Colors and Markings

Chinese Crested

Below is a list of the colors and markings available for this breed. Please refer to the breed standard for descriptions and the difference in types.

Description: The name of the color and/or markings.

Type: Standard or alternate. This is the classification of the color for show purposes. Please refer to the breed standard for specifics regarding this breed.

Code: This is the code entered on an application for registration of a dog.

Colors

Description                               Type                         Code

Markings

Description                               Type                           Code

Chinese Crested Did You Know?

• The Chinese Crested is AKC's 132nd breed.
• The exact origin of the Chinese Crested is unknown, but it believed to have evolved from African hairless dogs which were reduced in size by the Chinese.
• Earlier names of the Crested include: Chinese Hairless, the Chinese Edible Dog, the Chinese Ship Dog, and the Chinese Royal Hairless.
• The Crested is believed to have accompanied Chinese sailors on the high seas, hunting vermin during and in between times of plague; today the breed can still be found in port cities worldwide.
• By the mid-19th century, Cresteds began to appear in numerous European paintings and prints.
• Entries of the Crested breed in American dog shows began in the late 1800's.
• The Crested come in two varieties: Hairless and Powderpuff (Powderpuff is genetically recessive).

Chinese Crested History

The Chinese Crested is believed to have evolved from the African hairless dogs. These dogs were

traded among merchants and sailors thereby making their way to ancient port cities around the world.

The Chinese, who seemed to favor dogs of smaller size, selectively bred the African hairless to a

smaller size and continued an active trade. Explorers, as early as the 1500s, found these dogs in

ports throughout Central and South America as well as African and Asian cities.

Chinese Cresteds joined the breeds depicted in European art and architecture in the 19th century.

The breed is also represented in photos of English competitions from the era, but no breeding

program was evidenced.

The Crested acquired an active and enthusiastic following in the United States in the early 1900’s.

Breeders kept an extensive stud book and registry beginning in the 1930’s. Gypsy Rose Lee, the

 famous stage personality, acquired a Crested in the 1950’s and became an ardent breeder helping

considerably to publicizing the breed. The Chinese Crested was first registered with The American

Kennel Club in 1991.