Instructions
Look at the Chinese Crested’s appearance and size. This toy dog is fine-boned and graceful. The hairless will only have hair on the head, tail and feet, while the powderpuff is completely covered with hair. The Chinese Crested is only about 11 to 13 inches in height. The body length is slightly longer than the height. While it is a fine-boned breed, it does not appear breakable.
Make sure the dog’s expression is alert and intense. The breed should have almond shaped eyes that are set wide apart. Dark color dogs will have dark eyes and light colored dogs will have a lighter eye. The rims will match the coloring of the dog. The ears are uncropped and stand large and erect. They are placed so that the base of the ear is level with the outside corner of the eye. There should be a noticeable arch to the skull between the ears. When viewed from the top and side, the head should have a wedge-shape. The cheeks should taper into the muzzle and the nose should be dark in the dark dogs, but lighter in the lighter-colored dogs. The hairless version of the breed may have missing teeth, but the powderpuff should not be missing any teeth.
Take note of the tail. The tail is slender and should taper to a curve. It should be long enough to reach the hock. It may be carried over the back (slightly) when the dog is moving. At rest, the tail should be down with a curve toward the end, making it look like a sickle. The hairless will have two-thirds of the tail covered with long flowing “feathers.” The powderpuff’s tail is completely covered with hair.
Check the fore- and hindquarters. The shoulders should lay back about 45 degrees and allow for a good reach. The shoulders are narrow. The elbows are close to the body. Dewclaws may be removed. The feet are hare-feet and are narrow with elongated toes. The rear feet are the same as the front feet, and the stifle is moderately angulated. Dewclaws may be removed.
Make sure the hairless has hair on the head, the tail and feet from the toes to the front pasterns and rear hock. The texture of the hair should be soft—to the point of being silky. It can be any length. The skin should be soft and smooth where there is no hair. The powderpuff is completely covered with a soft coat that is silky. It is a double coat. The outside hairs are long and thin, and the undercoat is short and silky. The coat should be straight and have moderate density and length.
How to Identify a Chinese Crested Dog
A Chinese Crested Dog belongs to the toy group. The breed is lively and agile, but is not stilted or hackneyed. As it trots, it moves in a straight line. The Chinese Crested is a happy and alert dog and can be any color or combination of colors. There are two types of Chinese Cresteds—hairless and powderpuff.