Chinese Crested Dog

The origins of the Chinese Crested Dog are rather nebulous and fuzzy. The Chinese Crested Dog is believed to have had different names depending on where he lived in the past.

This very original dog, already present in the 12th century according to some, would thus have carried, among others, the name of "dog of Giza" or "dog of the Pyramids". His country of origin is uncertain, possibly Central America, South America, Turkey, Egypt or South Africa.

All these countries have claimed the origin of the Chinese Crested Dog. A painting, dating from the 16th century by Lucas Cranach the Elder, on display in the Dresden Museum, depicts a small dog resembling the Chinese Crested Dog in all respects. This representation could confirm his remote and very old existence.

Although he is now called the Chinese Dog, his ancestor probably originated in Vietnam. As he is, nowadays, more known in the West than in the East, all assumptions are valid and none are really confirmed.

The story goes that his original physique would have conquered the hearts of many, and during the stopovers of cargo ships, where dogs were used to hunt vermin, small dogs would have regularly served as a bargaining chip for Chinese sailors.

This would explain his large presence in Europe and his great popularity throughout the West.

He officially appeared in Europe in the 19th century, in France in 1973 and in the United States in 1991. The Chinese Crested Dog is said to have previously served as a vermin hunter, and today he has risen to the status of companion dog par excellence.