Despite being one of the most recognizable dog breeds in existence due to their unique physical attributes, the early history of the Chinese crested is a bit mysterious due to a lack of adequate written records. Though early hairless dogs have been documented in Africa, Central and South America, and Asia, the relationship between these dogs is not well understood. Evidence to suggest that they may be related is found in the fact that at least 3 hairless breeds originating from different continents (Mexican hairless, Peruvian hairless, and Chinese crested) are all known to inherit the same FOXI3 gene mutation responsible for their hairlessness. It is most likely that a common ancestor to the hairless breeds developed a spontaneous FOXI3 mutation that was later passed to the individual breeds as they were developed. It is theorized that early hairless dogs travelling on shipping routes with their human companions played a role in the spread of the trait to numerous locations in the world.
In addition to genetic mutations responsible for particular physical traits, like other purebred dogs, Chinese cresteds are known to inherit some genetic mutations responsible for causing inherited disease. Inherited diseases of the eyes are of particular concern ...
