The origins of the Chinese Crested are difficult to trace. Hairless dogs seem to arise by mutation all over the world, but they have been principally found in Central and South America. The Chinese Crested is the exception, apparently existing in China as early as the 13th century. Chinese seafarers are said to have kept the dogs on ship as ratters and curios and to have traded them with local merchants wherever they called. Thus, the Chinese Crested was distributed throughout Turkey, Egypt, South Africa and possibly Central and South America. Only in the 1800's were they recorded in Europe, with paintings and later, photographs, including dogs of Chinese Crested type.

Appearance
At first glance, the "Hairless" and "Powderpuff" varieties of Chinese Crested Dogs appear to be two different breeds, but hairlessness is a dominant trait within a single breed. The Hairless Chinese Crested has soft, humanlike skin, as well as tufts of fur on its paws ("socks") and tail ("plume") and long, flowing hair on its head ("crest"). In addition to being a dominant gene, the "hairless" gene is lethal when homozygous. All living hairless Chinese Cresteds are therefore heterozygous for this trait.

Character
Chinese Cresteds are gifted jumpers and some climb. Hairless varieties of Chinese Crested will need a sweater for cold-weather outings. This is not a breed for outdoor living. Chinese Cresteds are affectionate, energetic and playful. They are known to be great family pets, and have endearing personalities. The Chinese Cresteds are known to be great with respectful children. Some are known "singers," while others are known to "smile." They are generally happy lap dogs with candid personalities. In addition, Chinese Cresteds tend to be a "one-person" dog, spotting one particular member of the family as their "owner". Often, this person is the one who gives the Chinese Crested the most safe and secure feeling, and the dog would clearly show its affection towards him/her above others in the family.
 

Temperament
Chinese Crested dogs are exceptionally friendly. They love hugs and constantly crave human companionship. Chinese Cresteds are intelligent and can perform tricks. This breed should not be babied in order to ensure it grows up to be well adjusted. Chinese Crested dogs love to play with children, they do not bark.

Exercise/Training
The Chinese Crested enjoys a romp outside, but it hates the cold. It is small enough that it can get sufficient exercise with vigorous inside games. Playing and obedience are very good types of mental exercise. 15 minutes obedience and playing with your Chinese Crested will be more useful for the dogs exercise then an hour walk on the leash can provide.

Color
The Hairless variety of the Chinese Crested can vary in amount of body hair. Fur on the muzzle, known as a beard, is not uncommon. A true Hairless Chinese Crested often does not have as much furnishings (hair on the head, tail, and paws); however, many of the dogs seen in the show ring are actually a "moderate" or "hairy" hairless that is shaved down. The difference between a very hairy Hairless and a Powderpuff is that the Hairless has a single coat, often with hairless parts on the body, while the Powderpuff has a thick double coat. The skin of the Hairless Chinese Crested comes in a variety of colors, ranging from a pale flesh to black, and is often mottled. Hairless Chinese Cresteds often lack a full set of teeth, but this is not considered a fault.

The Powderpuff Chinese Crested shares the build of the Hairless variant, but in addition has a full coat of long hair. The look of the Powderpuff Chinese Crested varies according to how it is groomed. When its fur is completely grown out on its face, it strongly resembles a terrier; however, the Powderpuff Chinese Crested is usually shaved around the snout as a standard cut. Its fur is incredibly soft. Due to its coat type, both Powderpuff and Hairless are considered good pets for allergy sufferers.

Grooming
Coat care for the powder-puff variety of the Chinese Crested entails brushing every day or two. The muzzle is usually shaved every two weeks in puffs. The hairless Chinese Crested need regular skin care, such as the application of moisturiser or sunblock, and bathing to combat blackheads. Most hairless Chinese Crested need some stray hairs removed prior to showing. A good nutrition and regular brushing keeps the proper coat of the Chinese Crested shine and the skin healthy. Bathing doesn’t harm the coat of the Chinese Crested as long as you use a good quality shampoo that doesn't dry the skin and coat and is formulated for a canine coat. The ears of the Chinese Crested should be kept clean and regularly inspected as well. The Chinese Crested also is distinguished by its "hare foot," which has longer toes than the "cat foot" common to most other dogs. The "quick," or vein, runs deeper into the nails, so care must be taken not to trim the nails too short.

Any breed described as "good with children", the dog must be accustomed to children. Any dog that is not well socialized with children will not behave predictably around them. As with all dogs, they should never be left alone with young children.