What Is a Chinese Powder Puff Puppy?

The Chinese powder puff is a variety of the Chinese crested dog breed. The Chinese crested is a rare breed of dog that evolved from an African hairless dog around the middle 19th century, according to the American Kennel Club. Dogs can be the hairless or powder puff version, and both can be born in the same litter. While the hairless type of Chinese crested has hair only around the feet and head, the powder puff puppy has a long, uniform coat of silky hair on its body.

  1. Appearance

    • The Chinese powder puff can be found in almost any color, with or without spots. It typically weighs around 10 pounds or less and grows to approximately 12 inches tall. The dog has a small, almost wedge-shaped head similar to that of a fox. The Chinese powder puff has unusually long feet, which can give the appearance of having an extra joint. The hair is a double coat, with a long and silky coat on top.

    Personality

    • Chinese powder puff puppies generally are affectionate and play well with small children. Many owners say the breed is very charming and lovable. The dogs tend to get very attached to their families and can have a fairly pronounced protective streak when strangers approach them. They are intelligent dogs but can startle easily if they are not socialized at an early age and introduced to loud noises outside. These toy dogs can display "small dog syndrome" and try to become leader of the pack if their owners allow them to snap or bite at humans.

    Health Issues

    • Chinese powder puff dogs generally are very healthy dogs, with a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. However, they can gain weight easily if they are overfed. Dental problems are prominent in this breed, as the animals are prone to tartar buildup that can cause the teeth to fall out at an early age. As with many small breeds, this dog is susceptible to dislocation of the kneecaps. This condition is called patellar luxation. A degenerative disease of the femur, called Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, can cause joint pain and possibly immobility.

    Grooming

    • Since Chinese powder puffs are not the hairless variety of Chinese crested breed, they require some grooming. Their long hair needs to be brushed daily to remove tangles and prevent matting in the undercoat. A wide-tooth comb works well to keep the outer coat smooth. Occasional bathing keeps the hair clean and soft and removes any dead hairs that can get trapped in the undercoat. The hair can be neatly trimmed, but it is generally kept long and loose.