Chinese Crested

also known as Puff, Crested, Chinese Crested

Pros History


The Chinese Crested is a breed of dog that has a unique and fascinating history. The breed can trace its origins back to ancient China, where it was developed as a companion animal for Chinese nobility. The Chinese Crested is believed to have been bred from the African Hairless Terrier and the Chinese Palace Dog, both of which were brought to China by traders and sailors.

The Chinese Crested was highly valued by Chinese nobility for its small size and unique appearance. The breed is known for its distinctive hairless body, with the exception of a tuft of hair on the head, tail, and paws, which is referred to as a "crest." This crest, along with the breed's hairless body, made it highly sought after by Chinese nobles who believed that the crest and hairlessness symbolized good luck and prosperity.

As the breed developed, it became known for its intelligence, affectionate nature, and adaptability, which made it a popular choice as a companion animal. The Chinese Crested was also used as a ratter to keep ships, homes, and businesses free of rodents.

The Chinese Crested has been well received in the Western world since it was first introduced in the late 19th century. The breed's unique and distinctive appearance, along with its affectionate and adaptable nature, have made it a popular choice as a companion animal.

The Chinese Crested has been recognized by major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1991 and 2001 respectively. It is also a popular choice in dog shows, particularly in the toy group, where it competes against other small breeds.

The breed has also gained popularity in recent years as a therapy dog. Due to its small size and friendly nature, the Chinese Crested is well-suited for visits to hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities where it can bring comfort and joy to those in need.

Breed Information


Type

Is Chinese Crested a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Chinese Cresteds originally used for?

ratter

Lifespan

How Long Do Chinese Cresteds Live? What is average life expectancy for a Chinese Crested? How long can Chinese Cresteds live?

12-14 years

The average Chinese Crested lifespan is somewhere between 12-14 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Chinese Crested Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Chinese Crested?

What is the average height of a Chinese Crested? How big is a Purebred Chinese Crested height? Chinese Crested dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 11-13 inches (27.9 - 33 cm) 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) 12.0 inches (30.5 cm) 12.0 inches (30.5 cm)
Female 11-13 inches (27.9 - 33 cm) 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) 12.0 inches (30.5 cm) 12.0 inches (30.5 cm)
What is the average weight of a Chinese Crested? How much should Chinese Cresteds weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 5-12 pounds (2 - 5 kg) 5.0 pounds (2 kg) 7.0 pounds (3 kg) 8.5 pounds (4 kg)
Female 5-12 pounds (2 - 5 kg) 5.0 pounds (2 kg) 7.0 pounds (3 kg) 8.5 pounds (4 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Chinese Cresteds get fat easily?

The Chinese Crested is a dog breed that has a low to average risk for obesity. This means that they are less likely to gain weight than some breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

Hypoallergenic

Are Chinese Cresteds Hypoallergenic?

Yes

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Chinese Cresteds are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Temperament

What is a Chinese Crested personality? What are Chinese Crested dogs best known for?

Affectionate
Happy
Playful
Alert
Lively
Sweet
Tempered

Shedding Level

Are Chinese Cresteds heavy shedders? How Much Does a Chinese Crested Shed?

Chinese Crested will shed a negligible amount of hair. Some owners say that they do not shed, but that is not true. But the amount of shedding can be rather light than other dog breeds. If you do not want to deal with the hairs flying around in your home, then this breed is a perfect choice for you.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Chinese Crested dog?

Chinese Cresteds are not the best watchdogs. If you want a guard dog, the Chinese Crested is not the breed for you. They will 'watch' everything - but that's usually as far as they go.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Chinese Cresteds come from?

China

Ancestry

What are Chinese Cresteds descended from?

mexican hairless, chihuahua

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Chinese Crested breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club

Date of Birth

When were Chinese Cresteds first bred? How old is the Chinese Crested breed?

1200s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Chinese Crested?

Toy (AKC:1991)
Companion Breeds (UKC)

Chinese Crested Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Chinese Crested eyes?

Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Chinese Crested nose be naturally?

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Chinese Crested coat be naturally?

Black
Brown
Cream
Blue

Coat Length

How long is a Chinese Cresteds coat?

The coat of a Chinese Crested is longer than that of the typical dog.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Chinese Crested Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Chinese Crested?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Chinese Crested have in a litter? How many puppies can a Chinese Crested have in her first litter?

12-14 puppies per pregnancy

A Chinese Crested can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Chinese Crested dogs generally adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments, but it is considered as an average level of adaptability compared to other breeds.

Chinese Crested Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Chinese Cresteds have a lot of health problems?

The Chinese Crested is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Chinese Crested?

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Chinese Cresteds?

Skin Problems
Contact Allergy
Dentition Problems

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Chinese Crested breed?

Skin Scraping
Dental Examination
Physical Examination
Allergy Tests

Chinese Crested Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Chinese Cresteds have a lot of energy?

