Chinese Crested Guide

Breed characteristics and background

What it is and what it covers The Chinese Crested is a small Toy breed with two coat presentations: the Hairless type, with hair on characteristic areas, and the Powderpuff, which has a soft veil of hair.

Exercise, training and suitability

Key facts and specifications The Royal Kennel Club breed standard gives ideal heights of approximately 28–33 cm for dogs and 23–30 cm for bitches and states that weight should not exceed 5.4 kg in the standard. Practical guidance

Health, grooming and responsible ownership

Hairless dogs require careful skin management and protection from excessive sun and cold. Powderpuffs require regular brushing to prevent matting. Dental hygiene is particularly important, and nails should be kept appropriately trimmed. Suitability, choices and limitations The breed can suit smaller homes but still benefits from exercise, play and training. The Hairless variety is not a maintenance-free option: skin care and temperature management can add responsibility. UK-specific considerations Current Royal Kennel Club health guidance recommends responsible breeding and appropriate genetic testing. The breed's current health information includes testing for primary lens luxation and progressive retinal atrophy. Safety, risks and cautions Avoid prolonged unprotected sun exposure and extremes of temperature. Skin lesions, persistent dental problems, eye abnormalities or unexplained discomfort should be assessed by a vet. Prospective owners should also ask about health history and breed-relevant screening. The Kennel Club's Health Standard explains that health priorities and tests are considered on a breed-by-breed basis, so buyers should check the current breed information and discuss relevant results with the breeder. A breed guide cannot predict an individual dog^★'s health.