A Chinese Crested dog plays in a flowery meadow.

Chinese Crested

avatar Stephanie Lenoir LVT, VTS (ECC)

Height11 - 13"

Weight7 - 12 lbs

TypeToy

Life Expectancy12 - 16 years

Area of OriginAfrica

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

The Chinese Crested dog breed is known worldwide for their unique combination of hairless torso and tufted tail, feet, and head. Aside from their physical attributes, they make a loving and playful companion perfect for city living and small spaces (like apartments). Though they do better in warmer climates, they are very susceptible to sunburn and shouldn't spend too much time outside on hot days. There are two versions of the Chinese Crested breed: the Hairless and the Powderpuff. The Powderpuff is typically covered in a long and silky hair coat.

Energy Level

Playfulness

Friendliness to dogs

Friendliness to strangers

exercise requirements

affection level

friendliness to other pets

watchfulness

Grooming Requirements

Vocality

Where Are Chinese Crested Dogs From?

Despite their name, the Chinese Crested breed most likely descended from the African Hairless Dog. Upon making their way to China, they were bred to be more compact, resembling the version we know and love today.

Explorers found similar breeds in Mexico, Central America, and South America in the 1500s, as well as examples in Africa and Asia as far back as the 18th Century.

The breed was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1991.

Where Are Chinese Crested Dogs From?

Explorers found similar breeds in Mexico, Central America, and South America in the 1500s, as well as examples in Africa and Asia as far back as the 18th Century.

The breed was registered by the American Kennel Club in 1991.

Care

What Kind of Diet Does a Chinese Crested Dog Need?

Chinese Crested dogs should be fed puppy food for their first 12 months, since growth is rapid early on and high caloric intake ensures proper bone and joint development.

This breed is prone to dental disease, so a dry food diet will help to decrease tarter build-up.

How Much Grooming Does a Chinese Crested Dog Need?

Hairless variations don’t require much grooming, aside from a monthly bath. However, they are prone to acne and dry skin. If you notice excessive itching or redness, consult with your veterinarian.

Powderpuff dogs will require far more grooming, due to their long, fluffy hair. They will need to be brushed daily to keep hair from tangling and knotting.

Are Chinese Crested Dogs Healthy?

The Chinese Crested breed is relatively healthy, unlike many other breeds of their size. They are, however, prone to a few congenital diseases.

They need to be screened for multiple ocular diseases and have a yearly check-up with a veterinarian to ensure their happiness and health. Their skin is extremely soft and smooth, which requires daily maintenance in relation to their susceptibility to sunburn, acne, and dryness. A sunscreen approved by your veterinarian should be applied if they are spending time in direct sunlight.

The breed has a life span of 12 to 16 years of age.

Chinese Crested dogs are predisposed to: keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), retinal atrophy, lens luxation, glaucoma, patellar luxation, dystocia, sunburn, acne, dental diseases, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.

How Much Training Does a Chinese Crested Dog Need?

The Chinese Crested is a highly intelligent and easily trainable breed. However, they can be stubborn, so they will need a gentle (but persistent) trainer.

Socialization at a young age is important, since they can be timid by nature. Training should start at 6 to 8 weeks of age. Until your pet is fully vaccinated, they should not spend time at dog parks or playgrounds.

The breed loves playing and interacting with family, especially children. They also enjoy competition and agility training.

How Much Grooming Does a Chinese Crested Dog Need?

Hairless variations don’t require much grooming, aside from a monthly bath. However, they are prone to acne and dry skin. If you notice excessive itching or redness, consult with your veterinarian.

Powderpuff dogs will require far more grooming, due to their long, fluffy hair. They will need to be brushed daily to keep hair from tangling and knotting.

Are Chinese Crested Dogs Healthy?

The Chinese Crested breed is relatively healthy, unlike many other breeds of their size. They are, however, prone to a few congenital diseases.

The breed has a life span of 12 to 16 years of age.

How Much Training Does a Chinese Crested Dog Need?

The Chinese Crested is a highly intelligent and easily trainable breed. However, they can be stubborn, so they will need a gentle (but persistent) trainer.

The breed loves playing and interacting with family, especially children. They also enjoy competition and agility training.

Caring for a Chinese Crested Dog

What Kind of Diet Does a Chinese Crested Dog Need?

How Much Grooming Does a Chinese Crested Dog Need?

Are Chinese Crested Dogs Healthy?

How Much Training Does a Chinese Crested Dog Need?

How Much Exercise Does a Chinese Crested Dog Need?

What Kind of Diet Does a Chinese Crested Dog Need?

Chinese Crested dogs should be fed puppy food for their first 12 months, since growth is rapid early on and high caloric intake ensures proper bone and joint development.

This breed is prone to dental disease, so a dry food diet will help to decrease tarter build-up.

What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Chinese Crested Dog?

Appearance varies by type. Powderpuffs have long, silky, and soft hair coats. The Hairless breed is not completely hairless, having small patches on their paws, tail, and head. Their skin is similar to a humans and soft to the touch. Skin color can be pale pink, black, or a combination of both.

Chinese Crested dogs are one of the smallest breeds in the world, growing to be 11 to 13 inches tall and between 7 and 12 pounds.

The Chinese Crested breed has a slender body type, well-defined rib cage, and small waist. Their necks are lean and there is no slope between the shoulders and hips. Their heads are wedge-shaped and proportionate to the body.

Yes, the Chinese Crested breed has a long tail that is slender with a slight curl. It is covered in fur and carried over the back when at attention.

This breed has small paws and long, slender front legs.

Coat color varies for Chinese Crested dogs, and may include white, black, tan, gray, or a tri-color combination.

Hind legs are muscular with some angulation. Hocks are straight and well-aligned with the thighs. Declaws are commonly removed.

Chinese Crested Dog Facts

1

This unique breed has made their way into a variety of feature films and television shows, including How to Lose a Guy in 10 days, 102 Dalmatians, Cats and Dogs, Marmaduke, Hotel for Dogs, Ugly Betty, and The Young and the Restless.

2

Gypsy Rose Lee, a famous dancer and entertainer, fell in love with the Chinese Crested after receiving one as a gift. Many consider her responsible for popularizing the breed.

3

Chinese Crested dogs are known to have "primitive mouth," which means that they have all pointed and sharp canine teeth, as opposed to incisors and molars.

Other Breeds to Explore

Choosing an American Hairless Terrier

Choosing a Xoloitzcuintli - Xoloitzcuintli Breed Profile

Chihuahua

References

Morris, Desmond. Dogs: The Ultimate Dictionary of Over 1,000 Dog Breeds. Trafalgar Square, 2002.
American Kennel Club. The Complete Dog Book. Random House Digital, Inc., 2006.
Wilcox, Bonnie and Chris Walkowicz. The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World. T.F.H Publications, Inc., 1995.