It is believed that the Chinese Crested was developed in China during the Han Dynasty. There were two types bred - the highly prized Deer type, which were tiny, fine-boned, elegant dogs who were the Temple House Guardians (presumably to bark and raise the alarm), and the coarser, heavier, Cobby type, which were hunting and kitchen dogs - sometimes eaten on a special feast day.

The unique-looking breed appeared in the United States in the late 1800s, championed by Mrs. Ida Garrett and later, with Mrs. Garrett, by Mrs. Debra Woods, after much hard work, they gained recognition of the breed in the Toy Group in 1991.

Though the two types of Chinese Crested, the Hairless and the Powderpuff varieties, may seem to be different, they are almost exactly the same except for their coats. The Hairless should have hair on its head, feet and tail, while the Powderpuff is born fully coated. Another interesting fact about the Hairless variety is that, unlike other dogs, it actually has sweat glands.

The hairless variety has a topknot, socks and a plume on the tail. The hair on the hairless and the powder-puff variety is a drop coat very soft and silky. The hairless variety usually has standing ears and the powder-puff folded ears unless they are shaved.

Breed example images from www.caninereference.com