There are two types of Chinese crested dog: the powderpuff and hairless. As the names imply, the powderpuff has a long, soft coat of fur, while the hairless only has hair around the face, ears, tail, and feet. To clear up a point of confusion, the hairless and powderpuff versions are not separate Chinese dog breeds.
Height (Male)9 to 13 inchesHeight (Female)9 to 11 inchesWeight (Male)5 to 12 poundsWeight (Female)5 to 12 pounds
The Chinese crested dog is a fairly healthy breed with only a few significant health problems. Among the most common, it is prone to several eye diseases, including retinal atrophy (a degenerative condition), lens luxation (in which the lens becomes detached from the rest of the eye), and glaucoma (damaged optical nerves).
– Eye Diseases – Allergic Reactions or Skin Problems – Cancer – Patellar luxation (also known as trick knee)
The Chinese crested dog is a gentle, good-natured, and affectionate breed that will bond deeply with its owner. No matter your living situation, the dog’s intelligent and adaptable personality makes it very alert and attentive to its owner and surroundings. This is a very versatile breed, ideal for training and teaching tricks.
Pet owners should be aware of the time and effort required to take care of this breed. Although not quite as high maintenance as some dog breeds, the Chinese crested dog does have its own unique challenges, including its sensitive skin. It is a good idea to have your puppy screened by the breeder or later at the vet for early signs of health problems.
The Chinese crested dog should be fed a high-quality diet to supports a moderately active lifestyle. It is also a good idea to hand out occasional treats to encourage its training. However, you should carefully monitor its calorie intake, because this breed is prone to weight gain.
The Chinese crested dog has its own particular grooming challenges. Obviously, the hairless variety requires comparatively little grooming and maintenance, but because the skin is so sensitive, it is a good idea to apply lotion as needed to stop or prevent dry or chafing skin. You should also apply sunscreen whenever you take the dog out in the sun. Because of its minimal shedding, this is a good hypoallergenic dog.
The Chinese crested dog is a very intelligence breed and receptive to training. The ease with which it follows commands and the affection it has for its owner should make training a relative breeze, especially if trained from a younger age.
The Chinese crested dog requires only a moderate amount of exercise and play time every day. Short brisk walks should suffice to release some of its excess energy.