Chinese Cresteds may be a good breed for those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. They tend to have a lower energy level than other breeds of dogs.

Social Needs

Do Chinese Cresteds need socialization? How social are Chinese Cresteds?

Chinese Crested have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Chinese Cresteds get?

The Chinese Cresteds a breed that requires only a small amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people with busy lifestyles, elderly people or those who have limited mobility. They also make great pets for those who live in small apartments or have limited outdoor space.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Chinese Crested have? Do Chinese Cresteds sleep a lot?

The Chinese Crested breed is known for their relaxed and calm nature and tendency to sleep for long periods of time.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Chinese Crested drool a lot?

The Chinese Crested is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

Chinese Crested dogs tends to bark less frequently than most other dogs. They tend to be quieter and less vocal than other breeds. They may only bark when necessary, such as to alert their owner of something or to communicate something. They do not bark excessively, and may not bark as much as other dogs in certain situations, such as when they are left alone.

Territorial

Do Chinese Cresteds exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

Chinese Crested dogs are known for being average at defending. They possess the capability to defend their territory or owners, but it is not their primary trait. They are not the best choice for guard dogs

Mouthiness

Are Chinese Cresteds mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Chinese Crested running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Chinese Crested dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Chinese Cresteds enjoy doing? How do I keep my Chinese Crested busy?

Cuddle, Pets, Being Spoiled

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Chinese Crested? How much energy does a Chinese Crested have?

Medium

Chinese Cresteds are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Chinese Crested walk each week? How many miles should a Chinese Crested walk every week?

6 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Chinese Crested, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Chinese Crested should exercise a day? How much activity does a Chinese Crested need?

30 minutes

In general most Chinese Cresteds usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Chinese Crested?

The Chinese Crested is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Chinese Crested?

Daily

Ideally, Chinese Crested should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Chinese Cresteds?

Pin Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Chinese Crested eat?

0.8 cups

For an average 5-12 pound (2 - 5 kg) Chinese Crested feed 0.8 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Chinese Crested Cost Daily?

$1.10 - $1.40 / day

The average cost of a Chinese Crested is somewhere $1.10 - $1.40 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Chinese Crested Cost Per Month?

$28 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Chinese Crested is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Chinese Crested Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Chinese Crested?

The Chinese Crested have below the average degree of obedience intelligence among other breeds. However, calling them “dumb dogs” is unfair. Where Chinese Cresteds lack in obedience & working intelligence, they make up for it with their keen ability to understand human emotions.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Chinese Crested dog?

This dog breed is particularly attuned to its environment and the emotions of those around it. It can be easily overwhelmed by loud noises, new environments, and unfamiliar people or animals. This dog is best suited for individuals or families who are patient, gentle, and understanding of its sensitive nature. It may also benefit from a calm and stable home environment, with a consistent routine and plenty of positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Chinese Crested dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Chinese Crested do well in apartments? Are Chinese Cresteds good indoor dogs?

Chinese Cresteds are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Chinese Cresteds good with kids? Are Chinese Cresteds good around children?

Chinese Cresteds are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Are Chinese Cresteds good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Chinese Cresteds good with cats? How friendly Chinese Cresteds are toward cats?

Chinese Cresteds are one of the best dogs for cats. They're accept cats readily as part of the family. However, this dog breed should be trained to not chase after the kitty early on

Dog Friendly

Do Chinese Crested dogs get along with other dogs? Are Chinese Cresteds OK with other dogs?

Chinese Cresteds are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Chinese Crested dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Chinese Cresteds friendly with strangers?

Chinese Cresteds are friendly dogs and won't commonly bark at strangers. However, if you wish to change this, training them is easy. With their intelligence, teaching this breed to do anything is pretty simple.

Playfulness

Do Chinese Cresteds like to play? Are Chinese Cresteds playful?

Chinese Cresteds have an average level of playfulness. The Chinese Cresteds, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Chinese Crested easily trained?

Chinese Crested dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Hypoallergenic
    Due to their hypoallergenic properties, Chinese Cresteds may be a safer option for those with allergies.
  • Small size
    Chinese Crested dogs are small in size, making them suitable for apartment living.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
    The Chinese Crested's has a low to the average risk for overweight.
  • Minimal to no shedding
    The Chinese Crested breed is known for having minimal to no shedding of hair.
  • Quiet
    This breed is known for being relatively peaceful, making it a good choice if you're looking for a quieter dog.
  • Cat Friendly
    Chinese Crested dogs are comfortable around cats.
  • Affectionate
    Chinese Crested dogs are affectionate and loving towards their owners.
  • Good with children
    Chinese Crested dogs are typically good with children and make good family pets.

Cons

  • Not suitable for office environment
    Chinese Cresteds may not thrive in an office setting
  • Prone to certain health issues
    Chinese Crested dogs are prone to certain health issues such as dental problems, skin allergies and eye problems.