Chinese Crested

Overview

The Silky-Crested Dog with Two Faces

The Chinese Crested is one of the most visually distinctive dogs in the world, a breed that stops people in their tracks — though reactions vary from fascination to bewilderment. The hairless variety, with its smooth pink-spotted skin, flowing crest of silky hair on the head, feathered feet (called socks), and plume of hair on the tail (the plume), looks like nothing else in the canine world. The Powder Puff variety, with its full, soft, double coat covering the entire body, looks like an entirely different breed and frequently surprises people who don't realize the two varieties are born in the same litters.

Despite the name, the Chinese Crested's origin is not definitively Chinese. Evidence suggests the breed may have developed in Africa or Mexico before being traded across shipping routes, with Chinese sailors possibly playing a role in distributing the dogs across the world. Historical records place hairless dogs in Central and South America centuries before sustained contact with China, and DNA analysis has suggested closer links to American hairless dogs than to Chinese breeds. Whatever the true origin, the breed as it exists today was refined in China and the United States and recognized by the AKC in 1991.

The Chinese Crested is a social, affectionate, and surprisingly athletic little dog. Its long lifespan of 13–18 years means it is a commitment in the best sense — a well-cared-for Crested can be a companion for nearly two decades. The breed is remarkably people-oriented and does not thrive in isolation. It is also known for its acrobatic agility — Chinese Cresteds are surprisingly good at agility sports and enjoy the mental engagement of training.

The primary care distinction is between the two coat varieties: the hairless dog requires significant skin care (sunscreen, moisturizer, protection from cold) while the Powder Puff requires regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. Both have the breed's characteristic dental vulnerability — hairless dogs in particular frequently lose teeth due to genetics tied to the hairless gene.

Appearance

Hairless and Powder Puff: Two Looks, One Breed

The Hairless variety has smooth, soft, warm skin — often described as feeling like human skin — that may be solid in color or spotted. The skin tone varies considerably from pink to dark gray to black, with many dogs having a mottled combination. Hair is present on three areas only: the crest (a flowing fall of silky hair from the top of the skull), the socks (feathering on the feet and lower legs), and the plume (a tail plume). The rest of the body is completely hairless.

The Powder Puff variety is entirely covered with a long, soft double coat that lies flat to the body. The face is fully covered as well, giving a very different appearance. Both varieties share the same elegant, fine-boned structure: a slightly arched neck, long and graceful; a lean, lithe body; and fine bone throughout. The head is wedge-shaped with large erect ears and dark, almond-shaped eyes. Both varieties may appear in any color or color combination.

Temperament

Devoted, Social, and Surprisingly Energetic

The Chinese Crested is deeply oriented toward human companionship. This is not a breed that is content to be in the yard — it wants to be with its people, preferably in physical contact. The Crested is affectionate without being neurotic about it: it can be left alone with proper training, it adapts to the mood of the household, and it is generally cheerful and easy to live with. The breed gets along well with other dogs and with children, though small dog fragility applies — very young or rough children could accidentally injure this fine-boned breed.

The Crested is alert and can be a capable watchdog despite the small size. It tends to be reserved with strangers initially but warms up with positive introductions. Some individuals are more outgoing than others; proper socialization from puppyhood helps ensure the dog trends toward confidence rather than anxiety.

The breed has a notably playful side: it climbs, leaps, and explores with a curiosity that can be entertaining or alarming depending on the situation. Many Chinese Cresteds are excellent at agility and enjoy the engagement of dog sports. They are intelligent enough to learn quickly and motivated by treats and praise — training is generally a positive experience with this breed.

Mike's Take

More Dog Than You Expect

The Chinese Crested gets written off as a novelty breed — the one that shows up in Ugliest Dog competitions — and that's a shame, because these dogs are genuinely wonderful companions with real personality depth. The hairless variety in particular requires an owner willing to commit to skin care and dental vigilance, and those needs can be significant. But in return you get a dog with a 13–18 year lifespan that is closely bonded, smart, and endlessly entertaining. The Powder Puff is the underrated gem of the two — the full-coat people often get them because they lose a hairless dog and fall in love with the temperament regardless of the coat. Both are excellent. Just go in knowing the dental issue is real and budget for professional cleanings early.

Care

Skin Care for Hairless, Coat Care for Powder Puff

The Chinese Crested has moderate exercise needs — daily walks and indoor play satisfy most individuals. The breed is agile and enjoys interactive games, puzzle toys, and agility training. In cold weather, the hairless variety needs a coat or sweater for outdoor time; the Powder Puff is better insulated but still dislikes extreme cold.

Hairless skin care: The exposed skin of the hairless Chinese Crested requires daily moisturizing to prevent dryness and sunscreen application before any sun exposure to prevent sunburn (the skin burns quickly, especially on lighter-pigmented dogs). Bathing every 1–2 weeks with a gentle dog shampoo followed by a light, fragrance-free moisturizer keeps the skin healthy. Watch for acne-like breakouts on the skin — common in the breed and managed with gentle cleansing.

Powder Puff coat care: Brush 2–3 times weekly to prevent tangles in the soft double coat. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks maintains a tidy appearance. The coat does not shed significantly but tangles at the root if not brushed regularly.

Dental care for hairless dogs: The gene responsible for hairlessness is linked to dental anomalies — missing teeth, malformed teeth, and early tooth loss are all common in hairless Chinese Cresteds. Daily brushing is essential. Annual professional dental cleanings are strongly recommended. Expect the hairless variety to lose teeth throughout its life; this is a breed-specific characteristic, not a failure of care, though proper dental hygiene slows the progression.

Health

Long-Lived with Notable Dental and Skin Concerns

The Chinese Crested is a generally healthy breed with an impressive lifespan of 13–18 years. The most notable health concerns are specific to the coat type. In the hairless variety: dental disease and tooth loss (linked to the hairless gene), skin conditions including sunburn, acne, and dryness, and increased sensitivity to temperature extremes. In the Powder Puff variety: dental issues are present but generally less severe, and coat-related skin conditions can occur if grooming is neglected.

Both varieties may experience progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and other eye conditions — regular eye exams are recommended. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (degeneration of the hip joint) and luxating patella (knee dislocation) are seen in the breed and in toy dogs generally. Reputable breeders screen for PRA, luxating patella, and hip health. The breed has relatively few of the systemic health issues that plague other toy breeds, and a well-cared-for Chinese Crested can reasonably reach 16–18 years of healthy life.

Cost

Moderate Acquisition Cost, Ongoing Dental and Skin Expenses

Chinese Crested puppies from reputable breeders typically cost $1,200–$2,500. Annual costs are moderate for a small breed but elevated by ongoing dental care (professional cleanings 1–2 times per year for hairless dogs) and skin care products. Annual ongoing costs run $1,200–$2,000. The breed's long lifespan means the lifetime cost of ownership is spread over many years — a net positive for total value.

Right for You?

A Unique Breed for a Committed Owner

Finding a Chinese Crested

Breeders and Rescue

The American Chinese Crested Club (ACCC) is the AKC parent club and maintains breeder referrals. Health testing should include OFA patella evaluation, PRA DNA testing, and eye exams. Both hairless and Powder Puff puppies are typically available in the same litter — specify your preference to the breeder. Chinese Crested rescues are active and adult dogs can be wonderful choices, especially for people who want to avoid the dental and training work of puppyhood.

Explore More

Similar Breeds

• Xoloitzcuintli — Related breed worth comparing
• Brussels Griffon — Related breed worth comparing
• Italian Greyhound — Related breed worth comparing