Chinese
Crested
Dog:

This breed draws attention with its unique appearance and vibrant personality. Despite its small size, the Chinese Crested Dog possesses exceptional grace, energy, and a playful temperament. These dogs are perfect for owners looking for a companion with a distinctive character and a willingness to care for an unusual coat. The Chinese Crested Dog is not only a loyal friend but also a wonderful companion for those ready to invest time in training and socializing their pet.

Chinese Crested Dog —

The Chinese Crested Dog has a long and fascinating history that begins in ancient China. These dogs were highly popular among Chinese nobility and were often kept as ornamental pets in imperial courts. Originally, they served not only as companions but also as ratters, making them valuable household allies.
Over time, the Chinese Crested became known in many countries thanks to its unusual appearance and temperament. In the 20th century, the breed gained popularity in Europe and the United States, and today it is recognized by canine organizations worldwide.

History of the breed

Appearance

The Chinese Crested Dog is a small and elegant breed with distinctive physical features. There are two types within the breed: Hairless and Powderpuff. The Hairless variety has no fur on its body, except for a crest on the head, a plume on the tail, and "socks" on the legs, which form soft tufts of hair. The Powderpuff type has a full coat of soft, fine hair covering the entire body.
The height of a Chinese Crested Dog at the withers ranges from 23 to 33 cm, and the weight is between 3 and 5 kg. These dogs have a compact build with fine bones and well-developed muscles. The topline is straight, and the chest is fairly deep. Coat colors vary widely—from white to black—with various shades including cream, brown, and fawn.

Character and behavior

The Chinese Crested Dog is an energetic and playful animal with a bright and cheerful temperament. These dogs love attention and often show strong affection toward their owners. They are very loyal and family-oriented, enjoy being the center of attention, and frequently delight their humans with playful antics and charming behavior.

However, the Chinese Crested can also be quite independent, which at times makes them stubborn and challenging to train. Nevertheless, with proper attention and consistent training, they can easily learn basic commands. It's important to remember that the Chinese Crested needs early socialization, as they can be wary of unfamiliar people and animals.

Care and maintenance

Caring for a Chinese Crested Dog requires special attention to its coat, especially in the case of the Hairless variety. Despite the lack of body hair, this breed is prone to skin issues, so it’s important to care for the skin regularly using specialized moisturizing products. The dog’s skin should also be protected from sun exposure, as the bare areas can get sunburned.

The Powderpuff Chinese Crested requires regular grooming, including brushing to prevent matting. Bathing should be done as needed, using gentle shampoos suited for sensitive skin.

These dogs also require regular physical activity and mental stimulation, as they are very energetic and love to play. Walks, outdoor games, and training sessions will help maintain the health of the Chinese Crested and prevent boredom.

Skin care requirements

Hairless Chinese Cresteds require special skin care to prevent dermatological issues.

Pros:

Playful and energetic

These dogs love to play and spend time with their owners, lifting the spirits of everyone around them.

Chinese Crested Dog —

It is the perfect choice for people who are ready to devote attention to their pet's care and upbringing. These dogs have a unique appearance, lively energy, and strong loyalty to their owners. If you're looking for a faithful friend who will delight you with playfulness and amusing antics, the Chinese Crested Dog will be an excellent companion.