Alert and playful companion, sociable with other pets including dogs and well going with strangers, Chinese Crested dogs are gentle and intelligent. The breed is hypoallergenic and minimal shedder, well suited with personnel having dog allergies; however, the Chinese Crested dog itself is prone to some skin irritations. Somewhat independent and stubborn, they are hard to housetrain. Bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer, its demeanor is well appreciated. Gentle to children but needs supervision while with young kids, the breed is quite sensitive lap dog that thrives when touched with family.

Being of delicate or thin build and fine-boned, the Chinese Crested dog ranks high in elegant and gracious breeds. Rectangular in shape, they are slightly longer than tall. Gracious and agile, its gait is lively and energetic. Its expressions are alert and intense. Hairless variety bears uniqueness while having soft and shiny long hairs around head, tail and lower halves of legs only, rest of the coat is smooth short and hairless. The puffed variety contains soft and silky hairs on entire body with moderate density and medium length, sometimes referred as Powder-puff variety. The breed is available in varying colors and combinations.

The Chinese Crested dog is believed to be descended from African hairless dogs, this breed is accompanied by Chinese sailors onboard ships to catch vermin. During 19th century this breed got introduced to Europe and participated in American dog shows in late 1800s. Ancient tribes of America (Aztecs) had used this breed as bed warmers. Lack of support by any national club the dog faced some extinction and was banned to be shown by AKC due to very small numbers. First breed club for these dogs was established in America during 1979, thereafter, the number increased to sufficient. The breed is recognized by American Kennel Club in 1991. Although no danger of defunctness yet considered rare breed sometimes.

Temperament

Hairless dogs amongst the two varieties are very popular and found rare as compared to puffed one. The breed is lively, cheerful and stylish, well going with other pets, affordable with dogs but needs socialization. Playful and gentle with family children, these dogs thrives when in family, children should be taught to handle the dog with care, the puppies do not possess extreme patience to childish irritation. .

Hairless variety has thin skin and is prone to injuries due to lack of protective hairs whereas puffed is found susceptible to some skin allergies which is not common in other haired breeds. The outsider and active, this dog is much noisy, tricky and amusing. They love to dig, jump and climb; eager to play in yards. Puppies tend to timid and reserved with strangers, such issues should be addressed early. Ardent companions and energetic clown, they would need your attentions during running and walks to satisfy their physical and mental stimulation. Chinese Crested dogs are intelligent and obedient breed, quite amiable and submissive to human leadership.The breed is willing to romp in yard, playful games indoors; they are sensitive to cold weathers and need to be kept warm especially the hairless variety. Family oriented, this breed is not made for outdoor life. Fine boney structure needs attention, puppyhood training should be carefully planned, do not let the dog to jump from high points to avoid any possible bone injuries.