In the 14th century the bubonic plague devasted Europe and Asia. The Crested's were used as ratters on ships. The rats carried the fleas which carried the plague. Since the crested have no hair, the crew on the ships were able to detect the fleas on the dogs and kill them. Thus helping to eliminate the bubonic plague.

The Chinese Crested comes in two distinct varieties. The hairless and the powder puff. Interestingly enough both varieties are born in the same litter. The hairless dog looks much like a Clydesdale horse shrunken down to about 12 inches in size. The hairless has hair on its head (crest), tail (plume) and feet (socks). They have soft skin and silky hair.

The powder puff is covered in hair. It has a double silk coat which is long and straight.

The Crested's should be 11 to 13 inches tall and weigh between 5 and 13 pounds. Their temperament is gay and alert. They are clowns and are always looking for a way to make you laugh. They are very devoted to their owners, so much so that they often suffer from separation anxiety. They need to be treated as an equal member of the family.

The most important things you need to know about your Chinese Crested's are that they are a lively, intelligent, affectionate, playful, devoted and attentive little dogs. Their sole purpose in life is to be by your side,

AND LOVE YOU.