The Chinese Crested is a toy companion dog that comes in two coat types from the same litter, and understanding that split is the first decision a buyer makes. The Hairless variety has skin over most of the body with a crest of hair on the head, plumed tail, and 'socks' on the feet; the Powderpuff is fully coated with a soft double coat. Same breed, same temperament, very different care. Adults stand 9-13 inches and weigh roughly 8-12 pounds — a genuinely small dog whose fragility is part of the ownership reality. Temperament is the breed's strong suit. Chinese Cresteds are affectionate, lively, playful, and intensely attached to their people — true lap dogs that often bond hardest to one person and dislike being left alone, making separation anxiety a real and common problem. They are alert and make decent little watchdogs, sensitive to tone, and not suited to harsh handling or rough children. Some are reserved with strangers; early socialization smooths this. Who the Chinese Crested is right for: someone who wants a small, devoted, low-shedding companion, is home often or can arrange company, and — for the Hairless — is willing to run a genuine skin-care routine including sunscreen, moisturizing, and bathing. Who it is wrong for: anyone wanting an independent or outdoorsy dog, homes with very young or rough children, owners who leave a dog alone all day, or anyone who assumes 'hairless' means 'no maintenance.' The Hairless trades brushing for dermatology; the Powderpuff trades skin care for grooming. Pick the coat you can actually maintain.
Life Span
13–18 years
Weight
3.6–5.4 kg
Height
23–33 cm
moderate
Exercise
moderate
Grooming
moderate
Shedding
Yes
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Friendly
Apartment
The Chinese Crested's exact origin is debated, but the prevailing account is that hairless dogs (the hairlessness gene is shared across several hairless breeds worldwide) were carried aboard Chinese trading and treasure ships from at least several centuries ago, where the small dogs were valued as ratters and companions and traded in port cities across Africa, Asia, and the Americas — which is how a 'Chinese' breed came to have a near-global earl…
Chinese Crested dog breed portrait
The Chinese Crested belongs to the Toy Group.
The Chinese Crested is considered a hypoallergenic breed, making it a good choice for allergy sufferers.
With proper care, Chinese Crested dogs can live up to 18 years or more.
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Detailed cost data for Chinese Crested is not yet available. Check back soon!
Care diverges sharply by coat. Hairless: the exposed skin is the whole job. It sunburns — apply dog-safe sunscreen before time outdoors and avoid peak midday sun. It is prone to acne, blackheads, and clogged follicles, so bathe every 1-2 weeks with a gentle shampoo and apply a non-greasy moisturizer; never over-bathe or harsh-scrub, which inflames the skin. Hairless dogs also chill fast — use a coat in cold or wet weather, this is not optional in winter. Powderpuff: brush the soft double coat 2-3 times a week (more during shed) to prevent matting behind the ears and in the armpits; bathe every 3-4 weeks. Both varieties: dental care is the highest-frequency health task. The Hairless gene is linked to abnormal, missing, and crowded teeth, so brush teeth several times a week from puppyhood and budget for professional cleanings — dental disease here is a near-certainty without intervention, not a maybe. Trim nails every 2-3 weeks; the hare-foot is prone to overgrowth. Eyes should be monitored (see health). Exercise is modest: 20-30 minutes of walking and play daily plus indoor activity satisfies a healthy adult. Protect the small frame — no jumping from furniture, supervise around larger dogs and small children, use a harness not a collar. Decision rule: any sudden eye cloudiness, redness, squinting, or a pup that bumps into things at dusk is a same-week veterinary ophthalmology visit — primary lens luxation and PRA in this breed are sight-threatening and time-sensitive, not wait-and-see.
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How Much Does a Chinese Crested Cost?
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Chinese Crested Care Guide
## Chinese Crested Care Overview This Chinese Crested care guide gives owners a practical plan for...
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