Quick Facts

• Weight: 1 – 12 pounds (0.45 – 5.44 kg)
• Height: 9 – 13 inches (22.86 – 33.02 cm)

The Look of a Chinese Crested

There are two types of Chinese Crested: The Hairless and the Powderpuff. The Hairless is hairless all over except for the head, feet and tail. The Powderpuff is completely covered in a silky coat that can come in almost any color. Both styles have light, graceful frames and walk with a sprightly but smooth step. They have broad, wedge-shaped heads with long muzzles, large erect ears, and dark-to-light noses depending on the coat color. Their widely set, almond shaped eyes can also be dark or light depending on the coat. They have thin, tapered tails that hang low. Overall, the Chinese Crested has an elegant and delicate look.

Traits

• Delicate
• Happy
• Alert
• Loyal
• Intelligent

Ideal Human Companion

• Retirees
• Couch potatoes
• City dwellers
• Experienced dog handlers

What They Are Like to Live With

Chinese Cresteds become very attached to their owners. They love lots of attention, affection and togetherness. Whether you’re cooking, cleaning, reading or taking a bath, your Crested will be right there. Intensely curious and lively, they also love to play on the carpet, learn new tricks and explore the household. They get along especially well with children. If you’re looking for a canine that loves to snuggle and cuddle, look no further.

Perfect for apartment living, Cresteds are polite, clean and relatively quiet. Also, they don’t require much in the way of exercise or space. Though not the best watchdogs, they will bark if they sense danger. They also have a distinctive and endearing howl they belt out when they’re playing or having fun. The Chinese Crested is a lovable and entertaining companion.

Things You Should Know

A healthy Chinese Crested can live as long as 12 years. Common health issues include tooth decay, hypothermia and skin irritations. If you’re taking a Crested out in the sun for an extended period of time, apply plenty of sunscreen: They can burn easily. Also, avoid filling their food bowl to the brim: The Crested will grow dangerously obese if given the chance.

The Powderpuff needs daily brushing to keep it looking good. The Hairless needs less brushing, of course, but more skin care: Occasionally rub veterinarian-recommended oils and creams on its skin to prevent dryness or other minor irritations.

Chinese Crested History

The Chinese Crested is believed to have evolved from the African Hairless, a small breed prized by sailors and merchants hundreds of years ago. The Chinese bred these dogs to be smaller, and they continued to trade them in Central America, South America and Africa. Whether or not today’s Chinese Crested actually evolved from these dogs is still a matter of debate. Either way, these sprightly little pals have been cherished companions in the United States for more than 100 years.