Chinese Crested
AffectionateLivelyAlert
China / Africa · 13–18 years
About the Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is one of the most unique-looking dog breeds, coming in two distinct varieties: the Hairless (with silky hair on the head, tail, and feet) and the Powderpuff (fully coated with a soft, silky double coat). Despite the name, the breed likely originated in Africa or Mexico before being refined in China, where they were used aboard ships as ratters. Chinese Cresteds are lively, affectionate, and entertaining companions that form intense bonds with their owners. They are playful, gentle, and surprisingly athletic for a toy breed.
Breed stats
- Height
- 11–13 in
- Weight
- 8–12 lbs
- Lifespan
- 13–18 years
- Group
- Toy
- Coat
- Hairless: skin with crest, plume, socks / Powderpuff: soft, silky double coat
- Origin
- China / Africa
Coat colors
- Black
- Apricot
- Blue
- Chocolate
- Cream
- Palomino
- White
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
20–30 min
per day recommended
Daily food
0.25–0.5 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Dental problems (Hairless variety)
- Patellar luxation
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease
- Sunburn (Hairless variety)
Not every Chinese Crested will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Chinese Cresteds eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Both varieties can appear in the same litter. The Hairless variety has smooth, soft skin on the body with flowing hair on the head (crest), tail (plume), and feet (socks). The Powderpuff variety is fully covered with a soft, silky double coat. Hairless Cresteds require skin care including sunscreen and moisturizer, while Powderpuffs need regular brushing. The Hairless gene is actually a dominant gene linked to dental abnormalities — Hairless Cresteds often have fewer teeth and irregular dentition, while Powderpuffs have normal teeth.
- Yes, the Hairless variety absolutely needs sunscreen on exposed skin when spending time outdoors. Their bare skin is as vulnerable to sunburn as human skin, and repeated sun exposure can cause painful burns and increase skin cancer risk. Use a pet-safe, fragrance-free sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, applying it to all exposed areas. They also need protection from extreme cold, as they have no coat for insulation. The Powderpuff variety has a full coat and does not require sunscreen. Hairless Cresteds can also develop acne and blackheads that require regular skin care.
- Chinese Cresteds are excellent apartment dogs — one of the best toy breeds for small-space living. They are small, relatively quiet, clean, and have minimal exercise needs (20 to 30 minutes daily). The Hairless variety has the added advantage of virtually no shedding. They are content to curl up in a warm blanket and are not prone to destructive behavior when properly exercised. Their main apartment drawback is potential separation anxiety — they bond very intensely with their owners and may bark or become distressed when left alone for long periods.
Similar breeds
Explore all dog breeds
DogDataHub covers 199+ breeds with full profiles, health info, and compatibility ratings.
Browse all breeds