Embracing the Bald: Chinese Crested Mugly, the Sovereign of Unconventional Dogs, Hails from the U.K.
The Chinese crested dog, a breed known for its distinctive appearance, was in the spotlight in 2012 when an eight-year-old dog named Mugly won the World's Ugliest Dog Contest in Petaluma, California. But what makes this breed so unusual?
According to experts, the hairlessness in the Chinese crested dog is not a result of natural evolution, but rather a product of human intervention. Teresa Gunn, a geneticist from the McLaughlin Research Institute, and Adam Boyko, an expert in canine genetics at Cornell University, both agree that this unusual trait was propagated by breeders over time.
The hairlessness in the Chinese crested dog is an ancient mutation, as Boyko points out. This lack of fur offers several advantages, including reduced shedding, suitability for hot climates, and uniqueness. However, it also exposes the dog to potential risks such as sunburn. Boyko speculates that hairless dogs may cool off faster, but this advantage comes at a cost.
The crinkly, mottled skin of the Chinese crested dog is prominently displayed, a feature that many find particularly ugly. Yet, this same feature provides a potential advantage by preventing parasites from settling on the skin, thus reducing the risks of parasite infestation.
Mugly, the winner of the 2012 contest, is characterised by its baldness and beady eyes, with whiskers that resemble dental floss. In Peru, where the climate is hot, hairless dogs are often seen wearing sweaters for sunburn protection.
The evolution of canine breeds, including the Chinese crested dog, is a subject of ongoing study by Teresa Gunn. She is particularly interested in understanding the specific benefits of hairlessness in dogs, a subject that is not yet well-understood.
Despite its unusual appearance, the Chinese crested dog is not a wild animal. Both Boyko and Gunn confirm this fact, emphasising that the breed has been domesticated by humans for centuries.
In conclusion, the Chinese crested dog's unique appearance, particularly its hairlessness, is a result of human intervention rather than natural evolution. While it may offer some advantages, it also presents certain risks. The breed's continued evolution and the understanding of the benefits of its hairlessness remain topics of interest for researchers like Teresa Gunn and Adam Boyko.
