Chinese Crested

Coat and looks how to spot one

two varieties: Hairless and Powder Puff (both can be born in the same litter)

A small, fine-boned and graceful toy dog. The Hairless has smooth, bare skin on the body, with soft silky hair only on the head (the crest, which can run down the neck), the tail (the plume) and the feet (the socks). The Powder Puff is covered all over in a soft, straight double coat of long, fine hair over a short undercoat. The FCI describes two builds, a slim, racy 'deer type' and a sturdier, heavier-boned 'cobby type'. The feet are long and narrow, a shape known as a hare foot.893

Personality what they are like

A happy, alert little companion that bonds very closely with its people and loves being near them. It is lively and fun at play but otherwise content to curl up on the sofa, and it has a charming cat-like habit of perching on the arm or back of a chair. The FCI standard sums it up as good-natured and never aggressive.89611

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Modest. Short daily walks plus indoor play, up to about 30 minutes a day, cover its needs. Despite its size it is athletic and does well in agility.107511

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Depends on the variety. The Hairless needs regular baths, moisturiser for the skin, dog-safe sunscreen when outdoors and a jumper or coat in cold weather; stray body hair can be trimmed or removed. The Powder Puff needs brushing several times a week, or daily, to keep the long coat free of tangles, and benefits from occasional professional grooming. Both need regular nail trims, ear cleaning and tooth brushing.675

Home where they are happiest

An indoor dog that is well suited to flats and small homes. It should be kept out of strong sun and harsh cold, and it is happiest in a household where someone is around for much of the day.6105

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, good-quality commercial dog food. Adults usually eat two meals a day, morning and evening, and puppies three or four small meals. Portion size depends on age, weight and activity, so check it with a vet.7

Company who they like around

Very people-focused and happiest with close, regular company. It is best not left alone often or for long, and gentle handling suits it well.6

The story where it all began

Where the Chinese Crested truly began is still an open question. The FCI and The Royal Kennel Club tie it to China as far back as the Han Dynasty, when larger dogs of the type were used for hunting and guarding. The AKC's view is that it came from African hairless dogs that Chinese breeders made smaller, and that Chinese sailors kept the dogs on board as ratters and traded puppies in ports around the world, which may explain why Spanish explorers reported similar dogs in Mexico and Central and South America in the 1500s. The breed was shown in England in the 1850s and 1860s and appeared at American shows from about 1885 until 1926, then largely vanished from the show ring for roughly 50 years. A few devoted people kept it going: New York journalist Ida Garrett promoted hairless dogs for some 60 years, Debra Woods (also spelled Debora Wood) ran the Crest Haven kennel and kept the stud books that became the American Hairless Dog Club, and entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee bred them too. Her dogs later joined the Crest Haven line, which underpins today's breed. Interest picked up again in the 1970s, the FCI accepted the breed in 1972, the American Chinese Crested Club formed in 1979 and the AKC granted full recognition on 1 April 1991.8110234

Recognised by the official bits

FCI

Standard No. 288, Group 9 Companion and Toy Dogs, Section 4 Hairless Dogs; definitive acceptance 17 Jul 1972; current standard published 27 Jul 2021; varieties Hairless and Powder Puff; country of patronage Great Britain1

AKC

Toy Group; Miscellaneous Class from September 1985, full recognition 1 Apr 1991; current standard approved 12 Jun 19902

UKC

Companion Dog Group; recognised 1 Jan 19953

The Royal Kennel Club

Toy Group; hairless and fully coated Powder Puff varieties10

American Chinese Crested Club

US parent breed club, founded 19792

Popularity Ranked 72nd of AKC-registered breeds in 2025.12