Chinese Crested
A toy breed that comes in two forms from the same litter: the near-naked Hairless and the fully coated Powderpuff. Almost no shedding, but lifelong skin and dental care, and real sensitivity to both sun and cold.
- Weight
- 3.6–5.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 13–18 years
Weight and lifespan are reference ranges from the breed guide. They vary by sex, lineage and individual dog and do not predict your dog’s ideal weight or lifespan. Read the care descriptions alongside the individual dog’s history.
Background and characteristics
Despite the name, the Chinese Crested most likely descends from hairless dogs of African or Central American origin that travelled on trading ships and were kept aboard Chinese vessels as ratters. The breed's defining quirk is genetic: the same litter produces Hairless puppies, with skin over most of the body and hair on the head, feet and tail, and fully coated Powderpuffs. They are one breed, and both types are shown and bred together.
Exercise and play
Energy is moderate but real. Two walks of twenty to thirty minutes plus indoor play covers a normal day. What surprises owners is athleticism — these are climbers and jumpers who end up on tables and windowsills, and injuries from landing badly are common in a dog this light-boned.
Ramps or steps at the sofa and a non-slip runner in the main traffic lane are sensible from day one. Emotionally the breed is soft and extremely people-focused; harsh handling backfires quickly, and reward-based training goes much further.
Coat and everyday care
Hairless does not mean low maintenance. Exposed skin behaves rather like human skin: comedones and pimples appear, so plan a gentle weekly wash and a light moisturiser, and use shade or a shirt rather than letting a pale dog bake in strong sun, since sunburn is a genuine risk. Powderpuffs need the opposite routine — the soft coat tangles and wants brushing two or three times a week.
Neither type sheds much, which is part of the appeal for people who dislike hair on the sofa.
Coat and everyday care (2)
The hairless gene also affects the teeth. Hairless dogs frequently have missing or pointed teeth and develop periodontal disease early, so daily brushing and budgeted professional cleanings matter more here than in most toy breeds. Also discuss patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, primary lens luxation and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease with any breeder, and ask what eye and knee screening the parents have had.
Home environment and care planning
Day to day this is an easy dog to house in a flat: small, not especially barky, and content with modest exercise. The practical costs are climate and company. A hairless dog needs a coat outdoors in winter and a warm spot indoors, sun protection in summer, and an owner who can build up alone-time gradually, because this breed bonds hard and dislikes being left.