What Are the Traits and Care Requirements of the Chinese Crested Dog?

November 18, 2025

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Hairless Chinese Crested with spotted skin and a white crest
Photo: Jasmine2501 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Image credits

Chinese Crested: exposed skin and a Powderpuff coat need different care

The Chinese Crested includes hairless and fully coated Powderpuff dogs. Those two appearances create different maintenance jobs within one breed. Daily outings and play need planning alongside either exposed-skin care or regular work through the soft coat.

Two appearances within the standard

FCI and earlier UK descriptions give ideal heights of 28–33 cm for males and 23–30 cm for females. The UK size section additionally limits weight to 5.4 kg; the FCI size section here supplies no numerical weight. Keep that distinction when comparing size.

The body is medium to long with a level back and chest reaching the elbows. The hairless variety has furnishings on the head, feet and tail. The Powderpuff has undercoat beneath a soft veil of long hair. The UK short-coat overview does not describe both maintenance jobs on its own.

Powderpuff brushing and hairless skin care

The AKC recommends daily brushing for the Powderpuff because the coat can mat quickly. Its shorter undercoat beneath longer outer hair still needs attention. The UK weekly grooming category should be read alongside that more specific full-coat routine.

For the hairless variety, the AKC emphasises exposed-skin care and protection from sun. Speak with a veterinarian about suitable products and a routine for that individual skin, so exposed skin receives appropriate attention alongside the furnishings.

Short walks and shared play

The UK exercise category is up to half an hour, with a flat or apartment and small or medium garden in either setting. The AKC suggests daily short walks and outdoor play, with appropriate sun protection for exposed skin. Plan the outing and skin care together instead of judging the commitment solely by hair length.

Compare very different coat layers

The Pekingese has coarse outer hair and thick, soft undercoat with a substantial brushing job. The Papillon has long furnishings without undercoat. Neither coat is a substitute model for the Powderpuff veil, and neither removes the hairless dog’s own skin-care needs.

Sources and further reading

Chinese Crested at a glance

These earlier UK breed guides are starting points for comparison. Details may have changed, and individual dogs vary.

Breed group
Toy
Size
Small
Daily exercise
Up to 30 minutes per day
Grooming frequency
Once a week
Coat length
Short
Sheds
Yes
Suggested home size
Flat / apartment
Town or country
Town or country
Garden recommendation
Small / medium garden
Lifespan
Over 12 years

The Kennel Club breed guide

FCI breed standard

Standard guidance describes the breed ideal; individual dogs vary.

Origin
China
Group
9 - Companion and Toy Dogs
Section
4 - Hairless breeds
Variety covered
Hairless and Powder Puff
Height
Males: Ideal: 28–33 cm; Females: Ideal: 23–30 cm
Weight
Not specified in this standard

Hairless and Powder Puff Chinese Cresteds share these height ideals. This FCI edition gives no weight, unlike the earlier UK snapshot’s upper figure.

Official FCI standard (PDF)
Standard effective from 2026-09-08; checked 2026-10-15

About Gabor

Gabor creates clear, practical dog guides that help owners understand breeds, behavior, and daily care. His goal is to make responsible dog ownership easier.

Coat varieties

Powderpuff Chinese Crested

Powderpuff Chinese Crested sitting indoors with a full soft coat
Photo: Bjarki781 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image credits

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