Appearance
Details: There are two distinct varieties in this breed: the Hairless, which has hair only on the head, tail, and feet, and the Powderpuff, which has a full coat of hair. Though the two varieties may appear to be two different breeds, actually hairlessness is a dominant trait within this one single breed. The Hairless variety has soft, humanlike skin, as well as tufts of fur on its paws ("socks") and tail ("plume") and long, flowing hair on its head ("crest").
Both varieties have a broad skull and a long muzzle. Eyes are dark and ears are erect. The two varieties are often found in the same litter.
Average height and weight (mature size and weight): 11-13 inches, 9-10 pounds
Color / coat variations: The Powderpuff variety of the breed shares the crest and build of the Hairless, but in addition has a full coat of long soft hair. The Powderpuff is usually shaved around the snout as a standard cut. The Hairless variety can vary in amount of body hair. It may have fur on the muzzle, known as a beard and hair on the head, tail, and paws.
The difference between a relatively ‘hairy’ Hairless and a Powderpuff is that the Hairless has a single coat, often with hairless parts on the body.
Care
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Litter size: 2-5 puppies
Grooming and shedding: Chinese Cresteds are generally very clean. They have no odor and are not prone to fleas or ticks. The Powerpuff’s long, double coat requires regular brushing, especially when the dog is shedding. Its wooly undercoat may become matted if neglected. The Hairless is bathed more frequently and a little oil or cream is massaged into the skin to keep it supple.
Food habits: Chinese Crested dogs thrive best on a balanced diet of dry food, fresh meat, and raw bones. Like other small breeds of dog, the Chinese Crested will often take their food away and eat it one piece at a time.
Climate and environment: This breed is suitable for apartment life. They are fairly active indoors. This breed, especially the hairless variety, is susceptible to extremes of cold and hot weather. They may need to wear protective woolens in cold weather.
Temperament
Behavioral aspects: Chinese Cresteds are intelligent and sensitive dogs. They tend to become attached to their owners and may find it difficult to adjust to a new one. They are entertaining companions. They are also alert, and make good watchdogs.
With children: They are affectionate with older well-behaved children. Children may need to be taught not to be rough with it, as it does not have protective hair and is vulnerable to injury.
With other dogs and animals: The breed gets along well with other dogs and animals that have been raised with it.
Training and learning rate: The Chinese Crested has a high rate of learning. However, housebreaking may be difficult. Early socialization is necessary to prevent excessive timidity. Puppies need to be socialized, including exposing them to loud noises, to grow into well-adjusted dogs later. They are capable of performing tricks if trained.
Activity Level
Agility: The Chinese Crested is quite agile and active. With proper training, they can do well in agility.
Affinity to water: The Chinese Crested is not very fond of water but may enjoy an occasional swim. Close supervision is necessary when this dog enters water.
How noisy are they: The breed does not bark much.
Exercise: Regular exercise is necessary for all dog breeds. However, the exercise requirements of a Chinese Crested are less compared to many other breeds. A daily walk and a few play sessions are sufficient to keep them healthy and happy.
Health issues: Chinese Cresteds can be prone to: Patellar Luxation, an inheritable condition which is caused by shallow knee joints (stifles) and results in kneecaps that pop out of place; Legge Calve Parthes Disease (LCP), a hip problem which can cause lameness at approximately one year of age; eye problems such as Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitus sicca), Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Lens Luxation.
The exposed skin of the Hairless variety needs special care to prevent skin problems and irritations. Lighter colored or pink Hairless Cresteds (or any hairless breed) need to be protected with sunscreen during summer and have to be kept warm during the winter. Many Chinese Cresteds are also allergic to lanolin and wool.
Fortunately, through careful breeding, the teeth on the Hairless Crested have improved considerably over the last 15 or so years - as has the quality of the skin. A few will still have the primitive looking teeth and/or forward pointing K9s (ie tusks). But you'll find many hairless now without the tusk-like K9s. Even those with few teeth can manage bones. Overfeeding this breed can lead to obesity.
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