Chinese Crested Chinese Crested

Chinese Crested

11
Affectionate Lively Alert Playful

About the Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested is one of the most visually striking toy breeds, coming in two distinct varieties — the Hairless, with silky hair only on the head, feet, and tail, and the Powderpuff, covered in a soft, flowing double coat. Weighing 8–12 pounds and standing 11–13 inches tall, these elegant dogs likely originated in Africa before being refined by Chinese traders who used them as ratters on ships. The Hairless variety's exposed skin can be solid or spotted in shades of pink, black, slate, and chocolate.

Temperament & Personality

Chinese Cresteds are deeply affectionate and almost cat-like in their love of perching on high surfaces and curling up under blankets. They're remarkably attuned to their owner's emotions — often described as velcro dogs who follow their person from room to room. They generally get along well with other pets and gentle children, though they can be timid around strangers without proper socialization.

Pros

  • Hairless variety is ideal for allergy sufferers — produces minimal dander
  • Low exercise needs — happy with short walks and indoor play sessions
  • Exceptionally clean dogs with virtually no doggy odor
  • Highly adaptable to apartment living and small spaces

Cons

  • Hairless variety requires sunscreen, moisturizer, and skin care to prevent acne and sunburn
  • Prone to dental issues — Hairless variety often has missing or crowded teeth
  • Susceptible to cold temperatures and needs protective clothing in winter
  • Can develop severe separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods

Looking for an affectionate and unique companion? Check out Chinese Crested dogs available for adoption on Puplister.

Chinese Crested Quick Facts

Size
8–12 lbs, 11–13 in
Lifespan
13–18 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes

Is the Chinese Crested right for you?

Answer 5 quick questions to see how well this breed matches your lifestyle.

Take the Quiz

Available Chinese Cresteds

Minnie
Adult 3
Minnie
S

Chinese Crested / Chihuahua

Furry Feet Rescue · Walnutport, PA
Sanders
Adult 4

Chihuahua / Chinese Crested

Animal House Shelter · Huntley, IL

Related Breeds

Shih Tzu
Shih Tzu Dog

33 pets available

42

About the Shih Tzu The Shih Tzu — meaning "lion dog" in Mandarin — was bred for centuries within the walls of the Chinese imperial palace, likely from crosses between the Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese. These small, sturdy dogs stand 9 to 10.5 inches tall and weigh 9 to 16 pounds, with a slightly longer body than they are tall and a proud, flowing gait. Their luxurious double coat grows continuously and can reach floor length, coming in virtually every color and combination, with a distinctive chrysanthemum-like pattern on the face where hair grows in all directions. Temperament & Personality Shih Tzus are affectionate, outgoing, and delightfully playful — bred solely as companion dogs, they have centuries of experience perfecting the art of being a devoted lapdog. They are friendly with nearly everyone, including children, strangers, and other pets, making them one of the most sociable toy breeds available. Shih Tzus are happy, adaptable, and surprisingly sturdy for their size, with a mischievous charm that keeps their families entertained. Pros Exceptionally friendly and sociable with people of all ages and other animalsLow exercise requirements — short walks and indoor play satisfy their needsMinimal shedding when coat is kept in a shorter "puppy clip"Adaptable and content in apartments, condos, and any living situation Cons Long coat demands daily brushing or frequent professional groomingBrachycephalic structure contributes to breathing issues and heat intoleranceProne to eye problems (proptosis, corneal ulcers), ear infections, and dental diseaseCan be stubborn about housetraining — patience and consistency are essential A Shih Tzu's sole mission in life is to love and be loved — find yours waiting on Puplister today.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

