
The Chinese Crested Dog is a unique breed that stands out with its unusual appearance and affectionate, devoted nature. This small, elegant dog is perfect for apartment living, loves attention, and enjoys close contact with its owner. They are extremely social, get along well with people and other animals, and quickly become beloved family members thanks to their cheerful personality.
Despite its name, the exact origins of the Chinese Crested Dog remain unknown. It is believed that its ancestors originated in Africa or Latin America and were brought to China by traders. In China, these dogs became symbols of elegance and prosperity, kept in imperial courts and used as companions and even for pest control on ships. The breed gained popularity in Europe thanks to American and British breeders who started developing it in the 20th century.
The breed has two varieties that can be born in the same litter. The Hairless Chinese Crested is the most recognizable, featuring a silky crest on the head, a fluffy tail, and “socks” on the legs, while the rest of the body remains hairless. Their delicate skin requires proper care and protection from the sun and cold. The Powderpuff Chinese Crested is entirely covered in soft, silky fur that needs regular brushing and trimming. Both varieties share the same personality traits, differing only in their appearance and grooming needs.
Puppies of this breed are born tiny but quickly show an active and cheerful personality. They form strong bonds with their owners, love to play, and are eager to explore their surroundings. Hairless puppies have delicate, sensitive skin that requires proper care and environmental protection, while Powderpuff puppies grow thick coats that should be groomed regularly from an early age.
Chinese Crested Dogs are known for their friendly, loyal, and curious nature. They adapt easily to new environments, learn quickly, and respond well to training. This breed does not like being left alone, as they are highly people-oriented. They are non-aggressive, get along well with children and other pets, and are perfect for those looking for an affectionate and playful companion.
The Chinese Crested Dog is a breed that combines elegance, grace, and devotion. It requires proper skin or coat care, but in return, it brings endless love and warmth to its owner. This is the ideal choice for those who want a small, energetic, and affectionate friend who will become a cherished family member.
✅— Bathing and Skin Care:
The hairless variety of the Chinese Crested Dog requires regular skin care, as it is sensitive to irritation, dryness, and sun exposure. Bathing should be done every 7–10 days using hypoallergenic shampoos and moisturizing conditioners. After bathing, a special moisturizing lotion or coconut oil is applied to prevent dryness and flaking. In summer, the skin should be protected from sunburn with a safe SPF cream.
The Powderpuff Chinese Crested Dog has soft, silky fur that tangles easily. Regular bathing every 2–3 weeks, using conditioners to maintain smoothness, and daily brushing help keep the coat well-groomed.
✅— Haircut and Trimming:
The Powderpuff variety requires regular haircuts to prevent tangles and maintain a neat appearance. A breed-specific trim is often performed to enhance the dog’s silhouette, leaving longer fur on the ears, legs, and tail.
The hairless variety does not require a haircut, but occasionally trimming any remaining body hair is necessary to keep the dog looking tidy. Grooming is typically essential for Powderpuff Chinese Crested Dogs.
✅— Ear Care:
The Chinese Crested Dog has open, upright ears that can accumulate dust and wax. Cleaning should be done every 1–2 weeks using special ear-cleaning solutions. It is important to prevent water from entering the ear canal during bathing.
✅— Eye Cleaning:
Due to their skull structure and large eyes, this breed is prone to excessive tearing and eye discharge. Regular wiping with special lotions or wipes helps prevent irritation and keeps the fur around the eyes clean.
✅— Facial and Dental Hygiene:
Chinese Crested Dogs are prone to dental issues and early tooth loss, so oral care is especially important. Brushing their teeth with dog toothpaste and a toothbrush every few days helps prevent plaque buildup and tartar formation.
✅— Nail Trimming:
Due to their light weight, these dogs do not naturally wear down their nails, so trimming every 2–3 weeks is necessary. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort while walking and even lead to paw deformities.
✅— Paw and Pad Care:
Paw pads can become dry and cracked, especially in cold weather or after walking on hot pavement. Regular application of special moisturizing balms helps keep the paw skin soft and healthy.
There are two varieties: hairless (with tufts of hair on the head, legs, and tail) and powderpuff, which has double coat—long and soft.
They are cheerful, friendly, and good-natured. These dogs feel great around people and don’t like being left alone for too long. They are playful and very happy when sitting on their owner’s lap.
Yes, this breed is considered hypoallergenic because they don’t shed and lack an undercoat, which reduces the amount of allergens in the home.
The skin should be moisturized if it becomes dry. It will also need protection from the sun to prevent burns.
They can be prone to skin issues and sunburns. Like other small breeds, they may suffer from patellar problems, where the kneecap can temporarily slip out of place (patellar luxation), and like many other breeds, they may experience various hereditary eye conditions.
This breed does not require special exercise; about 30 minutes a day is enough.
Yes, since the hairless variety lacks fur, it needs extra protection from the cold, such as wearing warm clothing during walks in cold weather.
Yes, they adapt well to apartment living as they don't need much space and are small in size.
The hairless variety requires regular bathing to maintain skin cleanliness and prevent irritation. The powderpuff variety should be bathed as needed, depending on the level of coat contamination.
They are intelligent and quick to learn, but can be stubborn. Positive reinforcement methods and patience will help achieve success in training.
The price of a Chinese Crested Dog puppy depends on many factors, including pedigree, class (pet, breed, or show), variety (hairless or powderpuff), and the breeder’s reputation. In Ukraine, the cost can range from 10,000 to 50,000 UAH. The powderpuff variety usually costs less than the hairless one.
The average lifespan of a Chinese Crested Dog is 12–13 years. With proper care, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups, they can live even longer.
Chinese Crested Dogs require a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. It is recommended to use high-quality super-premium or holistic food specially designed for small breeds. If you prefer natural feeding, the diet should include lean meats, offal, boiled fish, eggs, dairy products, and grains. Avoid feeding the dog porridges, soups, broths, pasta, potatoes, legumes, white bread, and products made from wheat flour.
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