Description: Chinese Crested Dog
The Chinese Crested Dog is a distinctive and elegant toy breed known for its unique appearance and affectionate nature. There are two varieties: the hairless, which features soft, exposed skin with tufts of fur on the head, tail, and feet; and the Powderpuff, which has a full coat of soft, silky hair. Despite their delicate looks, Chinese Cresteds are lively, playful, and enjoy spending time with their families. They form strong bonds with their people and enjoy being the center of attention. The breed is generally easygoing, adaptable to apartment living, and requires minimal exercise, making it a great companion for seniors or first-time dog owners. Chinese Crested Dogs are sensitive and intelligent, excelling at forming close relationships with adults and children alike.
Chinese Crested Dog ratings
Properties
The Chinese Crested Dog is a highly distinctive and charming breed known for its unique appearance and affectionate personality. This breed comes in two varieties: the Hairless, which features soft, exposed skin with tufts of hair on the head (crest), tail (plume), and feet (socks), and the Powderpuff, which sports a soft, long double coat all over its body. While the Hairless variety is more famous and visually striking, both share the same loving and playful temperament. The Chinese Crested Dog is small in size, typically weighing between 8 and 12 pounds and standing 11 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder. Despite their delicate look, these dogs are agile, lively, and surprisingly robust.
Social and people-oriented, Chinese Crested Dogs thrive in the company of their human families. They are often described as Velcro dogs because they are happiest when close to their owners and may become anxious if left alone for long periods. Their affectionate nature makes them excellent companions for singles, couples, and families alike—including those with older children. They tend to get along well with other pets if well-socialized from an early age. Due to their small size and gentle demeanor, they are best suited for indoor living and are a good choice for apartment dwellers.
In terms of care, the Hairless variety requires regular skin protection, such as moisturizing and sun protection, since their exposed skin is vulnerable to dryness and sunburn. In contrast, the Powderpuff needs regular grooming to prevent matting. Despite misconceptions, the breed is not completely hypoallergenic, but it does shed less and is often well tolerated by individuals with mild allergies. Overall, the Chinese Crested Dog is intelligent and responds well to gentle, consistent training with positive reinforcement. Mental stimulation and light exercise are important, but they do not have excessive energy needs. The breed is alert, making them good watchdogs—they will bark to alert their families, but they are not known for excessive barking.
In summary, the Chinese Crested Dog is a loyal, loving, and lively breed with distinct looks and a friendly disposition. Their adaptability, combined with unique grooming needs based on their coat type, make them a rewarding companion for those who appreciate their special appearance and affectionate temperament.
Appearance
The Chinese Crested Dog is a unique and instantly recognizable toy breed, known for its two distinctive varieties: the Hairless and the Powderpuff. The Hairless form is perhaps the most famous, featuring smooth, soft, exposed skin over most of its body with tufts of long, silky hair on the head (called the crest), lower legs (known as the 'socks'), and tail (referred to as the 'plume'). The Hairless variety’s exposed skin can be any color, including pink, black, slate, or chocolate, and is often speckled or spotted in a range of patterns, giving each dog a unique appearance. The crest of hair on the head may be fine and flowing, forming a kind of mane, while the tail hair is also soft and gracefully plumed.
In contrast, the Powderpuff variety is entirely covered with a soft, straight double coat. The undercoat is shorter and denser, while the outer coat is long, fine, and veil-like. Powderpuffs come in every color and combination that the Hairless variety displays, and their fur can be white, black, brown, blue, or any mix thereof. Care is required to keep their coats from matting, as their fur tends to tangle if not groomed regularly.
Both variants share the same overall structure and build: they are slender, fine-boned, and elegant, typically standing between 11 to 13 inches (28 to 33 cm) at the shoulder and weighing 8 to 12 pounds (3.6 to 5.4 kg). Their heads are wedge-shaped with almond-shaped, dark, expressive eyes and large, erect ears that accentuate their alert yet gentle expression. The muzzle is fairly narrow, tapering toward the nose. The body is longer than it is tall, giving the breed a lithe, graceful look, and the legs are thin, with delicate feet referred to as 'hare-like' due to their elongated shape and unique configuration. The tail is long, slender, and curves slightly upward.
The breed’s overall impression is one of elegance, delicacy, and charm. Despite their fragile appearance, Chinese Crested Dogs are surprisingly sturdy and agile. Their unique look, particularly the combination of exposed skin and elegant furnishings on the Hairless, or the flowing locks of the Powderpuff, makes them stand out in the canine world.
History
The Chinese Crested Dog is a small, elegant, and distinctive toy breed, easily recognized by its unique appearance that comes in two varieties: the Hairless, which features smooth, bare skin with tufts of hair on the head (crest), tail (plume), and feet (socks); and the Powderpuff, which has a soft, flowing double coat covering the entire body. The breed’s origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery, but most experts agree that it did not actually originate in China, as the name might suggest. Instead, the prevailing theory is that hairless dogs were first found in Africa and were brought to China by sailors engaging in trade. Chinese mariners reportedly bred these dogs to serve as shipboard ratters; their small size and agility made them highly effective at controlling vermin during long sea voyages.
Historical records indicate that variations of hairless dogs have existed for centuries in various parts of the world. Explorers and traders brought these dogs from Africa or Central and South America to China and possibly other parts of Asia. In 19th-century European art and literature, hairless dogs appear in depictions labeled as ‘Chinese Crested,’ a testament to their spread by enterprising sailors. Despite their sporadic documentation, the breed gained particular favor in Chinese port cities, where it was often kept by the imperial court and admired for both its exotic appearance and utility.
The modern Chinese Crested Dog began attracting attention outside of Asia in the late 1800s. The breed’s popularity grew in Europe and North America, thanks in large part to dog fanciers such as Ida Garrett and Debra Woods, who began serious breeding programs in the early 20th century. Their persistence culminated in the establishment of breed standards and clubs dedicated to the Chinese Crested. The American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed in 1991, cementing its place in the canine world.
Today, the Chinese Crested Dog is cherished for its unique look, affectionate personality, and adaptability as a companion animal. Its fascinating history—spanning continents, centuries, and cultures—speaks to the breed’s enduring charm and resilience. Whether snuggling in the laps of Chinese emperors or competing in modern dog shows, the Chinese Crested remains a beloved toy breed worldwide.