The Chinese Crested Dog has been known in China since the 13th Century, where it was developed during the Hang Dynasty into the two types seen today. These are the fine, elegant "deer" type and the heavier boned "cobby" type. The hairless vary in degree of coat from no body hair to those having a fine down similar to that found on a human arm, but all have the characteristic "cresting" that helps give this breed its name. This cresting consists of soft, fine hair growing from the stop and tapers off down the neck. A plume of hair is found on the lower two thirds of the tail, and socks of hair on the feet and lower legs.

It may also come in a drop eared variety as well as the prick eared type that is essential in the hairless Crested. The Crested has also been present in Europe for centuries as shown in artwork from the 15th Century and was mentioned in the chronicles of Christopher Columbus. Regarded as a curiosity at first, the Crested has grown in popularity as a pet and show dog.

Chinese Crested dogs can live up to 10 years of age, but can extend this to 12 years if given the proper care and nutrition.

BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT

The Chinese Crested is a confident, graceful and alert dog sometimes aloof with strangers. It can be strong willed, but not snappy or aggressive. Not known as a yappy dog, it can, however, prove useful as a watchdog. Unlike many other breeds it is capable of curling its feet to hold and grip objects. Although a toy breed in size, it is far from being a toy in attitude or outlook.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

The Chinese Crested has proven highly compatible with other animals, including cats and horses.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

The care required by a hairless Crested is similar to that of a human. This fair skinned dog will need to be protected from the sun by using a sunscreen where necessary, to prevent sunburn. The hairless can also develop acne therefore regular bathing is needed, or a herbal, non-allergenic cleanser can be used. When and if the skin shows signs of dryness a non-allergenic moisturiser should also be applied. It is not known to shed, is rarely bothered by fleas, nor does it have a "doggy" odour.

Please take note:
The teeth in the hairless are not those of your average dog as "tusks" replace the canines and the teeth may be loosely rooted or even missing. This is associated with hairlessness and is not a cause of concern.

IDEAL OWNERS

A Crested will fit in virtually anywhere as long as you have the time to spare to give it the attention it feels is its due. Although it will wait patiently for its owner's return when left alone, it prefers to be with you. Suitable for many situations, Crested owners range from active singles and families to the elderly, and this breed makes its home anywhere from a flat to a farm. A Crested will become part of most lifestyles, accompanying its owner through daily life – always ready to take part in almost any activity or just as ready to curl up on an accommodating lap. Active or not so active, it doesn't seem to matter as long as there is shared love and attention.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the Chinese Crested Dog is the dog for you and you can live with the uniqueness that a hairless a dog will bring into your life, then contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Joanne Tilbrook	Goolarabang	QLD	Contact
Margaret Horn	Meken	VIC	Contact
Jenny Stembridge	Wumao	WA	Contact
Everlyn Lonergan	Splfyr	SA	Contact
Sheree Richards	Sherabill	QLD	Contact
Heidi Youle	Bailimina	QLD	Contact
Lorraine Chippindale	Chinaroad	WA	Contact
Cassie Hatfield	Casmai	QLD	Contact
Natalie Prosser	Natalie Prosser	NSW	Contact
Vicki Bridle	Mohawk	VIC	Contact
Sandy Adsett	Sunjin	WA	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)