Chinese Crested

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Dog Breed Group

Toy Dogs 

Origin of Breed

China to hunt vermin. 

Life Expectancy

10 - 14 years. 

Color

Any color combinations 

Coat

Two types of coat: Hairless - tufts of long, soft hair only on head, feet and tail. Powderpuff - double, lone straight outer coa 

Exercise Needs

Minimal exercise needed. 

Temperament

This affectionate little dog makes an excellent pet for those who appreciate its loving nature and are not put off by its exuber 

Good with Children

Good with children and other pets. Does not make a good watchdog 

Grooming Needs

Weekly grooming of the Powderpuff. Hairless Crested needs his skin massaged regularly with cream and may become sticky and dirty 

Average Size - Male (in)

11 - 13 

Average Size - Female (in)

11 - 13 

Average Weight - Male (lbs)

5 - 10 

Average Weight - Female (lbs)

5 - 10 

Health Issues

The hairless crested must be protected from both hot and cold weather. Health issues include Luxating patellas, Legg-Perthes disv

Living Conditions

Makes an excellent apartment dog. It is not an outdoor breed. 

Breed Description

The Chinese Crested dog is the smallest of the hairless breeds. It is a breed of toy dog known for its hairless body and hairy head, tail, and feet. The almost hairless Chinese Creates is said to have originated in China and taken to South America in Chinese sailing ships many centuries ago. Others believe that the Crested may be the result of the mating of a Mexican Hairless Dog with a Chihuahua. Certainly the mating of a Chinese Crested with a Chihuahua can produce a completely hairless dog. It was first used to hunt vermin on Chinese ships during plague pandemic. A rare version known as the Powder Puff variation also exists. The Chinese Crested is one of few dogs that have sweat glands, so it does not pant to cool down. Its coat is soft and silky and can be any combination of colors. Its ears are large, uncropped, and erect and its tail is slender and tapers to a curve. Its eye color matches its coat color.