Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is a great dog for people that enjoy being at home. These little guys do not have as much desire to go outside like other dogs, and they will be more than happy to hang out on the couch all day. That being said, they are surprisingly athletic when they are let outside and can jump extremely high for their size. Keep an eye on your pup when they are off-leash because if they escape from the enclosure, it will not be easy to catch them!

Despite their name, these dogs did not originate from China. They are believed to have evolved from African or Mexican hairless dogs, the specifics are not entirely clear. The Chinese took this breed and reduced its size to form the Chinese Crested that we are familiar with today. The breed was developed as a ratter for ports where there would often be a lot of exposed merchandise. The Crested was accompanying Chinese sailors on the high seas all the way back in 1530! The dogs were a commodity themselves and were often traded between various port cities. This breed can be found in port cities all around the world up until this day.

These exotic-looking pups can weigh up to 12 pounds and come in two varieties. The “Hairless” type has silky hair only on the top of their head, their tail, and the bottom half of their legs. The ”Powderpuff” type has a regular full coat. Interestingly, these two types can be found in the same litter. The Hairless Crested can withstand unbelievable amounts of heat for extended periods, however, they have zero tolerance for cold. Make sure to get your pup a nice warm jacket before taking them out in the winter!

The Chinese Crested does not do particularly well with strangers. They are usually timid and fearful around people that they are not familiar with and can even bite if they are not trained properly. The Crested may not love strangers however they become extremely attached to their humans, sometimes too attached. These little guys will want to follow you everywhere you go, even under the covers at night. Some people may find the neediness of this breed a little bit overwhelming, but for many, the companionship that they receive from their Crested is just what they need to get them through the day.