Two varieties: Hairless and Powder Puff (both can be born in the same litter)
Origin
Listed by the FCI as China, with Great Britain as the country of patronage. The true starting point is debated: the AKC links the breed to African hairless dogs that were bred smaller and carried on Chinese ships, while other writers point to Mexico or Africa.91074
A happy, alert little companion that bonds very closely with its people and loves being near them. It is lively and fun at play but otherwise content to curl up on the sofa, and it has a charming cat-like habit of perching on the arm or back of a chair. The FCI standard sums it up as good-natured and never aggressive.56211
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Chinese Crested. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Skin careMoisturise the skin and check for drynessevery 3 days
Sun protection summerPet-safe sunscreen on sunny daysevery day
Bathevery 2 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseAbout 60 minutes a dayevery day
Cold care winterA jumper or coat on cold walksevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Coat and looks how to spot one
two varieties: Hairless and Powder Puff (both can be born in the same litter)
A small, fine-boned and graceful toy dog. The Hairless has smooth, bare skin on the body, with soft silky hair only on the head (the crest, which can run down the neck), the tail (the plume) and the feet (the socks). The Powder Puff is covered all over in a soft, straight double coat of long, fine hair over a short undercoat. The FCI describes two builds, a slim, racy 'deer type' and a sturdier, heavier-boned 'cobby type'. The feet are long and narrow, a shape known as a hare foot.567
Coloursany colour or combination of colourscommonly seen shades include apricot, black, blue, chocolate, cream, palomino, slate and white5611
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Modest. Short daily walks plus indoor play, up to about 30 minutes a day, cover its needs. Despite its size it is athletic and does well in agility.83111
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Depends on the variety. The Hairless needs regular baths, moisturiser for the skin, dog-safe sunscreen when outdoors and a jumper or coat in cold weather; stray body hair can be trimmed or removed. The Powder Puff needs brushing several times a week, or daily, to keep the long coat free of tangles, and benefits from occasional professional grooming. Both need regular nail trims, ear cleaning and tooth brushing.231
Home where they are happiest
An indoor dog that is well suited to flats and small homes. It should be kept out of strong sun and harsh cold, and it is happiest in a household where someone is around for much of the day.281
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete, good-quality commercial dog food. Adults usually eat two meals a day, morning and evening, and puppies three or four small meals. Portion size depends on age, weight and activity, so check it with a vet.3
Company who they like around
Very people-focused and happiest with close, regular company. It is best not left alone often or for long, and gentle handling suits it well.2
The story where it all began
Where the Chinese Crested truly began is still an open question. The FCI and The Royal Kennel Club tie it to China as far back as the Han Dynasty, when larger dogs of the type were used for hunting and guarding. The AKC's view is that it came from African hairless dogs that Chinese breeders made smaller, and that Chinese sailors kept the dogs on board as ratters and traded puppies in ports around the world, which may explain why Spanish explorers reported similar dogs in Mexico and Central and South America in the 1500s. The breed was shown in England in the 1850s and 1860s and appeared at American shows from about 1885 until 1926, then largely vanished from the show ring for roughly 50 years. A few devoted people kept it going: New York journalist Ida Garrett promoted hairless dogs for some 60 years, Debra Woods (also spelled Debora Wood) ran the Crest Haven kennel and kept the stud books that became the American Hairless Dog Club, and entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee bred them too. Her dogs later joined the Crest Haven line, which underpins today's breed. Interest picked up again in the 1970s, the FCI accepted the breed in 1972, the American Chinese Crested Club formed in 1979 and the AKC granted full recognition on 1 April 1991.5981074
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Hairless and Powder Puff puppies can arrive in the same litter. Hairlessness comes from a dominant gene, so the coated Powder Puff is the result of inheriting no copy of it.4
2
Chinese Cresteds were kept on ships as ratters, which is where the old name 'Chinese Ship Dog' comes from.11
3
Burlesque star Gypsy Rose Lee bred Chinese Cresteds, and breeders around the world can trace their dogs back to her line.11
4
Like a cat, a Crested often likes to perch up high, on the arm of a chair or along the back of the sofa.11
5
The breed has film credits, including 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days' and 'New York Minute'.11
6
The FCI recognises two body styles within the breed: the slender, racy 'deer type' and the sturdier 'cobby type'.5
7
The gene variant behind the breed's hairlessness was identified by researchers in 2008.4
This morning I stretched on my favorite chair arm, feeling the sun warm my skin. My human laughed and called me a little gargoyle. I hopped down for breakfast, then curled on her lap while she worked. Later we played chase with a feather toy, I leaped and twisted like a dancer. After a short walk in my cozy sweater, I spent the afternoon perched on the sofa back, watching birds outside. When my human came home, I greeted her with happy wiggles and a purr-like rumble. Evening meant cuddles on the couch, my head on her knee. Perfect day.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Standard No. 288, Group 9 Companion and Toy Dogs, Section 4 Hairless Dogs; definitive acceptance 17 Jul 1972; current standard published 27 Jul 2021; varieties Hairless and Powder Puff; country of patronage Great Britain9
AKC
Toy Group; Miscellaneous Class from September 1985, full recognition 1 Apr 1991; current standard approved 12 Jun 199010
Popularity Ranked 72nd of AKC-registered breeds in 2025.12
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Chinese Crested tip
Choose tiny, low-calorie training treats and keep them under 10% of daily calories, as this toy breed gains weight easily. For dental support, ask your vet about safe dental chews, since Cresteds are prone to tooth problems.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Chinese Crested, and at what times?
Feed adult Chinese Cresteds two meals a day, morning and evening. Puppies need three or four smaller meals. Check portion sizes with your vet to match your dog's age, weight, and activity.313
What should a Chinese Crested eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete, good-quality commercial dog food is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always consult your vet for specific dietary concerns.314
How often should I bathe a Chinese Crested?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests bathing every 14 days. The Hairless variety may need more frequent baths, while the Powder Puff can follow a similar schedule. Adjust based on your dog's skin and coat condition.23115Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Chinese Crested need brushing?
The Powder Puff variety needs brushing several times a week, ideally daily, to prevent tangles. The Hairless variety needs less brushing but may need stray hair trimmed. Follow a routine that suits your dog's coat type.23115
How do I trim a Chinese Crested's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time and stop before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.23115Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Chinese Crested need?
Chinese Cresteds have modest exercise needs. Short daily walks plus indoor play, up to about 30 minutes a day, cover their needs. They are athletic and enjoy agility too.83111Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Chinese Crested's teeth and ears?
Brush your Chinese Crested's teeth daily if possible, or at least a few times a week. Check ears every two weeks and clean gently without pushing anything into the ear canal. Your vet can show you the best technique.23115Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Chinese Crested live?
Chinese Cresteds typically live between 12 and 18 years. With good care, they can enjoy a long, happy life.8123
Is a Chinese Crested good with children and other pets?
Chinese Cresteds are good-natured and rarely aggressive, making them generally good with children and other pets when properly socialized. Always supervise interactions and introduce new pets gradually.56211
Can a Chinese Crested be left alone?
Chinese Cresteds bond closely with their people and prefer not to be left alone for long periods. They are happiest when someone is home most of the day. If you must leave, provide company or consider a pet sitter.281
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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