American Hairless Terrier vs. Chinese Crested Dog
Speaking of “hypoallergenic” dogs, hairless dogs such as American Hairless Terrier and Chinese Crested Dog are commonly sought after by pet allergies sufferers.
Keep in mind, there is no such thing as hypoallergenic dogs. To claim a dog is hypoallergenic is to state that the dog doesn’t produce dander, urine, and saliva. Allergenic proteins are abundant in those secretions. More about dog allergic reactions can be found here.
Although American Hairless Terrier and Chinese Crested may not be hypoallergenic dogs in my book but they’re certainly 99% fuss-free small dogs which I’m readily to adopt them if available. These dogs are extremely low maintenance (other than to provide sun protection lotions and moisturizers) with almost angelic personalities. The only flaw they Chinese Crested Dogs may have is dental problem (missing teeth) and may drool a little bit especially the Chinese Crested. It isn’t unusual to see their tongue hanging out on one side of the mouth. A few years ago, I might be “put off” by that unappealing sight but not anymore. Snowball became toothless 2 years ago, come to think about it, he looks adorable with his tongue hanging out onto one side.
The Chinese Crested Dog comes in two varieties—the hairless and the powderpuff. The hairless crested dog has hair on its head, feet , and tail while the powderpuff crested dog has a long, silky coat which looks very similar to silky terrier.
The American Hairless Terrier is a direct descend from the Rat Terrier which shares the same personality and has almost identical physical built. Both Rat and American Hairless Terriers are not recognized by AKC and KC, however Rat Terrier is being evaluated for AKC recognition.
| Breed | American Hairless Terrier | Chinese Crested Dog |
| Country of Origin | United States | From Africa to China |
| AKC / KC Groups | Not Listed / Not Listed | Toy / Toy |
| Original Function | Ratter | Ratter and lapdog |
Physical Appearance
| Coat / Skin Color | All colors are accepted but they are usually spotted or pari-colored in black, gray, brown, or red | Any color or combination of colors |
| Coat / Skin Type | Base skin color is typically pink and it’s soft to the touch | Hair is silky and soft (powderpuff and hairless), coat is dense in modern length over the entire body (powderpuff), skin is soft and smooth, has hair only on the head, feet, and tail (hairless). |
| Head | Wedge-shaped with skull and muzzle in equal length. Powerful jaw. | Wedge-shaped |
| Eyes | Prominent. Dark brown to amber corresponding to its skin color. | Almond shaped |
| Ears | Button, tipped, or erect and v-shaped | Large and erect |
| Body | Small to medium-size, muscularly built. Body is longer than its height. | Small, slender, fine-boned. Body is longer than its height. |
| Tail | Long and curved upward or it may be docked. | Carried gaily |
| Height | 7.5 – 11 inches (toy), 11.5 – 16 inches (miniature) | 9 – 13 inches |
| Weight | 4 – 8 pounds (toy), 8.5 – 16 pound (miniature) | 11 – 13 pounds |
Temperament, Needs, and Learning
| Overall Temperament | Energetic, curious, tenacious, friendly | Affectionate, playful pixie, devoted, gentle, sensitive, willingness to please |
| General Activity | Moderately high | Moderate |
| Exercise Requirement | Moderate, daily walk and free run if possible | Minimum, sufficient free roams indoor or outdoor |
| Grooming Requirement | Extremely minimum, can tolerate 3 or 4 baths a week without any ill effect | Extremely minimum. Regular bathing is needed to clear blackheads |
| Ideal Home Environment | Any size apartment or house, not suitable for outdoor living | Any size apartment or house, not suitable for outdoor living |
| Ideal Owner | Despite its high energy level, AHTs are great with seniors and children. | Gentle, affectionate, sensitive—a lady’s companion |
| Special Needs | Need sun protection lotion during summer, moisturizer during dry weathers. Seasonal clothing is much desire for additional skin protection. (note: maybe sensitive to wool) | Need sun protection lotion during summer, moisturizer during dry weathers. Seasonal clothing is much desire for additional skin protection. (note: maybe sensitive to wool) |
| Intelligence / Ranking | High / no rank available | Fairly low / ranked no. 61 |
| Trainability | High | Moderate, response well to gentle and positive approach |
| Cold / Heat Tolerance | Extremely low / low | Extremely low / high |
Behavior
| Excitability | Even temper, however it is game and tenacious when hunting especially towards mice. | Even temper, alert |
| Playfulness | Moderate | Moderately high |
| Demand for Affection | Moderately low | Moderately high yet generous in return |
| Watchdog Barking | Moderately low | Fairly low |
| Protection | Moderately low nonetheless courageous | Fairly low |
| Dominance Over Owner | Almost non existence | Almost non existence |
| Good With Dogs | Extremely well if trainings are given at early age | Extremely well if trainings are given at early age |
| Good With Pets | Good except for tiny pets, such as guinea pig, hamster, mice | Good except for tiny pets, such as guinea pig, hamster, mice |
| Good With Children | Extremely well if trainings are given at early age | Extremely well if trainings are given at early age |
| Good With Strangers | Very sociable if trainings are given at early age | Very sociable if trainings are given at early age |
| Problematic Areas | problematic free, other than mentioned | almost problematic free, other than mentioned |
Health
| Life Span | 12 – 16 years | 13 – 15 years |
| Major Aliments | patellar luxation, Legg-perthes | Legg-perthes, dental problems, liver shunts, PRA |
| Minor Aliments | mange | patellar luxation, deafness |
| Recommended Food | Poultry, beef, brown rice | Ocean fish, white rice, organic soy products for added protein requirement |
Click here to download a free copy of American Hairless Terrier vs. Chinese Crested Dog Chart
Source on Intelligence Ranking:
The Intelligence of Dogs: A Guide to the Thoughts, Emotions, and Inner Lives of Our Canine Companions
Page 192 to 193
Oct 24th 2007
1:39 PM
FYI: American Hairless Terriers are the only hairless breed to have full dentation (full set of teeth). So, no gapping smiles or drooling with them.
-Cheryl
Oct 24th 2007
8:57 PM
Ditto. Amendment done. Thanks for dropping by and keep me on track, Cheryl
May 28th 2008
5:21 PM
“Genuine Pig”? I think that should read “Guinea Pig”. Otherwise, looks good. Nice information. =)
May 28th 2008
9:08 PM
Thank you, Virginia.
Aug 15th 2008
7:41 PM
I have some beautiful Hairless Chinese Crested puppies for sale. AKC Champion Bloodlines. Awesome dogs!! Here’s my web site http://www.majesticcresteds.com
Nov 3rd 2008
3:43 PM
I have 3 Peruvian Hairless dogs, they are awesome, super intelligents, friendly, and i can dresse up every day!!!
they are my barbies
Jun 14th 2009
10:53 PM
Where can I get a hairless terrier?
Jul 13th 2009
8:10 PM
Hi Yuen,
Try this one here. Good luck!