The CHINESE CRESTED can be traced back in China to the thirteenth century, but did not appear in Europe until the mid-1800s.  Whether of the hairless or powder-puff variety, it is a graceful, spirited, cheerful, and intelligent luxury dog with lots of character.  It loves its people tenderly and gets along beautifully with other dogs and pets.  Though lively and playful, it is a perfect apartment dog because it is content to get most of the exercise it needs playing indoors with a ball.  It is very smart and responds well to friendly training, which is essential if its great desire for activity is to be kept under control.  Both varieties are quite hardy; however, the Chinese Hairless should be protected from wet and cold weather, though not pampered.  Contrary to many stories, it does not necessarily get sunburned but tans nicely as long as it is not exposed to the hot sun too suddenly or too long.  Nor does it die of cold in the winter, as long as it gets enough exercise when outside.  If it is not treated like a fragile doll, this rare dog behaves with great self-confidence and shows a keen interest in everything that goes on around it.