UKC Standard

CHINESE CRESTED
Official U.K.C. Breed Standard
Revised April 1, 1998

History                                                          

The Chinese Crested is one of several hairless breeds in the world. They are believed to have evolved from hairless dogs that may have appeared in pariah dog litters as a result of mutations. The uniqueness of this type of dog caught the attention of people from Africa to China.

The Chinese Crested enjoyed a temporary popularity in the late 1800s and early 1900s in the United States, then again became popular in the 1970s.

The Chinese Crested was recognized by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1995.

General Appearance and Characteristics                                                          

The Chinese Crested is a fine-boned, elegant, graceful toy-type dog. They are gay, alert, playful and entertaining and serve as loving companions. They have an alert, intense expression.

The breed has two varieties: the Hairless, with hair only on the head, tail and feet; and the Powderpuff, which is completely covered with hair. The same litter may include each variety.

They are rectangular in proportion, and balanced to allow for freedom of movement. The Chinese Crested is fine-boned and slender, but not so refined as to appear breakable; nor do they have a robust, heavy structure.

Head                                                          

The skull is arched gently from ear to ear over the occiput. The stop is slight but distinct. The distance from the occiput to the stop is equal to the distance from the stop to the tip of the nose.

The head is wedge-shaped when viewed from both the side and from above. The cheeks taper cleanly into the muzzle. Lips are clean and tight.

TEETH -- A full complement of strong white teeth meet in a scissors or level bite.

Missing teeth in the Powderpuff variety are to be faulted. An absence of a full dentition in the Hairless variety is not to be faulted.

EYES -- The almond-shaped eyes are set wide apart. Dark-colored dogs have dark-colored eyes. Lighter- colored dogs have lighter-colored eyes. Eye rims match the coloring of the dog.

NOSE -- Nose pigment is solid. The nose is dark in dark-colored dogs; and may be light in lighter-colored dogs.

EARS -- The uncropped ears are large and erect. They are placed so that the base of the ears is level with the outside comer of the eye.

Forequarters                                                          

Shoulder angulation is 45 degrees to the point of the shoulder, allowing for good reach. Shoulders are clean and narrow. The elbows are held close to the body.

Body                                                          

Body length, from the withers to the base of the tail, is slightly longer than the height, measured at the withers. The backline is level to the croup, where it slopes slightly. The loin is light.

The brisket extends to the elbow. The breastbone is not prominent. Chest depth tapers to a moderate tuck-up at the flanks. The ribs are well developed.

Hindquarters                                                          

HIND LEGS -- The stifle is moderately angulated. The rear pastern is perpendicular to the ground. Rear dewclaws may be removed.

Feet                                                          

The hare feet are narrow, with elongated toes. Nails are trimmed to moderate length.

Tail                                                          

The slender tail tapers to a curve. It is long enough to reach the hock. When the dog is in motion, the tail is carried gaily and may be carried slightly forward over the back. When the dog is at rest, the tail is down and has a slight curve at the end resembling a sickle.

Coat and Skin                                                          

Grooming is minimal, consisting of only what is necessary to present a clean and neat appearance.

Powderpuff Variety                                                          

The Powderpuff variety is completely covered with a double, soft, silky coat. The guard hairs are long and thin. The undercoat is short and silky. The coat is straight and of moderate density and length. The tail is completely covered with hair. Hair on the ears and face may be trimmed for neatness.

Excessively heavy, kinky, or curly coat is to be penalized.

Hairless Variety                                                          

The Hairless variety has hair only on certain portions of the body: the head (referred to as a crest); the tail (referred to as a plume); and on the feet, from the toes to the pasterns on the front feet, and from the feet to the hock joint on the hind feet (referred to as the socks).

The head crest begins at the stop and tapers off between the base of the skull and the back of the neck. Hair is permitted on the ears and face and may be trimmed for neatness. Two-thirds of the end of the tail is covered with a long, flowing feathering referred to as a plume.

Hair texture is soft and silky. It flows to any length. Placement of the hair is not as important as overall type. Areas that have hair usually taper slightly. Wherever the body is hairless, the skin is soft and smooth.

Color                                                          

Any color, or combination of colors, is acceptable.

Disqualification: Albinism.

Height and Weight                                                          

The ideal height range is from 11 to 13 inches. Dogs that are slightly smaller or larger may be given full consideration.

Gait                                                          

The characteristic gait is lively, agile, and smooth, without being stilted or hackneyed. The dog comes and goes at a trot, moving in a straight line.

Disqualifications                                                          

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism.

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