Chinese Crested Colors & Coat Guide

Chinese Crested Colors Overview

The Chinese Crested comes in several recognized coat colors. Hairless skin can be any color and often changes with sun exposure and seasons. The hairless gene is an incomplete dominant; breeding two hairless dogs produces some lethal homozygous embryos..

Coat color is determined by genetics, with some colors being dominant and others recessive. Understanding color genetics can help predict puppy colors and identify responsible breeding practices.

All Chinese Crested Colors

The Chinese Crested is recognized in 8 color variations. Standard colors are those accepted by major kennel clubs for conformation showing, while non-standard colors may occur naturally but are not eligible for the show ring. Both standard and non-standard colored Chinese Cresteds make equally wonderful companions.

Standard vs Non-Standard Chinese Crested Colors

Standard colors (8): Apricot, Black, Chocolate, Cream, Slate, Pink and Chocolate, White, Palomino. These colors are accepted by the AKC and other major kennel clubs for conformation competition. Standard-colored Chinese Cresteds are typically priced within the normal $1000–$2000 range.

How Color Affects Chinese Crested Price

While color can influence the price of a Chinese Crested puppy, prospective owners should prioritize health testing, breeder reputation, and temperament over coat color. A responsibly bred Chinese Crested in a common color with comprehensive health clearances is a better investment than a "rare" colored puppy from untested parents. The base price range for Chinese Cresteds is $1000–$2000, with color-based premiums adding to that range for certain variations.

Chinese Crested Coat Type and Grooming

The Chinese Crested's hairless or powderpuff coat requires grooming appropriate to its texture and density. With grooming needs rated 3/5 and shedding at 1/5, owners should plan their maintenance routine accordingly.

Moderate grooming needs mean brushing two to three times per week keeps the Chinese Crested's coat in good condition. Professional grooming every 6–10 weeks helps maintain coat health and manage seasonal shedding. Monthly grooming costs average $62–67, making this breed manageable for owners who prefer a moderate maintenance routine.

Regardless of coat color, all Chinese Cresteds benefit from regular nail trimming every 2–3 weeks, ear cleaning weekly (especially for breeds with floppy ears), and dental care including brushing three or more times per week. These basic grooming tasks prevent common health problems and keep your dog comfortable.

Chinese Crested Coat Genetics

The Chinese Crested's coat color is the product of several interacting genes. Hairless skin can be any color and often changes with sun exposure and seasons. The hairless gene is an incomplete dominant; breeding two hairless dogs produces some lethal homozygous embryos..

Modern DNA testing panels can identify a dog's genotype at key color loci, allowing breeders to predict puppy colors and avoid producing colors linked to health issues (such as double merle).

Rare vs Standard Chinese Crested Colors

Rare Chinese Crested colors can be fascinating from a genetics perspective, but proceed with caution. Hairless skin can be any color and often changes with sun exposure and seasons. The hairless gene is an incomplete dominant; breeding two hairless dogs produces some lethal homozygous embryos.. Premium pricing for unusual colors beyond the standard $1000–$2000 range does not guarantee quality breeding.

The best approach is to choose a Chinese Crested breeder who health-tests thoroughly for Dental Abnormalities and Patellar Luxation and produces well-tempered dogs, regardless of coat color.

Do Chinese Crested Colors Change with Age?

Many Chinese Crested puppies experience some degree of color change as they mature. Their hairless or powderpuff coat undergoes significant textural changes alongside color shifts. Standard colors (Apricot, Black, Chocolate, Cream, Slate, Pink and Chocolate,) typically stabilize as the puppy coat transitions to the adult coat between 4 and 12 months of age.

Choosing a Chinese Crested by Color

When selecting a Chinese Crested puppy, coat color is one of the most visible factors, but it should be among the last in your decision-making process. Here is a practical framework for evaluating color alongside more important factors:

1. Health testing comes first: Both parents should have documented clearances for breed-relevant conditions including Dental Abnormalities. No color is worth compromising on health documentation.
2. Temperament matters more: Meet the puppies and both parents when possible. A well-socialized puppy with stable temperament from health-tested parents in a common color outweighs a "rare" colored puppy from an unknown background.
3. Breeder reputation is essential: Reputable breeders prioritize producing healthy, well-tempered puppies and are transparent about all aspects of their program. They do not market "rare" or "exotic" colors at inflated prices.
4. Then consider color: Once health, temperament, and breeder quality are confirmed, choose the color that appeals to you. All 8 recognized Chinese Crested colors can produce healthy, happy companions.

Related Breeds You May Also Like

If you are interested in the Chinese Crested, you may also want to explore these breeds with similar size, temperament, or group classification.

Browse More Breeds