Description: The Chinese Crested is a fine-boned, elegant and graceful dog who makes a loving companion, playful and entertaining. Chinese Cresteds adore food and will leap about in anticipation of a tiny bite. They are friendly, affable, and entertaining. They will be devoted to their owners, and largely enjoy the company of humans. There are two types, the Hairless with hair plumes only on the head, tail and feet, and the Powderpuff who is completely covered with hair. A friendly family dog, the Chinese Crested is not aggressive towards children or other animals. Chinese Cresteds are known for their ability to "hug", as they can cling with their toes toys, food, or even people. Often the breeding of only hairless dogs to hairless dogs create toenail and teeth abnormalities, and therefore are most likely more healthy if bred a hairless to a powderpuff. They do not make good kennel dogs, because they love the companionship of a home. They do best as a one dog family and sometimes do not like to be over-handled by strangers. Odorless and hairless, they are a very low maintenance breed.

Other Names: Chinese Hairless, Chinese Edible Dog, Chinese Ship Dog, Chinese Royal Hairless. In Egypt it was called the Pyramid or Giza Hairless, and in Africa it was called the South African Hairless, and in Turkey it was known was the Turkish Hairless.

Type: Companion Dog

Height: 9 - 13 inches.
Weight: 5 - 14 lbs., although 12 is max acceptable weight.

Colors: Chinese Cresteds can be any color or combination of colors. The hairless have skin that is often pink and dark grey with spots.
Coat: Hairless - tufts of long, soft hair only on head, feet and tail. Tail is plumed. Powderpuff - double, long, straight outer coat, soft, silky undercoat.

Temperament: Chinese Cresteds are affectionate, lively, intelligent, alert, inquisitive. They love to be around people and will beg endlessly for a small scrap of food. They are not aggressive, but some do not like to be handled excessively. They are known for their grasping paws, able to hold onto toys, good and even to hug a human. They are good with kids and other pets, but are not good for security due to their affectionate nature. They are devoted, playful and should be socialized. Chinese Cresteds outward appearance certainly deceives their inner heart.
With Children: Good, they are friendly towards people and love to be around them.
With Pets: Good, they are friendly to most pets, but should be socialized.
Special Skills: Companionship dog.

Watch-dog: Low. Chinese Cresteds are very friendly towards everyone.
Guard-dog: Low.

Care and Training: Weekly grooming of the Powderpuff Chinese Cresteds. Hairless Chinese Cresteds needs only skin massaged regularly with cream. They may become sticky and dirty in hot weather as they perspire. Hairless Chinese Cresteds should also not be left in bright sunlight because their skin may burn. Both need minimal exercise. Hairless must be kept warm, especially during winter months.
Learning Rate: High intelligence. They have average trainability, as they can have a mind of their own. Training with food may be better, since Cresteds love to eat.

Activity: Moderate. Cresteds are toy dogs, often used as lap dogs. They will play and need a good romp or short walk every day, although they are not highly active.
Special Needs: Attention, protection from sunburn and from cold weather, skin care and socialization.
Living Environment: Apartment or home would be best, they are not an outdoor or kennel breed. The best owner for this breed would be an individual or family that lives in a city or suburban home. Chinese Cresteds do not do well in extreme hot or cold weather, and protection should be given on days of this kind. Their skin can get sunburned and their bodies may get too cold due to lack of fur.

Health Issues: Eye problems such as lens luxation, glaucoma and PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), luxating patellas, Legg-Perthes disease and skin allergies. Often if two hairless dogs are bred together, some of the puppies are born with missing teeth and claws. Other health concerns include liver shunts and dental problems.