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Raising and Loving

Mediterranean Miniature Donkeys

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Chinese Crested Dogs

Country of Origin: China/Africa

History: The breed is actually thought to have originated in Africa, from the African hairless dogs that live there. They are thought to have been bred with these, as well as other hairless dogs to create the breed. From there, they were brought to China by traders, and kept on boats as ratters. Chinese Cresteds have been in China since the thirteenth century, often the hairless ones picked to board ships because they were thought to be without fleas. During the reign of the Han Dynasty, there were two distinct species of the breed. One was a "treasure house guardian", while the other was a heavier built hunter used for, well, hunting. When the hunters didn't bring home the food, they themselves became the main ingredient. Many of this breed have been used for food, which goes along with the Chinese communist creed, "Chinese Crested in every pot." From there they found their way into Europe and South America through the trade routes on Chinese sailing ships. Some sources state that the Chinese Crested resulted from the mating of the Mexican Hairless Dog with a Chihuahua, while other sources point to the exact opposite occurrence: Chihuahuas may have come from Chinese Cresteds. As one can see, the Crested's history is veiled with the word "probably", as much of their history is not concrete. Chinese Crested dogs were known to be used much like a hot water bottle, emanating heat from their hairless bodies provided warmth and comfort their owners preferred. Their registration in the UK was in 1981 but they did not make an appearance in the US until 1960. Legend says that until 1966 the only remaining Cresteds in the entire world were owned by an elderly woman in the United States. With committed breeders, the Chinese Crested was revived again, thanks largely in part to Gypsy Rose Lee. After a century of waiting, the breed was recognized by the AKC in 1991. The Chinese Crested has been voted the World's Ugliest Dog several times in California.