CHINESE CRESTED

Although called Chinese crested, this breed did not originate from China, they are believed to have evolved from the Mexican/African hairless dogs who over years were bred by Chinese to reduce their size.

Chinese sailors and merchants saw the benefit in using this breed on their ships to help keep the pest population down as they were excellent rat hunters. This was of great importance as the vermin was infested with parasites and diseases which could be contracted by humans, especially during and between the time of the "plague". It was also beneficial that due to the lack of hair they were relatively unaffected by fleas. The breed was held in such regard that they were traded to other sailors across ports (where they can still be found today) not only as a form of pest control but also as a bed warmer due to lack of fur and warmth they emitted.

As the popularity grew for the breed they were loved by the Chinese and whilst still popular as vermin control they began to climb the social ladder reportedly being owned by emperors during the Han dynasty. There were two types bred, one being the highly prized deer type used as temple guards to bark and raise the alarm if it noticed any intruders, the other more bulky crossbreed was used for hunting and in the kitchens (unfortunately when food was scarce they may have appeared on the menu) 🤢

As infrastructure grew and trade routes were formed with America, the Chinese sailors would venture with the beloved breed to the new land where they were introduced to South and Central America. Eventually, the Chinese crested population began to grow across America and subsequently Asia, it wasn't until approx 1700 that travelling Europeans became aware of the breed. gradually through the 1800s, they were widely accepted by Europeans and North America, where they began to appear in prints and famous works of arts.

Chinese crested was entered in early dog competitions however there was no known breeding programme established. Not until 1901 was the first Chinese crested entered into the kennel club and officially registered, although they failed to become established in England as there was no progeny. After this time the admiration for the breed began to dwindle as many other dog breeds were widely accepted in society and the strange appearance meant they were shunned by upper and middle classes.

A picture of Chinese crested and PowderPufff was released in "Harper's Weekly" where it was seen by a young well known New York newspaper reporter/journalist at the time, Ms Ida Garrett. Ida wrote a lot about the dogs she loved and also bred and exhibited the hairless breed of which she was very fond. Thanks to Ida Garrett and her fellow Chinese crested admirer, Debra Woods the portfolio of information about the breed caught the eye of 2 famous women, Gypsy Rose Lee (burlesque dancer) and June Havoc. These 4 women helped promote the Chinese crested breed further still, in fact, it was Ms Lee's dogs, that all American and English foundation lines are reportedly built on.

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I am aware that more than any other breed in the world the Chinese crested is the most popular outcome for "the worlds ugliest dog" award. However, there history and story are far more interesting than the superficial judgement we place upon them. Since Dylan has become part of the family I will always be an advocate and a fan of the breed, and I think they are beautiful in every way.

"Don't judge a book by its cover"