06/18/2026
Thought I’d share some helpful information for some of you who don’t know about the genetics of the Chinese Crested.
#8 – A Hairless Should Have No Body Hair
MYTH OR FACT?
Many people hear the word hairless and assume that means completely bald from head to toe. In reality, Hairless Chinese Cresteds can have varying amounts of body hair.
A Chinese Crested is considered Hairless because it carries one copy of the FOXI3 gene associated with the Hairless variety. However, that gene determines whether the dog is Hairless or Powderpuff—it does not determine how much body hair the Hairless dog will have.
That's why Hairless Cresteds can range from very bare to what breeders often call a "hairy hairless."
In fact, many of the Hairless dogs seen in the show ring today carry enough body hair that regular shaving or clipping is needed to maintain the traditional Hairless appearance. The beautiful flowing crest, socks, and plume that many people admire are often found on dogs that naturally grow more hair, not less.
The amount of body hair can vary tremendously from one Hairless dog to another, and grooming often plays a much larger role in appearance than many newcomers realize.
So....MYTH….Hairless does not mean hair-free. A Hairless Chinese Crested is defined by genetics, but the amount of body hair is a separate trait that can vary widely from dog to dog.
What about you? Do you prefer a very bare Hairless, or do you love the look of a hairy hairless with abundant furnishings?
