The Chinese Crested is a small companion dog with two strikingly different coat varieties: the mostly bare Hairless and the fully coated Powderpuff. Both are the same breed, and both can be born in one litter.
This is an affectionate, alert, people-oriented dog rather than a decorative lapdog that needs nothing beyond cuddling. Chinese Cresteds benefit from daily interaction, reward-based training, dental care, and thoughtful protection from weather. The Hairless variety replaces much of the Powderpuff’s brushing requirement with skin care and sun management.
Chinese Crested at a glance
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| AKC group | Toy Group; fully AKC-recognized and eligible for AKC-licensed events since April 1, 1991 |
| Height | Ideally 11–13 inches at the withers |
| Typical weight | About 8–12 pounds for both sexes; body condition matters more than a target number |
| Life expectancy | About 15–17 years; the breed club reports that many live 15 years or more |
| Varieties | Hairless and Powderpuff |
| Colors | Any color or combination of colors is permitted under the AKC standard |
| Primary role | Companion dog |
What is a Chinese Crested like?
The Chinese Crested is a small, fine-boned, elegant dog with a body slightly longer than it is tall. The breed standard describes a lively, graceful dog rather than a heavily built one. Its size can make it practical for apartment living, but its need for companionship and stimulation should not be underestimated.
Chinese Cresteds commonly form strong bonds with their owners. They often want to be near their people throughout the day and may become unhappy if routinely left alone for long periods. At home, they can be calm and cuddly; during walks, games, or training, they are agile, alert, and willing to participate.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minute#1 Best Overall
Hairless and Powderpuff varieties
The two varieties are not separate breeds. Hairless and Powderpuff puppies may appear together in the same litter, so a breeder should be able to explain which coat varieties are possible from a particular mating.
Hairless Chinese Crested
The Hairless variety usually has hair in three characteristic areas:
- The crest on the head
- The socks on the feet
- The plume on the tail
The rest of the body is generally bare, but individual dogs can have different amounts of body hair. Skin may be solid-colored or spotted. “Hairless” therefore does not mean absolutely hair-free.
Hairless dogs are not penalized under the AKC standard for missing teeth. Incomplete dentition is common in this variety, but the remaining teeth still need regular care.
Powderpuff Chinese Crested
The Powderpuff is covered by a soft, silky double coat: longer guard hairs over a shorter, silky undercoat. It has a more conventionally fluffy appearance, but the coat can tangle and mat if brushing is neglected.
Powderpuffs do not avoid the breed’s other care requirements. They still need dental attention, nail trims, ear checks, routine veterinary care, and protection from extreme temperatures.
Temperament and behavior
The AKC standard describes the Chinese Crested as “gay and alert.” In everyday terms, this is typically an affectionate, playful, quick-learning dog that enjoys being involved with its household.
The breed can be sensitive to harsh handling. Physical corrections and intimidation may damage trust without solving the underlying behavior. Short, reward-based sessions, predictable routines, and consistent household rules are usually more effective. A Crested that learns inconsistent responses can quickly turn attention-seeking behavior into a well-practiced habit.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #2
- Used Book in Good Condition
Early socialization is especially important for a small dog that may otherwise become worried in unfamiliar situations. Gradually introduce a puppy to:
- Different people and calm, suitable dogs
- Household sounds and new environments
- Different floor surfaces and outdoor settings
- Gentle handling of feet, ears, mouth, and skin
- Car travel and veterinary routines
Socialization should be controlled and positive, not an overwhelming series of unfamiliar experiences.
Exercise and mental stimulation
Chinese Cresteds are not high-endurance working dogs, but they are active toy dogs. A daily walk combined with indoor play, trick training, food puzzles, or scent games can provide a useful routine. Several short training sessions are often more productive than one long session.
The breed club lists activities including agility, obedience, flyball, and lure coursing as possible outlets. Individual ability and confidence vary, so activities should be scaled to the dog rather than chosen solely because the breed is capable of them.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Outdoor exercise requires extra planning for a Hairless Crested. Bare skin can burn, while the lack of a full coat makes cold weather, wind, and sudden temperature changes more difficult. Shade, protective clothing, shorter outings, and a suitable indoor alternative may all be necessary.
Grooming and everyday care
Hairless skin care
A Hairless Chinese Crested is not a maintenance-free dog. Its skin needs regular observation and sensible hygiene. Blackheads and acne can occur, and clean bedding and clothing can help reduce irritation. Bathe as appropriate for the individual dog and use products recommended for canine skin.
Do not squeeze pimples or blackheads. This can cause infection, scarring, and discoloration. Contact a veterinarian about severe, painful, persistent, infected, or rapidly changing skin problems.
Check regularly for:
- Sunburn, dryness, or redness
- Persistent itching or irritation
- Acne, pustules, or infected areas
- Lumps, lesions, or sudden changes in pigmentation
- Reactions to shampoos, lotions, clothing, or other products
Sun protection
For extended outdoor exposure, use shade and protective clothing, and ask your veterinarian about a sunscreen formulated for dogs. Avoid products containing zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which can be toxic if ingested. Since dogs may lick sunscreen from their skin, ingestion risk matters as much as the product’s intended use.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Powderpuff coat care
Brush the Powderpuff regularly, paying close attention to areas where friction and tangling are common. Routine care also includes bathing as needed, nail trimming, ear checks, and dental care. A neglected soft coat can become matted and uncomfortable rather than simply untidy.
