The Chinese Crested is in the AKC Toy Group, a fine boned, elegant little dog. Not only is he graceful, but takes great joy in being an entertaining and loving companion. The Hairless Variety should have lotion applied to his skin, to keep it from becoming dry - and suntan lotion is a must, when he's outside. The Hairless have fine tufts of hair on the head, tail and feet, while the Powderpuff Variety is completely covered with hair.

Chinese Cresteds are happy and alert. They are loyal and affectionate dogs who make wonderful, playful, and entertaining companions. Their gait is lively and agile. It is interesting to note, the infamous Gypsy Rose Lee acquired a Crested in the early 1950's and became an ardent breeder.

Ideally, the Crested is only 11-13 inches at the withers, with the length of body being slightly longer than he is tall. The expression of a Crested is alert and intense.

The Hairless variety has hair on certain portions of the body: the head (called a crest), the tail (called a plume) and the feet from the toes to the front pasterns and rear hock joints (called socks). The texture of all hair is soft and silky, flowing to any length. Placement of hair is not as important as overall type. Areas that have hair usually taper off slightly. Wherever the body is hairless, the skin is soft and smooth. Head Crest begins at the stop and tapers off between the base of the skull and the back of the neck. Hair on the ears and face is permitted on the Hairless and may be trimmed for neatness in both varieties. Tail Plume is described under Tail. The Powderpuff variety is completely covered with a double soft and silky coat. Close examination reveals long thin guard hairs over the short silky undercoat. The coat is straight, of moderate density and length. Excessively heavy, kinky or curly coat is to be penalized. Grooming is minimal-consisting of presenting a clean and neat appearance. -- Chinese Crested Standard

For more information on this elegant and graceful dog - Hairless or Powderpuff - please contact the American Chinese Crested Club.