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Chinese Crested
Toy breed from China
Breed overview
Reviewed · Database recordAbout the Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a small, elegant toy dog with a fine-boned build. It comes in two distinctive varieties: the Hairless, with soft skin and tufts of hair, and the Powderpuff, with a soft, straight double coat. Based on modelled estimates, adult males and females typically weigh between 3.6 and 5.4 kg and stand 28 to 33 cm tall. Their temperament is described as affectionate, alert, playful, lively, intelligent, and gentle. However, individual dogs may vary. The breed has moderate energy and trainability scores (3 out of 5), and is rated moderately suitable for children, other dogs, and apartment living (3 out of 5). Grooming and shedding scores are also moderate (3 out of 5), but actual needs differ between the two coat varieties.
Quick facts
Chinese Crested at a glance
Sizesmall
Breed groupToy
OriginChina
LifespanPending
Male weight3.6–5.4 kilogram
Female weight3.6–5.4 kilogram
Male height28–33 centimetre
Female height28–33 centimetre
Origin and history
Where the breed comes from
The Chinese Crested is an ancient breed believed to have descended from African or Mexican hairless dogs and was refined in China. Chinese mariners kept these dogs on ships to hunt vermin, and they were traded among port cities worldwide. The breed also served as companions to Chinese nobility and was believed to possess magical healing powers, though these claims are not verified. Its exact origins remain uncertain, and recognition status varies by registry.
Physical characteristics
Structured dataSize, build and coat
Female
3.6–5.4 kilogramAdult weight28–33 centimetreAdult heightCoat typesPendingCoat colorsPendingRecognitionvaries by registryData methodimported
Temperament
Typical breed tendencies
Affectionatealertplayfullivelyintelligentgentle
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Exercise, training and maintenance
1–5 methodologyDaily care profile
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Family suitability
Home and household fit
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Climate suitability
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
Modelled tendency · low confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
Health overview
Veterinary sources requiredHealth considerations
No Chinese Crested-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Veterinary disclaimer: This profile is educational and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a veterinarian.
Feeding overview
Nutrition and feeding
Research in progress
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
Decision support
Potential advantages and challenges
Research in progress
Editorially reviewed pros and cons will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
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Growth chart
Chinese Crested puppy growth
Modeled estimates
Open interactive chart From puppy weight to adult size
Compare male and female growth, check weight by age and estimate mature size.
Adult male weight3.6–5.4 kilogramAdult female weight3.6–5.4 kilogramGrowth modeladult-range-size-model-v1
Preview only. Open the complete chart to adjust age, current weight and measurement units.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
What is the size and lifespan of a Chinese Crested?
Based on modelled estimates, adult Chinese Cresteds typically weigh between 3.6 and 5.4 kg and stand 28 to 33 cm tall. Lifespan data is not provided in the available facts.
What is the temperament of a Chinese Crested?
The breed is described as affectionate, alert, playful, lively, intelligent, and gentle. However, individual dogs may behave differently.
How much exercise does a Chinese Crested need?
The breed has a moderate energy score of 3 out of 5, suggesting moderate exercise needs, but specific requirements are not detailed.
What are the grooming requirements for a Chinese Crested?
Grooming score is 3 out of 5, but actual needs vary: the Hairless variety requires skin care, while the Powderpuff needs regular brushing. Shedding is also moderate (3 out of 5).
Is a Chinese Crested good for apartment living?
The breed has an apartment suitability score of 3 out of 5, indicating moderate suitability, but individual dogs may adapt differently.
Where does the Chinese Crested originate from?
The breed originates from China, though it is believed to have descended from African or Mexican hairless dogs.
Is the Chinese Crested good with children and other dogs?
Child suitability and dog compatibility are both scored 3 out of 5, suggesting moderate compatibility, but individual experiences may vary.
Data transparency
✓ Published · VerifiedSources and review status
APIThe Dog API ↗The Dog API Terms of Service (effective 2023-07-01)
VETERINARY SOURCEWSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines and Toolkit ↗Copyright; factual citation and original summary only
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.