The Chinese Crested is simply one of the most exotic dogs to date. A small breed, this puppy is commonly recognized for having no hair. It dons an entirely bald body, and a leonine mane (crest) of medium, smooth hair on the dog's head, hocks, pasterns and tail. The "Powder Puff" version of the breed has soft hair from top to bottom. Colors cover the entire spectrum of standard dog coat tones. A full-grown adult male or female dog of the breed will stand 11 to 13 inches high. The Crested is similar in size and body-type to the much-loved Chihuahua.

Small puppies are usually very popular with apartment-owners since they take up little space and are easy to live with in an urban environment. This breed in particular thrives on a quiet life at home, particularly in colder temperatures. Hairless canine breeds like this one are not well suited for outdoor living and cold temperatures. So if the Chinese Crested catches your fancy, look for the Powder Puff type with a full hair coat that will help keep your puppy warm during the chilly season. Owners living in hot climates will realize that the hairless Crested dog to be ideal, but sunscreen is imperative if the dog will be in direct sunlight for any length of the day. Skin allergies are common with this little breed, so be on the lookout for unusual reactions and treat them promptly with the help of your veterinarian.