Chinese Crested dogs—who determines what is ugly?

I realize that ugly is in the eye of the beholder and it is only skin deep, but in the canine world the hairless Chinese Crested seems a little shortchanged in the pulchritude department.

First there was Sam, pictured on the left, the original Ugly Dog, who died last year. This year in a lively competition, another hairless Chinese Crested beat out some very formidable contenders. (See previous post)

Even in dog shows that I have attended, when Chinese Cresteds enter the ring, there is a hush over the crowd as some are stifling giggles and others are looking on in pity.

I was curious about what the early originators of this dog had in mind, but not much is known except that they may have originated in Africa and were taken to China by trading ships because they were excellent for catching rats on the ships. According to most sources they seem to have been kept as doggy companions in China (when they weren’t used for other Chinese purposes which I won’t get into here).

As companion animals they have some very appealing qualities. They are quite clean with no doggy odors and do not attract fleas or ticks. Because they are mostly hairless, they obviously don’t shed much and are great for allergy sufferers. They are friendly, affectionate little dogs with sweet dispositions

Like any animal, when people love it, it becomes beautiful to them.

However, they are prone to skin, dental and certain other health problems.

Comments

[Rita T]

They sort of look like little ponies, but with funny faces.

[Ursella]

These dogs have a lot of health problems. i work in a vet office and they are expensive to own. People should look carefully before buyig.

[Laura]

Just about any pure breed dog has the potential for particular types of health problems. I spent thousands on glaucoma treatments (unsuccessful treatments, btw) on my Shar Pei. It wasn't until after he was diagnosed with glaucoma that I found out that it was common in that breed and that they tended to be resistant to treatment. Thankfully he didn't have the skin problems also common to the breed.

[jane]

You're so right about an animal's beauty being in the eye of the beholder. I'm sure people look at our pig & find her horrific, but to Tarzan & I, she is the cutest thing ever.
I wrote about Sam last year & 1 think that was for sure, he was a VERY loved pet.

[Erin]

They are also some of the cutest puppies ever, and make great agility/rally/obedience dogs, from what I've heard. So there's good and bad, like all dogs, not just purebred dogs.

[apos]

hmmm you know how some owners resemble their pets...wonder what Sam's looks like.

[Red Dragon]

Yes, they are lovely, but remember not all look like the one pictured. They can very from bald to what is called a hairy hairless as well.
In showing I have found that the ones with the lovely head hair and furnishing also have body hair that is shaved clean, for the ring. But pet owners must be told the whole story of this breed before investing into a Lovely Hairless Breed. Dragon

[Emily]

I have a hairy hairless Crested with almost a full coat of hair except on his underbelly, which we cover with a pair of doggy boxers (to conceal his privates, or publics in his case...). He's black with a white muzzle, paws, chest, and tip of the tail, he's adorable. People always stop and tell me how cute he is (he looks like a mini terrier with a somewhat whippet-like body). Just because you don't like the look of the hairless doesn't mean they don't come any cuter! Plus, they have great personalities to boot. Also, the dental problems seem to occur more in the hairless variety because that problem is linked to the hairless gene. Anyway, don't write them off, they're lovely, amusing little dogs :)

[Casey]

I think that Sam is the most beautiful dog I've ever seen!! I saw his picture in the paper after his 3rd crowning and fell in love with him immediately. He is my desktop wallpaper on both home and work computers, I've placed his picture in a prominent location of my office so that any casual passersby will notice him, and I've explained my appreciation for him MANY times to those who end up taking the time to ask questions.

I have to say that my appreciation is definitely NOT out of pity, but a result of his completely charming uniqueness. I am a dog lover regardless of breed, and until that newspaper article, had never had the opportunity to appreciate such an interesting and wonderful dog!! Unfortunately, based on the above posts concerning their history of medical issues, I probably wouldn't have the time or emotional commitment to be able to adequately care for one.

Regardless,
Sam, Rest In Peace Sweet Prince...

[Proud CC owner]

As with every breed, they are not for every person / family.

I noticed a comment about them having health issues & being expensive to own. As with any breed if you buy from a reputable breeder who health tests & cares about the breed, you'll save yourself heartache & $$'s. All breeds need regular vet care, and most breeds have some issue.

A proud CC owner.

[Anne]

Just wanted to share something with other Chinese Crested dog lovers out there. I just got the most amazing thing, a purse that looks like a Chinese Crested dog! Can you even imagine??? SO darn cute!