Chinese Crested Dogs comprise a breed of hairless dog belonging to the toy group. Despite its name, Chinese Crested Dogs most likely did not originate in China. It is believed that they instead originated in Africa, though they share genetic material with Mexican Hairless Dogs, surrounding their precise origin with greater mystery. All modern Chinese Crested Dogs can be traced back to Crest Haven, a kennel established in the 1950s.

There are two varieties of Chinese Crested Dog: hairless and powderpuff. Hairless Chinese Crested Dogs have no hair except for a crest on their heads, hair on their paws, and a plume of hair on their tails. Their skin is soft and similar to that of humans. Powderpuff Chinese Crested Dogs have long, silky coats. Both varieties display a wide range of coat and skin colors and color combinations, and may display any pattern on their hair and, in the case of hairless dogs, skin.

Chinese Crested Dogs tend to measure around nine to 12 inches in height and weigh five to 10 pounds. They have dainty builds and long, thin tails; wedge-shaped heads; large ears that stand erect; tapered muzzles; and almond-shaped eyes.

Chinese Crested Dogs have pleasant dispositions; they are friendly, affectionate, and playful. They are alert and intelligent, and are quite obedient and trainable when properly socialized. While well-mannered, they may be timid if improperly socialized, particularly when in the company of strangers. They tend not to bark, but will take note of new surroundings and will often alert you to their presence.

Though they are fairly active indoors, Chinese Crested Dogs' small size makes them well-suited to life in apartments. They may make use of a yard if one is available, but they do not need one to be content. They have a relatively high exercise requirement, and must go on daily walks as well as engage in play to fulfill it. Chinese Crested Dogs tend to be good with children, making them a great choice of family dog.

Both hairless and powderpuff Chinese Crested Dogs require a fair amount of grooming. While hairless Chinese Crested Dogs do not require brushing, they should be bathed regularly, and should have some cream or oil rubbed into their skin on occasion to keep it healthy and supple. Powderpuff Chinese Crested Dogs require more grooming than their hairless counterparts, requiring regular brushing. Despite their grooming needs, Chinese Crested Dogs are clean and tend not to smell.

There is a small disparity between the health of powderpuff and hairless Chinese Crested Dogs. The powderpuff variety is not prone to many disorders common in toy breeds, but is susceptible to glaucoma. The hairless variety tends to have bad teeth. As a breed, Chinese Crested Dogs are prone to patellar luxation; primary lens luxation, an eye disorder; progressive retinal atrophy; and canine multiple system degeneration, a movement disorder. Chinese Crested Dogs tend to live for 10 to 14 years.