Chinese Crested
About the Chinese Crested
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Small (10-25 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 11-13" |
| Weight | 8-12 lbs |
| Coat Type | Hairless |
| Coat Length | Short |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | Yes |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Low (under 30 min/day)
20 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
Moderate - Weekly
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Moderate mental stimulation needed
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$2,500 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,000/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Chinese Cresteds may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Families with Children
- Apartment Living
- First-Time Owners
- Allergy Sufferers
May Not Be Ideal For
- Long Work Hours Away
Guides for your Chinese Crested
The story behind the Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested's origins are genuinely murky. Hairless dogs arose in several parts of the world, and the traditional account holds that Chinese maritime traders kept small hairless dogs aboard ships as ratters and companions, distributing them along trade routes; firm documentation for this is thin, and some researchers point instead to hairless dogs of the Americas as ancestors. The modern breed took shape in the West, particularly in the United States and Britain during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, where dedicated fanciers, including a small number of well-known breeders and entertainers, maintained breeding programs. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1991. Today the Crested is exclusively a companion, shown and kept in both hairless and coated forms.
Originally bred for: Companion, Lapdog, Ship ratter. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Chinese Crested
Skin condition is central here, so favor diets supplying good-quality fats and omega fatty acids, especially for hairless dogs. Portions stay modest given the light frame, and small, easily chewed pieces suit mouths with incomplete dentition.
Watch for: Hairless dogs are prone to skin flare-ups and blackhead-like bumps that some owners tie to greasy or sugary extras; missing teeth also limit hard chews. Such links stay anecdotal, so seek veterinary input before changing food.
Not sure what to put in the bowl? See our picks for the best dog food for small breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Chinese Crested
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a comfortable no-pull harness.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.