Chinese Crested Dog
A distinctive toy companion that comes in a near-hairless variety and a fully coated 'Powderpuff'. Affectionate, playful and people-oriented, but the bare skin needs sun and cold protection.
Chinese Crested Dog scorecard
Overview
The Chinese Crested is a distinctive toy companion that exists in two coat types: a near-hairless variety with tufts of hair on the head (the crest), feet and tail, and a fully coated form known as the Powderpuff. Both types can appear in the same litter. Small and fine-boned, it typically stands around 23–33 cm at the shoulder and weighs roughly 3.5–5.5 kg, with a graceful, lively appearance and a famously affectionate nature.
Recognised by The Kennel Club in the Toy group, the Chinese Crested is a true lap-and-companion dog, bred for closeness to people rather than work. It suits flats and smaller homes well, sheds very little, and forms intense bonds with its owners. The hairless variety, however, brings specific skin-care responsibilities, and the breed as a whole tends to be sensitive and people-dependent, points worth weighing before choosing one.
Good to know — a Chinese Crested Dog is flat-friendly and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The exact origins of the Chinese Crested are not fully documented, but hairless dogs of this type were carried aboard trading ships and used to control vermin, which helped spread them around the world's ports — hence the longstanding association with Chinese seafaring trade, even though hairless dogs may have older roots elsewhere. The breed as we know it was refined largely in the twentieth century, with American and European enthusiasts playing a major role in establishing its modern form.
The hairless trait is caused by a dominant gene, and the coated Powderpuff is an integral part of the breed rather than a separate one. The Chinese Crested became a recognised show and companion breed during the twentieth century and remains a popular, if uncommon, toy dog known as much for its unusual looks as for its devoted temperament.
Temperament & family fit
Chinese Crested dogs are affectionate, playful and strongly people-oriented, often attaching themselves closely to one or two favourite humans. They are typically gentle and fun-loving, enjoy being part of family life and make engaging, entertaining companions. Many are good with considerate children and can get along with other pets when properly socialised.
The trade-off for this devotion is sensitivity. The breed can be prone to clinginess and may become anxious or distressed if left alone for long periods, so it is best suited to households where someone is usually around. Some individuals are reserved with strangers and may bark to announce visitors. Early, positive socialisation helps produce a confident, well-adjusted adult.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Committed first-time owners
- Flats or houses with daily exercise
Training & intelligence
The Chinese Crested is considered reasonably suited to first-time owners and generally responds well to gentle, reward-based training. It is intelligent and keen to please its people, which makes basic obedience and house-training achievable with patience and consistency. As with many toy breeds, house-training can take a little longer, and a calm, encouraging approach works far better than firmness.
Because the breed is sensitive, harsh corrections can undermine confidence and damage the close bond it relies on. Early socialisation to a range of people, dogs and situations is important to prevent timidity, and gradually building tolerance to short periods alone can help reduce separation-related distress.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Chinese Crested Dog typically needs around an hour a day (roughly 60–80 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Grooming differs markedly between the two coat types. The Powderpuff has a soft double coat that needs regular, frequent brushing to prevent matting. The hairless variety has far less hair but requires dedicated skin care: the exposed skin needs regular cleansing, moisturising, sun protection in summer and warmth in cold weather, and it can be prone to spots and blackheads. Both varieties benefit from routine nail trimming, dental care and ear checks, and the hairless type may also need protection such as a coat outdoors in winter.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding considerations
Feed a complete, good-quality diet formulated for small or toy breeds, divided into two measured meals a day, with portion sizes matched to the dog's small size and activity. Toy dogs can be prone to weight gain and to dental disease, so treats should be limited and dental-friendly feeding and care encouraged. Because the breed is small, even modest overfeeding can quickly lead to obesity, so portions should be weighed and adjusted to maintain a healthy body condition.
Chinese Crested Dog health & costs
Before bringing a Chinese Crested Dog home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£200–300 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£12–28 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£120–300 / year
Occasional pro + home brushing
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Chinese Crested is generally a long-lived toy breed, with a typical lifespan of around 13–15 years. Many individuals are healthy, but there are some recognised breed concerns, particularly affecting the eyes, teeth and skin. Dental problems are common in the breed, and the hairless variety often has incomplete or missing teeth as a feature linked to the hairless gene.
