Chinese Crested Dog

Canis lupus

Last updated: January 27, 2025
Verified Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
iStock.com/slowmotiongli

A hairless breed of dog!


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Chinese Crested Dog Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Chinese Crested Dog Conservation Status

Chinese Crested Dog Locations

Chinese Crested Dog Locations

Chinese Crested Dog Facts

Diet
Omnivore
Common Name
Chinese Crested Dog
Slogan
A hairless breed of dog!
Group
South

Chinese Crested Dog Physical Characteristics

Skin Type
Hair
Lifespan
13 years
Weight
4.5kg (10lbs)

Chinese Crested Dog as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Hypoallergenic
Yes
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Warm climate
Exercise Needs
Low
Friendly With Other Dogs
High
Pure bred cost to own
$1,000
Dog group
Toy
Male weight
5-12 lbs
Female weight
5-12 lbs

View all of the Chinese Crested Dog images!



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It’s tough to miss the Chinese Crested dog’s flowing mane reminiscent of a 1980’s hair band and its big, fluffy ears. This hairless breed of dog comes in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff (with hair). It is believed that this breed was originally brought from Africa to China, where they were bred to be small lap dogs that resembled the popular Shi Tzu and Pekingese breeds.

Chinese Crested Dog prancing like a pony

Chinese Crested are small and fragile and can weigh up to 12 pounds.

Chinese sailors brought these dogs with them on their voyages, and they served as rat catchers aboard ships and were traded at ports around the world. By the 1900s, the Chinese Crested dog, which had become a favorite among the British, French, and Portuguese, began to appear in European paintings.

In the 1950s, the famous American entertainer, Gypsy Rose Lee, was gifted a Chinese Crested by her sister. She became an ardent breeder; in fact, today some of the most active kennels in the world can trace their dog’s ancestry to those bred by Gypsy Rose Lee.

Although not common or widespread, this breed is a treasured companion for many owners.

Types of Chinese Crested

The hairless Chinese Crested features hair only around the face, ears, tail, and feet while the powderpuff has a long, soft coat of fur around its entire body. Although the Chinese Crested is a hairless breed of dog, the variety with hair (the powderpuff) is not a separate breed.

Portrait of two nice Chinese Crested dogs

There are two varieties of Chinese crested dog: the hairless and the powderpuff.

Moreover, an incomplete dominant gene causes the hairless trait. What this means is that offspring only need to inherit the trait from one parent to express it. The powderpuff trait must be inherited by both parents. Quite amusingly, the same litter can feature both variations.

Both varieties minimally shed, making this breed hypoallergenic.

Size and Weight

This breed is notable for its small size. Males and females vary by very little.

Height (Male)9 to 13 inches
Height (Female)9 to 11 inches
Weight (Male)5 to 12 pounds
Weight (Female)5 to 12 pounds

Common Health Issues

The Chinese Crested is a fairly healthy breed with only a few significant health problems to note. This breed is prone to several eye diseases, including retinal atrophy (a degenerative condition), lens luxation (in which the lens becomes detached from the rest of the eye), and glaucoma (damaged optical nerves).

Chinese Crested Dog running through grass and flowers

The Chinese Crested is a healthy breed overall, but eye diseases are somewhat common

Other health issues to watch for are cancer, autoimmune disorders, and patellar luxation, a genetic condition in which the kneecaps can pop out of place, causing lameness and gait difficulties. Allergies to certain fabrics and materials could cause skin rashes or irritation. A responsible breeder will have screened for many of these health or genetic issues.

Temperament and Behavior

Chinese Crested are gentle, good-natured, and affectionate dogs that bond deeply with their owner(s). The breed is intelligent, adaptable, and intuitive to its owner(s) and surroundings. This dog is ideal for training and teaching tricks.

However, due to the dog’s sensitive nature, a tender and patient attitude is more likely to yield better results compared to a harsh, overbearing approach. you should not be harsh or overbearing with it. A tender and patient attitude is most likely to yield positive results. Few behavioral problems should arise if owners are being attentive to the dog’s personal desire for companionship.

Chinese crested dog, Powderpuff

A gentle, affectionate breed, the Chinese Crested bonds easily with its family.

This breed is moderately active, and short brisk walks and designated play time should suffice to release its energy. Toys and balls are also encouraged. When outside, whether in warm or cold weather, efforts should be made to protect the skin of this breed using sunscreen or sweaters. Chinese Crested are athletic enough to take part in agility and sports competitions for smaller dogs as well.

The Chinese Crested dog is notably not easily prone to aggression or anger, making it a good choice for an owner with children. Due to the its small stature and exposed skin, rough housing, tugging, or aggressive play is not recommended.

The Best Dog Food for Chinese Crested Dogs

The Chinese Crested should be fed a high-quality diet to support a moderately active lifestyle. It is also a good idea to hand out occasional treats to encourage its training. However, you should carefully monitor its calorie intake because this breed is prone to weight gain.

If it seems like your dog is gaining weight, then you should think about cutting back on calories or purchasing leaner food to compensate. You should avoid cooked bones and high-fat foods altogether. Table scraps and human food should not be given on a regular basis.

Since these dogs can experience allergies, look into some limited ingredient and allergy-control dog food options.

Maintenance and Grooming

The two Chinese Crested varieties have their own particular grooming challenges. Obviously, the hairless variety doesn’t require brushing, but their exposed skin needs protection and attention. It is recommended that lotion be applied as needed to stop or prevent dry or chafing skin. When outside, applying sunscreen is suggested. You should also apply sunscreen whenever you take the dog out in the sun.

Portrait of nice young Chinese crested dog

Shortly after birth, it will become clear whether your Chinese Crested puppy is a powderpuff or hairless.

The powderpuff variation does require regular brushing. It has a longer overcoat and a shorter undercoat, which makes it easier to brush than other dog breeds, but the coat is also prone to matting.

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What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

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Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?
About the Author

Heather Ross

Heather Ross is a secondary English teacher and mother of 2 humans, 2 tuxedo cats, and a golden doodle. In between taking the kids to soccer practice and grading papers, she enjoys reading and writing about all the animals!

Chinese Crested Dog FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

How much is a Chinese Crested worth?

By choosing to adopt a Chinese Crested dog, it is possible to purchase one for $300 or less. The cost from a breeder is much more expensive. This could easily run more than $1,000.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?

Sources

  1. David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (1970) Animal, The Definitive Visual Guide To The World's Wildlife
  2. Tom Jackson, Lorenz Books (1970) The World Encyclopedia Of Animals
  3. David Burnie, Kingfisher (1970) The Kingfisher Animal Encyclopedia
  4. David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (1970) Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Animals
  5. Dorling Kindersley (1970) Dorling Kindersley Encyclopedia Of Animals
  6. American Kennel Club