Skip to content
ShareYourPets

Chinese crested

The Chinese Crested is a small hairless breed of uncertain origin — probably African or Mexican hairless stock carried on Chinese trading ships — that comes in two coat types born in the same litter: the hairless, with tufts on head, feet and tail, and the fully coated powderpuff.

It stands 28 to 33 centimetres, weighs 3.5 to 5.5 kilograms and lives thirteen to eighteen years. The hairless gene is dominant and lethal in double dose, so every hairless dog carries one copy and one for coat — which is precisely why powderpuffs appear in every litter and are essential to the breed rather than a mistake.

Origin
Uncertain; likely African or Mexican hairless stock via trade
Size
28–33 cm; 3.5–5.5 kg
Lifespan
13–18 years
Coat
Hairless or fully coated powderpuff — both in one litter
Genetics
The hairless gene is dominant and lethal when homozygous
Health
Missing and abnormal teeth in hairless dogs; skin care; PLL

Related: Chinese shar-pei

3 chinese crested photos, newest first

  • Dita, a chinese crested

    Dita

    Dita picked the red chair, and nobody else has been permitted to sit in it since.

    FrostyOtter · 6 days ago

  • Quince, a chinese crested

    Quince

    Quince was promoted to post-office clerk sorting blank miniature parcels; unfortunately, a toy wheelbarrow tips at the worst moment.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Quince, a chinese crested

    Quince

    This is Quince at maximum enthusiasm.

    MerryBadger · 2 weeks ago

Living with a chinese crested

Hairless dogs have bad teeth by genetics, not neglect. The same gene affects tooth development, so hairless Cresteds commonly have missing, pointed or fragile teeth and lose them early. Brush daily and expect dental work; powderpuffs have normal dentition.

The skin needs washing and moisturising, sunscreen in summer, and a coat in winter. Acne and blackheads are common in adolescence.

Ask for the primary lens luxation DNA test, which affects the breed, and about patellar luxation and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

The powderpuff coat is fine and silky and mats readily; comb several times a week.

They are affectionate, sensitive and strongly attached, and they do not cope well alone.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

Worth reading alongside this

More dogs by breed

Every dog breed somebody has posted a photo of.