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Chinese Crested dogs: Breed profile and information
Chinese Crested dogs overview
Life expectancy: 13–15 years
Size: 11–13 inches (male); 11–12 inches (female)
Coat: Hairless or Powder Puff
Temperament: Affectionate, happy, lively or playful
Exercise needs: Around 30 minutes daily
Origin/native country: Mexico
Despite their name, experts don’t believe the Chinese Crested dog originated in China. It seems more likely to have emerged from Mexico, which is where Spanish explorers found them in the 1500s.
You could imagine their surprise at seeing these dogs with their spotted pink skin, crazy hair, furry feet and feathering tail. Some would say they are a super-cute toy dog breed while others would consider them among the ugliest dogs in the world.
Whichever side of the fence you sit on, it’s worth checking out this breed in more detail. As we do so, we’ll discover that not all Chinese Crested dogs are hairless but that, regardless of fur, they can be rather high maintenance. We’ll also take a look at the exercise and training needs and assess their overall health with the assistance of expert vet Dr Lisa Coder.
Do Chinese Crested dogs need a lot of exercise?
Chinese Crested dogs are a low-energy breed and they can stay healthy with minimal effort.
“They only require a small amount of exercise,” Dr Coder says.
Indeed, you don’t even need to take them outside each day although fresh air is undoubtedly good for them.
So long as they’re getting a minimum of 30 minutes each day in one shape or form, they’ll be sufficiently physically stimulated.
“They do well with short walks outdoors or indoor play,” Dr Coder says.
Taking Chinese Crested dogs outside
You will need to be careful if you venture outdoors with this breed. In winter, you need to make sure they are wearing one of the best dog coats – their relative lack of muscle or fat means they feel the cold.
In the summer, despite being one the best dog breeds for warmer weather thanks to their upright temperate-regulating ears and medium-sized snout, you need to ensure their skin is protected.
“If you take your Chinese Crested outdoors, they should have protective clothing or sunscreen in the summer and warmer clothing in the winter,” Dr Coder affirms.
All that said, Chinese Crested dogs are among the best dog breeds for travel so don’t leave them at home if you intend to go on vacation.
Are Chinese Crested dogs easy to train?
According to canine psychologist Stanley Coren in his book The Intelligence of Dogs, Chinese Crested Dogs have fair working and obedience intelligence. They will understand new commands with 40–80 repetitions and obey the first command 30% of the time or better.
What this means is that, with positive reinforcement and consistency, you should find this breed to be willing and adaptable.
“Chinese Crested Dogs are easy to train as they love to spend time with their owners,” Dr Coder says.
It’s important that you carefully socialize this breed. Although they will be loyal to their families, they will be suspicious of strangers but this can be overcome with sufficient training.
Do Chinese Crested Dogs make good family pets?
This breed’s friendly, cheerful nature makes them a good fit with families. They’re also one of the best dogs for seniors since they’re playful and affectionate.
“Chinese Crested Dogs make excellent family dogs and they love to spend time with their owners,” Dr Coder says.
“Chinese Crested are friendly and very outgoing and do well with children, but should be supervised as they are fine-boned and easily injured with rough play.”
Do Chinese Crested dogs need a lot of grooming?
Since Chinese Crested dogs have far less hair than most other breeds, you will find they are one of the small dog breeds that don’t shed much. But while that saves you a heap of effort caring for their fur, these dogs are still one of the most high-maintenance dog breeds.
As mentioned earlier, you need to take care of their exposed skin.
“Chinese Crested dogs without hair require regular skin care to keep them healthy, including regular bathing, lotion, acne treatment as needed, and sunscreen,” Dr Coder says.
Hairless Chinese Crested dogs may also be more prone to allergies or skin irritation because their skin is not protected by a haircoat.
That said, there is a variety of Chinese Crested Dog that does have hair: the Powder Puff.
“Powder Puff Chinese Crested Dogs have a short haircoat,” Dr Coder says. “Powder Puff Chinese Crested require regular grooming and daily brushing, as their coat tangles easily and can lead to painful matting if not cared for properly.”
Are Chinese Crested dogs hypoallergenic?
The hairless Chinese Crested dogs could be considered to be among the most hypoallergenic dog breeds although, given the Powder Puff variety doesn’t shed, either can be a good choice for allergy sufferers.
Just remember that problems can still surface, though.
“Most people with dog allergies are allergic to skin and saliva from dogs, so no breed is truly hypoallergenic. Chinese Crested are no different,” Dr Coder says.
Chinese Crested dog health problems
Chinese Crested dogs have a few health conditions owners should be aware of. They include patellar luxation.
“This is a condition where the kneecap does not stay in the appropriate location. This can lead to lameness of varying severity, and may require surgery,” Dr Coder says
They can also suffer from Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
“It’s an orthopedic disease that can cause degeneration of the hip joint,” Dr Coder explains.
Like many purebred dogs, Chinese Cresteds can develop progressive retinal atrophy.
“It can affect vision and cause blindness,” Dr Coder adds. “They can also develop glaucoma, which is an eye condition where the pressure inside the eye is too high, causing pain and eventually blindness,” Dr Coder says.
Chinese Cresteds can also suffer from lens luxation within the eye, which can lead to eye pain and blindness.
Should I get a Chinese Crested dog?
If you want an unusual-looking canine, then you’re certainly going to get that with a Chinese Crested. You do need to give them a lot of care and attention, however – their skin must be looked after and you can’t leave them alone for long because they suffer from separation anxiety.
They are, however, a great dog breed if you’re short on space and they can also accompany you on your travels. You will find they are good at many canine sports, too.
Read next: American dog breeds
Dr. Lisa Coder, MS, DVM, CVA
Dr. Lisa Coder graduated from the University of Missouri in 2013. Since then, she has worked in many different types of clinics, from equine, to mixed animal, to ER. She even served a few years with the United States Department of Agriculture as a public health veterinarian. She loves all animals and strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and compassionate place for the people and pets who make up our community family. Dr. Lisa and her practice Vital Animal Veterinary Clinic serves the greater Sioux Falls, South Dakota area, with compassionate care for cats, dogs, small exotic mammals, and reptiles. She is currently pursuing board certification in both types of exotic medicine. She has an absolutely brilliant staff, who supports her love of learning, teaching, and endeavoring to continually improve.
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
This feature was last updated in August 2025.
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