Breed Information: Chinese Crested

Breed Description: The Chinese Crested dog is unusual looking and comes in two varieties. The first is "the Hairless" which is almost completely hairless except for a crest of fur on its head, a tuft on its tail called a plume and fur around his feet known as "socks". The second is the Powderpuff, which has long silky hair.

Group: Toy group

Purpose of Breed: Companionship

Country of Origin: Africa

Average Size: Ranges from 9-12 inches and 5-12 pounds

Color(s): Both varieties come in a variety of colors including solid and spotted.

Coat Type: The hairless Chinese crested has silky flowing hair on the head (the crest), the tail (plume) and on the feet up to the first joint on the legs (socks). The Powerpuff variety is completely covered with a double coat that consists of a short, silky undercoat covered by an outer-coat of long, silky thin hair.

Grooming: The hairless variety requires a small amount of lotion or massage oil to keep its skin smooth and supple and is suitable for people with allergies. The Powderpuff requires daily brushing. Both varieties of this breed require standard care for eyes, ears, pads and nails.

Exercise Needs: The Chinese Crested breed needs and enjoys regular daily exercise, and can be happy in an apartment if regularly allowed to play outdoors. They like to dig and climb so are safest when supervised in an enclosed area or walked on a lead.

Temperament: This breed is highly intelligent and known for thier ability to be taught to perform tricks. They thrive on human companionship, but can become nervous and neurotic if overly coddled. They enjoy the company of children and other family pets.

Common Ailments: The hairless varieties need to be protected from sunburn when outdoors, have allergies to lanolin and wool and are prone to losing teeth.

Life Expectancy: Averages 10-12 years.

Trivia: Chinese Crested Dogs were once used by sailors at sea to hunt rodents on ships during to prevent the spread of the plague.

More Information: American Chinese Crested Club, Inc.