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
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






