Chinese crested show kicks off dog-filled weekend

“Just because it's a little dog doesn't mean it's a froufrou dog,” said Sue Gardner, president of the American Chinese Crested Club. “It's an athlete.”

A 10-pound athlete with bell-bottoms and amazing bangs?

I had to see for myself, so Gardner took me to the RV that she and her husband drove all the way from California to Oklahoma City this week for the national Chinese crested dog show. She showed me all 17 dogs she and her husband brought on their road trip.

That's when I realized these dogs are way more athletic than I am.

They're agile, muscled and fast. I'm pretty sure they do a couple hours on the treadmill and then sit around and bench press other dogs.

Then they go and get their fabulous, fabulous hair done.

The club came to Oklahoma City last year, and Gardner said they'll begin a five-year run of shows in the city in 2013. The city has an ideal central location, and the Biltmore Hotel has been a fantastic host, said Gardner, who is wrapping up her fourth year as the national president. A lot of owners will stay a few extra days for the American Toy Fox Terrier Club shows, which are also at the Biltmore.

The week is packed full of events — two complete dog shows, agility trials, a rally competition and social events.

And you better believe they're having a costume contest because, seriously, how could you not?

Gardner, a retired home-ec teacher, said she began showing dogs in 1970 but didn't discover Chinese cresteds until 20 years later. “After that,” she said, “everything else was just boring.”

The dogs are descendants of African hairless dogs that were picked up by Chinese sailors, according to the American Kennel Club. The dogs are rat-hunters — a desirable ability during the time of the plague. They arrived in Europe in the mid-1800s.

The crested has two types: hairless and powder puff. The hairless has silky hair on its head, tail and feet, while the powder puff is covered all over with hair. They weigh about 10 pounds.

“They're a very well-kept secret in the dog world,” Gardner said. “While they're not for everyone, they make such a good companion. They can do far more than people give them credit for.”

But Chinese cresteds have another stereotype to fight: ugliness. The breed is notorious for winning ugly dog contests. Most of the famously ugly dogs are old, disabled and ill, Gardner said. And most of them are hairless mixed-breeds confused with Chinese cresteds.

Gardner's husband, Jim, said that's the fault of the owners — not the dogs.

“It's offensive to us,” he said. “You won't see anything like that here.”

Peppy, highly groomed dogs trotted around the Biltmore on Tuesday as owners and handlers arrived at the hotel for the show. They're friendly dogs, though they'll look you over once before coming close. Then they'll flex their muscles. Then they'll give you styling tips.