Chinese Crested - Purebred
Dogs and Puppies

Chinese Crested

It is important to use lotion on the dog to keep the hairless variety's skin from becoming dry, to prevent skin cracking and to keep it's skin smooth to the touch. This dog breed also requires frequent bathing.

Keep in mind, the hairless variety can be also be susceptible to acne during adolescence and to sunburn as well.

Cold sensitive, the hairless variety does need a sweater in colder climates.

Cresteds are happy, alert, loyal and affectionate dogs who make wonderful, playful, and entertaining companions and great apartment dwellers.

There are two distinct varieties of this distinctive little dog: one is completely hairless except for its feet, head and tail - the Hairless; and the other has a coat of long soft hair and is called the Powder Puff.

The Crested's hairless variety has no coat except from the silky tufts of hair on his head, tail, and feet. It is interesting to note that unlike all other dog breeds he is hairless and has sweat glands on his body. The Crested's powder puff variety has a medium-length, silky, soft, and full coat.

Watch a few Cresteds in action

The two distinct varieties are born in the same litter: the Hairless, with hair only on the head, tail, and feet and the Powderpuff, completely covered with hair. Suntan lotion should also be used to protect the hairless Crested's skin when outdoors.

They are fairly active indoors and will do all right without an outside yard. They would do well in apartments provided they get a brisk walk or two each day. They should always wear a sweater in colder weather, however.

The Chinese Crest stands between 11 to 13 inches at the shoulder, has a delicate and fine-boned body and weighs between 6 to 10 pounds. It is very interesting to note that this dog breed lacks premolar teeth which makes it inadvisable to give them bones. Additionally, this dog can be very difficult to housebreak.

The Crested dog breed in general are clean, odorless and a great a pet dog but still considered very rare however they are the most popular of the hairless dog breeds. They are intelligent little dogs and very alert. Socialization is crucial from puppy hood to help boost the confidence of this sensitive little toy dog breed.

Country of origin: Africa
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Colors: Many colors - spotted, solid or mixed all over
Known health problems: Skin problems and allergies, sunburn, early tooth loss
Famous Chinese Crested Dogs: The stripper, Gypsy Rose Lee, bred Crested's; Lackey in the film Good Boy!; Sam, the 3 time winner of the World's Ugliest Dog Contest

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