Chinese Crested

The Chinese crested is a toy dog breed best known in two coat varieties: hairless and powderpuff. Hairless dogs usually have soft skin with hair on the head crest, feet, and tail, while powderpuffs carry a full, fine coat; both types can occur in the same litters because of the inheritance of the hairless trait. The breed's deeper origin is debated, but it developed as a small companion and shipboard-type dog associated in modern naming with China. It is light boned, expressive, and comes in many skin and coat colors.

Care differs sharply between the two varieties. Hairless Chinese cresteds need skin protection from sunburn, cold, acne, and irritation from harsh products, and some have dentition linked to the hairless gene. Powderpuffs require regular combing because their coat can mat close to the skin. Both benefit from gentle training; many are sensitive, social dogs rather than rough-and-tumble toys. Buyers should look for breeders who understand eye, knee, and dental issues and who do not confuse lack of coat with low maintenance. Rescue dogs may need patient acclimation to clothing, grooming, or handling.

Colors: Apricot, Bicolor, Black, Black and Tan, Black and White, Black Mask, Blue, Blue and Tan, Blue Merle, Blue Roan, Blue Tick, Brindle, Brown, Brown and Tan, Brown and White, Chocolate, Cream, Dapple, Domino, Fawn, Fawn and White, Gold, Gray, Harlequin, Irish Marked, Liver, Liver Mask, Mantle, Mask, Merle, Mottled, Parti-Color, Piebald, Red, Red and White, Red Merle, Red Roan, Red Tick, Reverse Brindle, Roan, Sable, Saddle, Silver, Speckled, Spotted, Tan, Ticked, Tricolor, Tuxedo, White, White and Black, White and Chocolate, White and Cream, White and Red, Yellow