36 pets available

42

About the Staffordshire Bull Terrier The Staffordshire Bull Terrier was developed in 19th-century England's Staffordshire region from crosses between Bulldogs and various terriers, originally bred for bull-baiting and later as a compact, agile fighting dog — a history that belies its true nature as a devoted family companion. These muscular, athletic dogs stand 14 to 16 inches tall and weigh 24 to 38 pounds, packed with surprising strength and agility in a compact frame. Their smooth, short coat comes in red, fawn, white, black, blue, or brindle — with or without white markings. Temperament & Personality Staffordshire Bull Terriers are affectionate, courageous, and remarkably gentle with people — earning the nickname "nanny dog" in England for their extraordinary patience and devotion to children. They adore human companionship, are playful well into adulthood, and form intensely loyal bonds with their families. While they can be assertive with other dogs, proper socialization from puppyhood typically produces a confident, well-adjusted adult that gets along with everyone. Pros Exceptionally affectionate and gentle with children and family membersCompact, muscular build well-suited for smaller homes and apartmentsLow-maintenance coat requiring only occasional brushingBrave and loyal — a devoted companion that thrives on human interaction Cons Can be dog-aggressive without careful socialization and managementBreed-specific legislation and housing restrictions in many jurisdictionsProne to hip and elbow dysplasia, L-2 hydroxyglutaric aciduria, and cataractsStrong and powerful — requires owners who can provide firm, consistent leadership Staffies are among the most devoted family dogs in existence — find a Staffordshire Bull Terrier on Puplister and see for yourself.

Yorkshire Terrier

25 pets available

51

About the Yorkshire Terrier The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the mid-19th century in the English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire by working-class weavers who bred small terriers to catch rats in textile mills and coal mines. Despite their current status as a glamorous toy breed, these feisty dogs retain every bit of their terrier courage in a tiny 7-pound, 7-to-8-inch frame. Their signature floor-length, silky coat is steel blue on the body and rich golden tan on the head and legs — a single-layer coat that grows continuously and is remarkably similar to human hair in texture. Temperament & Personality Yorkshire Terriers are bold, confident, and fiercely loyal — they carry themselves with a self-importance that far exceeds their diminutive stature, never hesitating to challenge dogs ten times their size. They are deeply attached to their owners and can be wonderful companions for adults and older children, though their small size and feisty temperament make them a poor fit for rough play with toddlers. Yorkies are intelligent, curious, and entertaining, bringing big-dog energy and attitude to the smallest package in the terrier world. Pros Minimal shedding — silky coat is more similar to hair than furTiny size ideal for apartments, travel, and urban livingBold watchdog temperament — always alert to unusual activityLong lifespan of 11 to 15 years with proper care Cons Fragile — easily injured by falls, being sat on, or rough handlingLong coat demands daily brushing or regular professional groomingProne to tracheal collapse, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, and dental diseaseCan be difficult to housetrain and may develop snappish behavior if overindulged Yorkshire Terriers prove that the best things truly come in small packages — find your Yorkie on Puplister.

Siberian Husky

148 pets available

283

About the Siberian Husky The Siberian Husky was developed over thousands of years by the Chukchi people of northeastern Siberia as an endurance sled dog capable of pulling light loads over vast frozen distances in extreme cold. These athletic, medium-sized dogs stand 20 to 23.5 inches tall and weigh 35 to 60 pounds, with a graceful, effortless gait that reflects their incredible stamina. Their thick double coat comes in virtually every color from pure white to black, often with striking facial markings, and their eyes can be brown, blue, or even one of each (heterochromia). Temperament & Personality Siberian Huskies are friendly, outgoing, and mischievous — pack-oriented dogs that love people and make terrible guard dogs because they greet everyone like a long-lost friend. They are playful and gentle with children and generally good with other dogs, though their high prey drive makes them a risk around cats and small animals. Huskies are intelligent but famously independent, preferring to make their own decisions rather than follow commands — a trait that requires patience and humor from their owners. Pros Friendly, social, and gentle with children and strangers alikeNaturally clean with little doggy odor — self-grooming like a catOutstanding endurance athlete for running, hiking, and winter sportsHealthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 14 years Cons Extreme shedding — blows the entire undercoat twice yearly in massive quantitiesLegendary escape artists — can jump fences, dig under them, and open latchesStrong prey drive makes them dangerous around cats, rabbits, and small animalsNot suited for hot climates and requires air conditioning in warm regions The Siberian Husky's adventurous spirit and stunning beauty are irresistible — find Huskies seeking forever homes on Puplister.

Related Articles

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a Chinese Crested?
The Chinese Crested is known for being affectionate, lively, alert and playful.
How many Chinese Cresteds are available for adoption?
There are currently 2 Chinese Cresteds available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a Chinese Crested from Puplister?
To adopt a Chinese Crested, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.