Canine ectodermal dysplasia (CED) is characterized by hairlessness and missing or abnormally shaped teeth. Chinese Crested dog breed standards recognize both, a normal hair coat called ‘‘powderpuffs’’ and a ‘‘hairless’’ variety presenting CED, which is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Dogs heterozygous for the CED mutation have a very sparse coat and in some cases poor dentition, while the dogs homozygous for the CED mutation die during embryogenesis.
The amount of body hair on the hairless variety varies quite extensively, from the true hairless which has very little or no body hair and furnishings, to what is called a 'hairy hairless', which if left ungroomed often grows a near-full coat of hair. The difference between a very hairy Hairless and a Powderpuff is sometimes difficult to distinguish.Genetic test helps to distinguish between these two varieties.
Inheritance: autosomal dominant - read more
Mutation: FOXI3 gene
Genetic test: The method used for testing is extremely accurate and allows complete differentiation between affected animals, carriers and healthy dogs. Testing can be done at any age.
Sample: EDTA whole blood (1.0 ml) or buccal swabs. Detailed information about sampling can be found here.