With those flowing locks some say this is the 'Micheal Bolton of dogs but this pup is so much more than an 80's icon, this is one noble breed dating back centuries. And if like me, you believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder then look no further than the Chinese Crested, a more loving, easy going and unique dog you'll be hard pressed to find.

Here are some highlights on this adorable dog...

• Although most people think of the hairless variety when they think of a Chinese Crested, they actually come with or without fur and the 'Hairless' and the 'Powderpuff' both come from the same litter. The Powderpuff variety has a double coat of luxurious silky fur and couldn't look more different than its' hairless sibling.
• They don't originate from China but from Africa and are thought to be a mix of the African Hairless Terrier with a genetic dash of the Mexican Hairless.
• Their feet are highly unusual. Very elongated and often referred to as "hare-like".
• Centuries ago people depended on this dog for it's warm body. Due mainly to their lack of fur, they could emit a lot of warmth and were used not only as bed warmers but also as a form of a heated compress for aches and pains. Some believe this led to rumours  they possessed magical healing powers when they were initially brought to China. 
• Their name likely came about when they were used as ratters onboard Chinese ships. They accompanied sailors on long voyagers during the 14th century. This was the time of the dreaded Black Death and not only did they love to catch rats, their hairless bodies meant no flea problems and besides that, everyone fell in love with their gentle nature.
• Come the 1950s, 'Crest Haven' kennel was created by American Deborah Wood. She began breeding these dogs and recording the genetic lineages of each one of her beloved Cresties.
• Burlesque's Grand Dame, Gypsy Rosa Lee also fell for these beauties and began her own breeding program. Upon her death, her dogs went to 'Crest Haven' and to this day, the heritage of every single Crested alive can be traced back to these two lines.

• It's hard to believe that this dog holds the accolade of winning the "Annual World's Ugliest Dog Competition" more than any other breed! Between 2000 and 2016, the Chinese Crested or mixes of, have won ten times with 'Sam', a blind Crested, winning three years in a row before he died.
• Care-wise, both types require grooming, in fact this is quite a high maintenance breed. Throughout their lives, these hairless beauties will need the same skin care routine as a child. That means regular bathing and moisturising which should help prevent skin problems such as dryness and acne from forming and don't forget the sunscreen, if your dog spends any length of time in strong sunlight, you'll need regular applications of sun cream.
• A Powderpuff's regime is just as time-consuming. Their coats don't grow continuously but at full length they are quite long and need a daily brush through as well as a weekly bath.That said, this breed is practically shed-free.

• They need to layer up in colder temperatures, just be careful what you dress them in as most Cresties have allergies to wool and lanolin. Itchy fabrics are a big no-no as they lead to irritations and rashes.
• Dog's cool themselves by panting but this little beauty actually has sweat glands - very rare in a dog.
• They can suffer from eye and dental problems, the hairless variety in particular is prone to crowded or missing teeth which can cause dental decay if not cared for properly. If you can, get them used to a tooth brush at puppy-stage, initially tricky but this will save you a lot of vet visits.