Origin
China
Lifespan
13–18 years
Weight
2–5 kg
Height
23–33 cm
Personality
Colors & Patterns
Any Color
Chinese Crested
About This Breed
The Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: the Hairless, with silky hair on the head, tail, and feet, and the Powderpuff, covered with a soft coat. Affectionate and playful, they are devoted lap dogs and alert companions.
Characteristics
Scores describe general breed tendencies, not an individual animal. A higher score means more of the named trait or need; it does not always mean better.
Life with a Chinese Crested
Origin
| Origin | China |
| Group | Toy |
For the breed’s history, see the reference sources and Wikipedia link below.
Size and coat
| Weight | 2–5 kg |
| Lifespan | 13–18 years |
| Height | 23–33 cm |
| Colors & Patterns | Any Color |
These are approximate adult ranges. Individual animals may be smaller or larger.
Temperament
| Personality | Affectionate · Alert · Lively · Playful |
Often enjoys a mix of activity and rest.
Often seeks company and attention. Allow time together and help it get used to short periods alone.
Coat care
Usually needs relatively little coat care. Brush as needed for its coat and shedding.
Usually sheds relatively little. Low shedding does not mean an animal cannot cause allergies.
Living together
Often adjusts to changes fairly well, though a gradual introduction still helps.
Teach children to handle it gently and leave it alone when it rests.
Introduce other pets gradually and watch how each animal responds.
Training and activities
Practice in short sessions and reward the behavior you want.
Choose walks, sniffing games, and play to suit the dog’s age and health. Allow rest as well.
A lifespan range is not a prediction for an individual animal. Breed scores cannot diagnose illness or replace a veterinary assessment.
More from breed and care sources
Excerpts from the linked sources. Read the original for full details.
Breed Overview
The Chinese Crested is a unique dog known for her hairless appearance and elegant, graceful nature. Standing 11–13 inches tall and weighing 8–12 pounds, this toy breed comes in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. The hairless Chinese Crested has smooth, soft skin accentuated by silky hair on her head, feet, and tail. The powderpuff Chinese Crested has a full coat of long locks. Despite the breed’s name, it’s unlikely these hairless dogs originated in China—a genetic study actually points to Mexican origins.
Care Guide
The Chinese Crested’s cheerful disposition means she fits in well with most families, including those with kids and other pets. But all interactions between kids and this breed should be supervised, as Chinese Cresteds are so small and “fine-boned” that they can easily be hurt accidentally when playing. These pups are also a good fit for older adults or those who live in small apartments. It’s easy to get them the relatively small amount of exercise they need to stay healthy, and they’re often happy spending time playing indoors or lounging on the couch. In fact, the American Chinese Crested Club (ACCC) describes the breed as having a “cat-like” personality.