Responsible breeders screen for inherited eye conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy and primary lens luxation, and DNA tests are available for several of these. Prospective owners should buy from breeders who carry out relevant eye testing, ask about the parents' dental and skin health, and commit to ongoing dental care and, for hairless dogs, lifelong skin protection.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — an inherited degeneration of the retina causing eventual blindness; DNA testing of breeding stock helps reduce risk
- Primary lens luxation — a heritable condition where the lens dislocates, causing pain and potential blindness; a DNA test is available
- Dental disease — common in the breed, with the hairless variety often having missing or abnormal teeth; regular dental care is essential
- Skin problems (hairless variety) — exposed skin is prone to sunburn, dryness, spots and blackheads and needs regular care and protection
- Patellar luxation — slipping kneecaps, a recognised issue in many toy breeds, which can cause lameness
- Sensitivity to temperature — the hairless variety is vulnerable to both cold and sun and needs appropriate protection
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Chinese Crested Dog; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Chinese Crested Dog puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Chinese Crested Dog
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Very low shedding and apartment-friendly
- Devoted, affectionate companion
Things to consider
- Hairless variety needs skin and temperature care
- Sensitive and can be clingy or anxious if left alone
Compare the Chinese Crested Dog
See how the Chinese Crested Dog measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
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Frequently asked questions
Are Chinese Crested dogs completely hairless?
Not entirely, and not all of them. The breed comes in two coat types: a near-hairless variety with tufts of hair on the head (the crest), feet and tail, and a fully coated form called the Powderpuff. Both types can appear in the same litter. So while the hairless variety is mostly bare, the Powderpuff has a full soft coat.
What is a Chinese Crested Powderpuff?
The Powderpuff is the fully coated variety of the Chinese Crested, with a soft double coat covering the whole body. It can be born in the same litter as the near-hairless type. The Powderpuff needs regular, frequent brushing to prevent matting, but avoids the specific skin-care needs of the hairless variety.
How big do Chinese Crested dogs get?
The Chinese Crested is a small, fine-boned toy breed, typically standing around 23–33 cm at the shoulder and weighing roughly 3.5–5.5 kg. Graceful and lively, it was bred as a lap-and-companion dog rather than for work, and its small size makes it well suited to flats and smaller homes.
Do Chinese Crested dogs need a lot of grooming?
It depends on the coat type. The Powderpuff needs regular, frequent brushing to prevent matting. The hairless variety has far less hair but needs dedicated skin care: regular cleansing, moisturising, sun protection in summer and warmth in winter, and it can be prone to spots and blackheads. Both need routine nail, dental and ear care.
What are the temperament and personality of a Chinese Crested?
They are affectionate, playful and strongly people-oriented, often attaching closely to one or two favourite humans. Gentle and fun-loving, they enjoy family life and many are good with considerate children and other pets when socialised. The trade-off is sensitivity: they can be clingy and may become anxious if left alone for long periods.
How long do Chinese Crested dogs live?
They are generally long-lived, with a typical lifespan of around 13–15 years. Many individuals are healthy, though there are recognised breed concerns affecting the eyes, teeth and skin. Responsible breeders screen for inherited eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy and primary lens luxation, for which DNA tests are available.
Do Chinese Crested dogs have dental problems?
Dental problems are common in the breed. The hairless variety in particular often has incomplete or missing teeth, a feature linked to the hairless gene. Prospective owners should ask about the parents' dental health, commit to ongoing dental care, and choose dental-friendly feeding, as toy dogs are generally prone to dental disease.
How much exercise does a Chinese Crested need?
This is a moderate-energy toy breed with modest needs, met by daily short-to-moderate walks plus play and games at home. It can be surprisingly agile and quick but does not need the demanding exercise of working breeds, making it well suited to flats and less active owners. Take care in weather extremes, especially with the hairless variety.
Are Chinese Crested Dogs good with children?
Fine with sensible, older children. As a general guide, Chinese Crested Dogs tend to be fine with sensible, older children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Chinese Crested Dog need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Chinese Crested Dog needs around an hour of exercise a day (60–80 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Chinese Crested Dogs shed a lot?
Minimal shedding. Coat upkeep is regular brushing — brush regularly to keep the coat in good condition.
Are Chinese Crested Dogs easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Chinese Crested Dogs are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Chinese Crested Dogs bark a lot?
Moderate barker. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Chinese Crested Dogs good with other dogs?
Generally fine with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Chinese Crested Dogs suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A Chinese Crested Dog can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) — Chinese Crested breed information and health, https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breed-standards/
- PDSA — toy breed health, dental and skin care advice, https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice
- RSPCA — companion dog welfare guidance, https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs
- Blue Cross — dog care and behaviour advice, https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.