Teeth, nails, and ears
Dental care deserves particular attention in this breed, especially in Hairless dogs. Regular tooth brushing, appropriate chew toys, and at least yearly veterinary dental checks are recommended by the American Chinese Crested Club. Missing teeth do not make the remaining teeth immune to periodontal disease.
Trim nails before they become overgrown. Excessively long nails can contribute to discomfort and splayed feet. Check ears routinely and clean them only with products intended for dogs. Redness, foul odor, irritation, or dark discharge should be assessed by a veterinarian.
Health concerns
Breed references report several conditions that prospective owners should understand, including:
- Patellar luxation, involving instability or displacement of the kneecap
- Eye disease, including progressive retinal disease
- Primary Lens Luxation (PLL)
- Congenital heart disease
- Dental abnormalities and dental disease
- Dry eye and other eye problems
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Skin problems, particularly in Hairless dogs
These risks do not mean that every Chinese Crested will develop every condition. They do mean that preventive care, dental management, and an informed choice of breeder matter.
Health tests to ask a breeder about
The AKC’s current recommendations from the national breed club include the following screening tests for breeding stock:
- Patella evaluation
- Cardiac examination
- Ophthalmologist evaluation
- Primary Lens Luxation DNA test
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Rod-Cone Dysplasia 3 (PRA-rcd3) DNA test
Ask to see the actual results for both the sire and dam rather than accepting a general statement that the parents are “health tested.” Public records may also be available through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
A CHIC number is useful evidence that the recommended screenings were completed and made public. It is not a guarantee that every result was normal or that the dog cannot develop disease later. Similarly, DNA results need context: “clear,” “carrier,” and “at risk” describe different outcomes, and a carrier of a recessive condition is not necessarily an affected dog.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteHow to choose a responsible breeder
A responsible breeder should be willing to discuss both coat varieties and the less glamorous aspects of ownership, particularly dental and skin care. Look for someone who can:
- Show verifiable health results for both parents
- Explain how Hairless and Powderpuff puppies may occur in the litter
- Discuss eye, patella, cardiac, dental, and skin concerns honestly
- Let you meet the dam and see the puppies’ living conditions where practical
- Provide veterinary, vaccination, and parasite-control records
- Use a written contract
- Explain what support is available if you can no longer keep the dog
- Match a puppy’s temperament to your household instead of selling only on appearance
The American Chinese Crested Club advises owners who can no longer keep a Crested to contact the breeder for help. That willingness to remain involved is an important sign of responsible placement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is a Chinese Crested hypoallergenic?
No dog is completely hypoallergenic, including the Hairless Chinese Crested. Allergens can come from dander, saliva, and other sources—not only from shed fur—and people react differently to individual dogs.
The Hairless variety may produce less loose hair around the home, but that does not make it allergy-proof. Anyone with allergies should spend time with the specific dog before adopting. The Hairless variety also requires more deliberate skin care, so reduced coat shedding should not be confused with reduced maintenance.
Breed history
The breed’s exact origin is uncertain. The FCI lists China as the country of origin and Great Britain as the country of patronage, while its historical account notes that the precise beginnings are difficult to establish. The AKC also discusses competing theories involving African Hairless dogs and subsequent development associated with China.
It is therefore more accurate to describe the Chinese Crested’s history as debated than to present one definite ancient-origin story as settled fact.
Who is this breed best for?
A Chinese Crested may suit someone looking for a small, affectionate dog that enjoys close human companionship, learns readily, and can adapt to apartment life. It can also suit an owner interested in training games or small-dog sports.
It is a poor match for someone who wants a dog that can be left alone for most of the day, needs no grooming, or can tolerate careless exposure to hot sun and cold weather. Choose the Hairless variety only if you are prepared for skin and dental routines; choose the Powderpuff only if regular brushing is realistic for your schedule.
Best Value
FAQ
Are Chinese Cresteds good apartment dogs?
They can adapt well to apartment living because of their small size, but they still need daily walks, play, training, and social contact. Apartment suitability does not mean they can be ignored or left alone for long periods.
Do Hairless and Powderpuff Chinese Cresteds come from the same breed?
Yes. They are two varieties of the Chinese Crested, and both can occur in the same litter.
Do Chinese Cresteds need sunscreen?
Hairless dogs may need protection from strong sunlight through shade, protective clothing, and a veterinarian-approved dog sunscreen. Avoid products containing zinc oxide or PABA because they can be toxic if swallowed.
How often should a Chinese Crested have dental care?
Brush the teeth regularly at home and arrange at least yearly veterinary dental checks. Hairless dogs often have incomplete dentition but can still develop serious disease in their remaining teeth.
Recommended Free Tools
Are Chinese Cresteds easy to train?
They are often quick learners, but their sensitivity makes reward-based training, short sessions, and consistency especially important. Harsh handling can undermine trust and is not a good substitute for clear training.
Does a CHIC number guarantee a healthy Chinese Crested?
No. A CHIC number confirms that recommended screenings were completed and the results made public. It does not mean every result was normal or rule out future illness.
The Bottom Line
The Chinese Crested is a long-lived, affectionate companion for an owner who wants an interactive small dog and is willing to provide hands-on care. Hairless dogs need skin checks, sun and temperature protection, and diligent dental management; Powderpuffs need regular brushing in addition to the same veterinary and dental care. Neither variety is completely hypoallergenic or maintenance-free, and a breeder’s verifiable health testing should be part of the buying decision.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →
