chinese crested: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialist/Neutral
Quick answer
What does “chinese crested” mean?
A breed of small, hairless dog, except for tufts of hair on its head, feet, and tail.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A breed of small, hairless dog, except for tufts of hair on its head, feet, and tail.
A specific toy dog breed known for its distinctive, mostly hairless appearance and elegant, fine-boned structure. It comes in two varieties: 'Hairless' (with hair only on certain points) and 'Powderpuff' (fully coated with a soft double coat).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling remains identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations: an unusual, exotic, or hypoallergenic pet breed.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to dog breeding, pet ownership, and dog show contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chinese crested” in a Sentence
[Owner] has a Chinese crested.The [dog show] featured several Chinese cresteds.They breed Chinese cresteds.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chinese crested” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She prefers Chinese crested dogs to poodles.
American English
- He's looking for a Chinese crested breeder.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of pet sales, breeding businesses, and veterinary services.
Academic
Used in zoology or canine genetics discussions regarding breed history or traits.
Everyday
Used when discussing pets, dog breeds, or at dog shows.
Technical
Used in kennel club standards, veterinary dermatology, and dog show judging criteria.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chinese crested”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chinese crested”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chinese crested”
- Using it as a common noun without capitalisation (e.g., 'a chinese crested').
- Omitting 'Chinese' and just saying 'crested', which is ambiguous.
- Pluralising incorrectly as 'Chinese crested's' instead of 'Chinese cresteds'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The breed's exact origins are debated, but it is widely believed to have roots in Africa or possibly Mexico, later developed by Chinese trading ships. The 'Chinese' name comes from its promotion and refinement by Chinese sailors.
The hairless variety is often considered hypoallergenic as it lacks the typical fur that sheds dander. However, no dog is 100% allergen-free, as allergies can also be triggered by saliva and skin oils.
The Hairless variety has smooth skin with hair (called 'socks' and 'crest') only on the head (crest), tail (plume), and feet (socks). The Powderpuff variety has a full, soft, double coat over its entire body.
Their skin requires regular care similar to human skin: bathing to remove oils, moisturising to prevent dryness, and sun protection (clothing or sunscreen) to avoid sunburn.
A breed of small, hairless dog, except for tufts of hair on its head, feet, and tail.
Chinese crested is usually specialist/neutral in register.
Chinese crested: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃaɪˌniːz ˈkrɛstɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃaɪˌniz ˈkrɛstəd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a small dog wearing an ancient Chinese emperor's headdress (a crest) on its head, but the rest of it is bare.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Proper noun for a breed).
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining characteristic of the standard Chinese crested breed?