Toy group
Chinese Crested
A dainty, devoted lap dog — hairless or fluffy, always a velcro companion.
Chinese Cresteds are small, elegant toy dogs that come in hairless and powderpuff varieties. They are affectionate, playful and people-focused, but need skin or coat care and dislike being alone.
- Height
- 11–13 in28–33 cm
- Weight
- 8–12 lb4–5 kg
- Life expectancy
- 13–18 years
- Size
- Toy
- Group
- Toy
- Origin
- Uncertain; developed in Europe and North America
Coat: Hairless (silky hair on head, tail and feet) or Powderpuff (full soft double coat). Colours: Any colour or combination.
At a glance
Ratings describe typical dogs of the breed on a 1–5 scale. Individual dogs vary with lines, upbringing and training.
Temperament
Cresteds are loving, gentle and eager to be close to their people — true lap dogs. They are playful and often clownish at home.
They can be shy with strangers without socialisation and are sensitive to harsh handling. Many are prone to separation anxiety.
Varieties
- Hairless
- Bare, soft skin with silky hair on the head (crest), feet (socks) and tail (plume). Needs skin care and sun protection.
- Powderpuff
- A full, soft, silky double coat that needs regular brushing.
Living with a Chinese Crested
Exercise
About 30 minutes of walks and play daily. Hairless dogs need a coat in cold weather.
Grooming
Hairless: regular baths, moisturiser and sunscreen, plus trimming stray hair. Powderpuff: brush several times a week.
Training
Eager and sensitive; gentle, reward-based training works well. House-training may take patience.
Kids & other pets
Best with gentle, older children. Usually good with other pets.
Time alone
Cresteds are very attached and can develop separation anxiety; they do best with someone home often.
Home fit
Adapts well to apartments and smaller homes when daily needs are met.
Is a Chinese Crested right for you?
Take the Breed Fit quiz to see how a Chinese Crested matches your home, schedule and tolerance for shedding, barking and exercise — or find out which breed matches your personality with Dogsona.
Health
With good breeding and care, a Chinese Crested typically lives 13–18 years. These are the conditions most associated with the breed — not a prediction for any individual dog.
Primary lens luxation
The lens dislocates, causing pain and glaucoma; a DNA test is available.
Progressive retinal atrophy
Inherited vision loss; the prcd-PRA DNA test identifies carriers.
Dental problems
Hairless Cresteds often have missing or weak teeth; daily brushing matters.
Skin problems
Hairless skin is prone to sunburn, acne and allergies.
Patellar luxation
Loose kneecaps occur in toy breeds.
Ask a breeder for
- Patella evaluation
- Eye examination
- DNA tests: primary lens luxation and prcd-PRA
Sources: OFA CHIC breed requirements: Chinese Crested; American Chinese Crested Club. This is general information, not veterinary advice — talk to your vet about your own dog.
Cost to own
After the first year, expect roughly $900–$1,800 a year for food, routine vet care, preventives, insurance and supplies (US estimate).
- Pet insurance for a puppy typically runs $30–$60 a month; premiums rise with age and breed risk.
History
The breed’s true origins are unclear; hairless dogs existed in many parts of the world, and Chinese sailors may have carried similar dogs as ratters on ships. The modern breed was largely developed in Europe and America in the 20th century.
Burlesque dancer Gypsy Rose Lee helped popularise Cresteds in the US. The AKC recognised the breed in 1991.
Did you know?
- Hairless and Powderpuff Cresteds can be born in the same litter.
- Chinese Cresteds have won the World’s Ugliest Dog contest several times.
- Gypsy Rose Lee bred Cresteds in the 1950s.
Library guides for Chinese Crested owners
Grooming
Bathing
How to bath a Chinese Crested without drying out the coat.
Grooming
Ear Cleaning
Ear care matters for this coat and ear type.
Exercise & Play
Dog Walking
Getting daily walks right for a Chinese Crested.
Grooming
Nail Clipping
Every dog needs regular nail care.
New Dog Owners
How to find a reputable dog breeder
What to ask a Chinese Crested breeder about health screening.
New Dog Owners
The real cost of a puppy: what to budget before you bring one home
Budget for the first year and beyond.
Similar breeds
Frequently asked questions
- Are Chinese Cresteds hypoallergenic?
- No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but hairless Cresteds shed almost nothing.
- Do hairless Cresteds need sunscreen?
- Yes — their skin sunburns easily.
- Are Cresteds good apartment dogs?
- Yes — they are small and calm indoors.