The Chinese Crested is considered an extra small breed, weighing on average 10–13 lb (4.5–5.9 kg).

Hairless Chinese Crested Dogs often lack a full set of premolar teeth, but this is not considered a fault.

When its hair is completely grown out on its face, it strongly resembles a terrier; however, the powderpuff is usually shaved around the snout as a standard cut.

Many choose to shave their powderpuff in a "pony cut" leaving long hair on the bottom of legs, tail, head and crest for an easy care coat.

[citation needed] A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 13.4 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.

[9] The Chinese Crested Dog can also have at least two forms of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) which can eventually lead to blindness as well.

Since the test can only reveal the existence of affected or carrier status of one form of PRA, breeders and owners of the breed should still have regular eye exams by veterinary ophthalmologists.

After 6 months of age, affected dogs develop difficulty initiating movements and fall frequently.

This inheritable condition is caused by shallow knee joints (stifles) and results in kneecaps that pop out of place.

Onset is often at a young age, and can cause temporary to permanent lameness based on the severity.

[13][14] The Chinese Crested is one of the more commonly affected breeds for primary lens luxation which is caused by an autosomal recessive mutation of the ADAMTS17 gene.

[17][better source needed] It is thought the origins of the modern Chinese Crested dog are either Africa or, more likely, Mexico.

[citation needed] Spanish explorers found Chinese Crested dogs in Mexico and other parts of Central and South America as early as the 1500s.

British, French, and Portuguese explorers likewise found the breed in various parts of Africa and Asia during the 1700s and 1800s.

[18] The Chinese Crested Dog was officially recognised by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale[1] in 1987 and by the American Kennel Club in 1991.