Breed History:

The Chinese Crested Dog is a unique and ancient breed, believed to have originated from African or Mexican hairless dogs that were later refined by Chinese breeders. Sailors from China reportedly carried these dogs aboard ships to catch vermin, spreading them to various parts of the world. Despite its name, the Chinese Crested’s history is global, with influences spanning continents.

The breed comes in two distinct varieties—Hairless and Powderpuff. The Hairless type features soft, exposed skin with tufts of hair on the head (crest), feet (socks), and tail (plume), while the Powderpuff is fully coated with a fine, soft double coat. Both types are often born in the same litter and share the same affectionate, lively temperament.

Size – Small

Life Expectancy: 13–18 years

Breed Appearance:

The Chinese Crested Dog has a distinct and elegant look, especially in its Hairless variety. It features a slender, fine-boned frame with a graceful neck, expressive almond-shaped eyes, and large, upright ears. The crest of flowing hair on its head gives the breed its name, complemented by feathering on the tail and feet.

The Powderpuff variety has a long, soft, and silky coat that covers the entire body. Though less known than the Hairless version, the Powderpuff is equally charming and shares the same delicate frame and features.

Breed Type – Companion:

Bred primarily as a companion dog, the Chinese Crested is affectionate, cheerful, and playful. It thrives on human interaction and loves being close to its owners, often developing strong bonds with one person in particular. While lively and alert, it is typically not aggressive and gets along well with other pets and children when socialised early.

The breed enjoys being the centre of attention and is known for its quirky, clownish behaviour. Though it can be shy around strangers, it is generally warm and loving within its home environment.

Training:

The Chinese Crested is intelligent and eager to please, making training relatively straightforward. However, it can be sensitive and somewhat stubborn, so training should be gentle and positive. Harsh corrections can harm its trust and confidence.

Early socialisation is crucial to prevent timidity or nervousness around new people and situations. With consistency and encouragement, the breed learns quickly and often excels in obedience and agility.

Health & Care:

The Chinese Crested is generally healthy and long-lived, but each variety has specific care needs. The Hairless type requires regular skin maintenance to prevent dryness, acne, and sunburn. Conversely, the Powderpuff needs consistent grooming to prevent tangling.

Common health issues may include:

• Dental disease (especially in Hairless types)

• Patellar luxation

• Eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

• Skin problems in Hairless dogs, including sensitivity and irritation

Routine vet care, balanced nutrition, and regular exercise are key to maintaining health and vitality.

Living Conditions:

The Chinese Crested is highly adaptable and well-suited to apartment living. It prefers being indoors, especially the Hairless variety, which is sensitive to extreme temperatures and should be protected from sunburn and cold with dog-safe sunscreen or clothing.

The breed enjoys being around people and may become anxious if left alone for long periods. Providing mental stimulation, toys, and regular companionship helps keep it emotionally well-balanced.

Exercise:

Although energetic and playful, the Chinese Crested has modest exercise needs. Daily walks and short play sessions are usually sufficient to keep it physically and mentally fit. It enjoys interactive games and light agility training but does not require intense activity.

Because of its small size and sensitivity, exercise should be gentle and adapted to weather conditions, particularly for the Hairless variety.

Grooming:

• Hairless: Needs frequent skin care to prevent dryness, rashes, or sunburn. Regular bathing with gentle, hypoallergenic products is essential, along with moisturising and protection from UV exposure.

• Powderpuff: Requires regular brushing (at least 2–3 times per week) to keep its soft coat free of tangles and mats. Occasional bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and dental care are necessary for both types.

Due to their predisposition to dental problems, daily teeth brushing is strongly recommended for both varieties.

Advantages:

• Highly affectionate and loyal to its family

• Minimal shedding in both varieties

• Adaptable to small living spaces and indoor lifestyles

• Playful, alert, and intelligent

• Unique and eye-catching appearance, especially the Hairless type

• Generally long-lived and emotionally expressive

Disadvantages:

• Hairless type requires extensive skin care and temperature protection

• May be shy or reserved without early socialisation

• Prone to dental issues, especially in the Hairless variety

• Needs companionship and may suffer from separation anxiety

• Powderpuff variety requires regular brushing and grooming

• Small and delicate—can be injured easily if mishandled by children or larger pets