcuintli and an ancient and primitive breed called the African Hairless Terrier. Globe trotting sailors found them effective ratters and engaged them as such on their ships and later in their homes.

The ancient Aztecs idolised them...then, for reasons lost in the annals of time, demoted them and consumed them!

During the Middle Ages, at the height of the Bubonic Plague, the Chinese Crested regained popularity as ratters. Europe sought them to help eradicate flea-carrying rats. Because of their hairless bodies, fleas found them less attractive than cats!

It is uncertain about the lineage of the Powderpuff version, however, both Hairless and Powderpuffs can be found in the same litter. Due to the Hairless dominant and homozygous prenatal lethal gene, all Hairless Crested can produce Powderpuff Crested. Zygotes receiving two copies of this dominant Hairless gene die prenatal. Also, due to their genetics, two Powderpuffs cannot produce a Hairless.

These little dynamos weigh up to 12 pounds and have a life span of 12-14 years on average.

They are fine boned, and can tend to be overweight if overfed and under exercised.

So, what is the Chinese Crested really like? Their owners describe them as alert, stubborn, affectionate, loyal, protective, entertaining, intelligent, fairly quiet, love cuddling, incredible athletes, good with children and other animals if socialised early and did we mention stubborn?

This is a dog that needs obedience training as soon as possible. It doesn't take them very long to figure out, the older they get, the dumber we get. Because they are so adorable, they can become master manipulators! Chinese Crested can lean toward Small Dog Syndrome if not socialised and obedience trained as soon as possible. They love who they know, but can be cautious about meeting new people if not socialised adequately.

The Hairless Crested is actually not hairless. A good number do grow hair, which may have to be shaved, to maintain the "hairless" look. However it is the tufts of longer, silky hair on their head, feet and tail, which differentiate them from their self-described Powderpuff siblings. They are considered low shedders.

They both have a unique gait; some refer to as a trot. The Hairless Crested is at times described as pocket-sized Clydesdale. That is due to their long, silky, crested head resembling a mane, the "socks" on their feet and the "plume" on their tail.

Genetics plays a hefty part of any dog's future temperament. If you are planning to acquire a puppy, be adamant on meeting the parents. If the breeder does not cooperate, a red flag should go up. Well-tempered parents in general turn out well-tempered pups!

Because of their stubborn streak, positive reinforcement, punishment-free obedience training is recommended. Never let your Crested get the upper hand!

The lack of socialisation can make them inclined to become protective, reactive and anxious. It cannot be stressed enough, how vital early socialisation with other animals, new people and new situations is for this breed. If socialised early, they can be extremely good with other animals and older children who are aware how "breakable" they are.

Their fragile size will fool you however. These little dogs are quite athletic and fast! It is not unheard of for them to jump up to four feet high! Barriers, puppy gates are a joke to them. They are consummate diggers and fences don't deter them, so never leave your Crested outside unsupervised. They have been known to scale a fence to escape!

Health wise the Crested are a fairly sturdy breed. Common problems associated with the breed include: dental problems for the Hairless. Some have been known to start losing teeth by the age of two. Many are on strictly canned food diets by that age. Powderpuffs don't seem to have the problem as much, and may remain on a kibble diet.

Hip and elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand's Disease, hypothyroidism, and skin problems canine acne, and dry or oily skin should be watched for.

Both varieties are susceptible to Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, also known as "dry eye." It can be treated with ointments and eye drops.

Another eye problem they are prone to is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). It is the gradual deterioration of the retina. Often the first signs are night-blindness. Amazingly, even if it does deteriorate to the point of blindness, they do exceptionally well, as long as their surroundings are familiar.

They also can have hip or knee problems such as Legg-Clave-Perthes Disease and Patellar Luxation. Surgery can correct either problem. It is not recommended to use them as jogging partners.

Their exercise needs are moderate. They do love brisk walks and interactive playtime with you. Because of their size, most can exercise and amuse him or herself fairly well inside too! That makes them wonderful companions for apartment dwellers and senior citizens. They love to be mentally stimulated. Plan to challenge that need to give them the opportunity to show you just how intelligent they are.

The Crested can adjust to heat quite readily. Like cats, many love to curl up in the sun. They are prone to sunburn, so they do need to be supervised. Many Crested owners apply baby sunscreen on their pet.

They are not big water drinkers, so make sure yours stays hydrated. Ice cubes are great! Many dogs love to play with them. It's an option you can use; to be sure they are getting fluids in an entertaining way.

The Hairless cannot tolerate cold temperatures! They need to be covered in a sweater or jacket when taken outside in colder climates. Never leave them outside in the cold for any extended period of time.

They do need to be bathed regularly, usually every week or two. A quick brushing everyday will keep your Powderpuff puffy or the crest, socks and plume on your Hairless less prone to become matted.

CAUTION! Some Chinese Crested have problems with certain vaccinations and medications, including rabies shots. They also can have problems with topical ointments and flea preventative medications. Since fleas do not particularly find them attractive or appetising, attempt to avoid using flea preventatives.

Bottom line: Do your homework. Learn everything you can about Chinese Crested before making a commitment. As a family dog, they are fun. However, they can be challenging, especially for inexperienced dog owners. They need fair, firm and consistent leadership and boundaries at all times. Stay away from flea market, backyard breeders and pet stores. As they are a preference for many senior citizens, they often have to be surrendered due to life circumstances. Shelters and rescues often have Crested, so check them out. Who knows, your new best friend may be there, waiting for you.

Karen A. Soukiasian, GOOD DOG! - DOG TRAINING and BED-n-BISCUITS dog boarding and training - Owner/Trainer, St. Augustine, Florida - AKC CANINE GOOD CITIZEN and S.T.A.R. PUPPY Evaluator http://www.freewebs.com/gooddogsite - http://www.facebook.com/pages/GOOD-DOG-DOG-TRAINING/95917282486