A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested occurs as a hairless dog with furnishings and as a fully coated Powderpuff. Care needs differ significantly: discuss skin protection for the hairless variety and regular brushing for the Powderpuff.
An everyday routine
Plan a daily mix of walks, play, and rest. The amount that works for a particular dog depends on age, fitness, experience, and temperament.
Coat care to plan for
The hairless and Powderpuff varieties require different routines. Skin protection matters for the hairless dog, while the coated variety needs regular brushing to avoid tangles.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Chinese Crested questions
What is the difference between a Hairless and a Powderpuff Chinese Crested?
Only the coat. The Hairless has soft, bare skin with silky hair on the head, tail and feet, while the Powderpuff is covered in a soft double coat. Both are the same breed and can be born in the same litter. Two Powderpuff parents produce only Powderpuffs, while a Hairless parent can produce either.
Are Chinese Cresteds hypoallergenic?
No dog is completely hypoallergenic, but the Chinese Crested is one of the breeds often suggested for people with allergies, since Cresteds shed little to no hair. Allergies vary from person to person, so spend time around the breed before you commit.
Do Chinese Cresteds shed?
Very little. Chinese Cresteds are among the lightest shedders of any breed. A Powderpuff still has a full coat that mats quickly, and it needs daily brushing.
How big does a full-grown Chinese Crested get?
Adults usually stand 11 to 13 inches tall and weigh 8 to 12 pounds. A height of 11 to 13 inches is ideal, and dogs slightly over or under it are not unusual.
How long do Chinese Cresteds live?
Chinese Cresteds typically live 13 to 18 years, with an average of 15 years or more. These are breed-wide figures, not a prediction for one dog.
Does a hairless Chinese Crested need sunscreen or special skin care?
Exposed skin needs looking after. Hairless dogs can sunburn, so shade, protective clothing or sunscreen help, and they can also get blackheads and acne, which regular baths and clean bedding help prevent. Ask your vet which products are safe for your dog's skin, and see them for a bad burn or a severe breakout.
Are Chinese Cresteds really from China?
Only partly, as far as anyone knows. The exact origin is unknown, but the breed is thought to descend from larger hairless dogs brought from Africa to China, where they were bred down in size. Chinese ships carried them as rat catchers and traded them in ports around the world. The breed was recognized in the United States in 1991.
Are Chinese Cresteds good apartment dogs?
Yes. They adjust well to apartment living, and daily short walks and play sessions usually cover their exercise. They are sensitive, people-focused dogs, so gentle, patient training and early socialization work best.
