Chinese Crested Dog

The Chinese Crested Dog is beautiful, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! With their unusual appearance and gentle, charming personality, you simply cannot ignore this dog despite their small size.

Country of Origin

Mexico
Breed Group

Toy
Height

Male 11-13 In
Female 11-13 In
Weight

Male 5-12 Ib
Female 5-12 Ib
Life Span

13-17 years

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In a Nutshell

Each person responds to the Chinese Crested Dog differently, but we’re always happy to see this lovable breed. There are actually two variations of this breed, Hairless and Powderpuff, but each are loyal, adaptable, and fit for homes of all kinds, including ones with elderly owners and families with (gentle) kids.

Life With a Chinese Crested Dog

Low (1) High (5)

Energy level

Trainability Level

Amount of Shedding

Tendency of Barking

Exercise Needs

Kid Friendly

Pet Friendly

Looks & Personality

These toy dogs make great fashionable companions. The Hairless Chinese Crested Dog has smooth, spotted pink skin with furry “socks” and hair on top of their head and at the end of their long, slim tail. The Powderpuff variation, meanwhile, has a head-to-tail coat of long, soft hair in various colors. Both varieties are elegant and graceful, slender yet surprisingly stable. Their expressive eyes and alert ears give them a curious and intelligent expression. This breed was nicknamed the “Dr. Seuss dog”- and we choose to take that as a compliment.

Personality-wise, Chinese Crested Dogs are affectionate, loyal and playful. Dogs of this breed enjoy being close to their people and love to entertain their families. Despite their small size, they have big personalities and are generally friendly with other pets and children, making them a great addition to many households. Still, it’s important to ensure that family members of all ages and species know how to play with small, delicate dogs.

Common Health Problems

Chinese Crested Dogs are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 13-17 years filled with love and play. They can be prone to certain health conditions, though, especially related to their eyes, skin, heart, and teeth. The Hairless variety also needs skin protection. Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper skin care are key to keeping your Chinese Crested Dog happy and healthy.

Did you know?

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A tip from a vet

Chinese Crested Dogs, especially the Hairless variety, need special skin care. If you live in a sunny region, use veterinary-approved sunscreen to protect your pup. Dental care is also crucial, as the Chinese Crested Dog is prone to dental issues.

A tip from a trainer

Chinese Crested Dogs are sensitive souls, so positive reinforcement and gentle, patient training work best. These dogs are clever, well-adjusted, and eager to please, making training relatively easy despite occasional stubbornness.

Did You Know

Chinese Crested Dogs have a history of winning the “World’s Ugliest Dog” contest, and their distinct appearance and endearing personalities have captured hearts worldwide.

Gypsy Rose Lee, the American burlesque star who inspired the Broadway musical Gypsy, was a prominent breeder of Chinese Crested Dogs. In fact, many Chinese Crested Dogs worldwide trace back to her original dogs.

The Hairless Chinese Crested Dog has both a dominant hairless gene and a long hair recessive gene. The Powderpuff variant has two long haired recessive genes. If a zygote forms with two dominant hairless genes, it will not live to term.

In The News

The role of Dogpool in the hit movie “Deadpool & Wolverine” is played by Peggy, a Chinese Crested Dog mix crowned the United Kingdom’s ugliest dog in 2023.

The History Behind the Breed

Despite the breed’s name, these hairless dogs didn’t actually originate in China. Genetic studies suggest they may have roots in Mexico, with some experts believing the Chinese Crested Dog comes from Africa. Most agree that the breed arrived in China around 200 BCE, brought over by merchants who bred the dog as companions for royalty.

These dogs historically helped hunt rats on Chinese ships, a crucial role during that time due to the plague. While the timeline of their arrival to North America is unclear, the breed gained AKC recognition in 1991. Today, Chinese Crested Dogs are beloved pets but are still relatively rare.

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