History

Unlike what the name would indicate, the Chinese Crested Dog is believed to have originated from the African hairless dog breed. It was then discovered by Chinese sailors and merchants traveling to African ports and used on their ships as ratters. When the breed was brought back to China they were bred smaller and with a greater emphasis on temperament, then redistributed in trading ventures as the "Chinese Hairless" or "Chinese Crested".

Another theory is that the Chinese Crested Dog actually developed with the Aztecs by breeding the Mexican Hairless with the Chihuahua. It is believed that the Aztecs actually used these dogs as companion dogs but also as bed warmers in the cold months. These dogs may have also been used for human consumption at special events in the Aztec calendar. Regardless of the exact lineage the Chinese Crested Dog is certainly a unique and different type of dog that has attracted a specific type of dog lover throughout its history.

In the 1800's the breed became known in Europe and North America, specifically the United States. It did not become a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club until 1991 but is steadily increasing in popularity among rare dog breed fanciers.

The Chinese Crested Dog was briefly shown in the AKC’s (American Kennel Club) “Miscellaneous” Class and was put on display in Westminster in 1885 and later at the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia. After a multiple decade break, the breed returned to the competitive arena in the Miscellaneous Classes in 1986. The AKC recognized the Chinese Crested Dog in 1991. Stage personality Gypsy Rose Lee acquired a Chinese Crested Dog in the 1950s and began to breed the dogs; she is now considered one of the most influential proponents of the breed.

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.