Introduction
The Chinese Crested is one of the most unique dog breeds out there today. With their “crested” look, feathery tail, and spotted skin, there is no mistaking this breed for any other. With its extraordinary look comes an elegant and regal attitude. The Chinese Crested comes in two varieties – Hairless (without fur) and Powderpuff (with fur). Despite their name, the breed did not actually originate in China. Instead, their name is due to the breed being used as ratters in Chinese ships. Small, animated, high-spirited and extremely affectionate, Chinese Crested dogs can make for a perfect house pet and daily companion.
Chinese Crested Dog Names in Pop Culture
Because of their one-of-a-kind look, it is no surprise that Chinese Crested dogs have been featured in international media. Unfortunately, the breed is often portrayed as an “ugly” dog. Perhaps the most notable Chinese Crested dog with this image is Sam. A pure-bred Chinese Crested, Sam was rescued in 1999 by Santa Barbara resident Susie Lockheed. Sam was blind, toothless and hairless. He made headlines, both local and international, because of his odd and undesirable appearance.
Sam’s “ugliness” brought him fame and attention. From 2003 to 2005, Sam became a three time champion in the “World’s Ugliest Dog Contest”, held in the yearly Sonoma-Marin Fair in Northern California. Aside from the contest, Sam was also used for various roles. In 2005, he appeared in the Halloween special episode of Criss Angel’s Mindfreak, which was shown in the A&E Network. In the special, Sam was dressed up in a costume and played the role of Criss Angel’s cat. Aside from Mindfreak, Sam also made appearances in different forms of media, including England’s Daily Telegraph, New Zealand radio and Japanese television. Sadly, at 15 years of age, Sam passed away on the 18th of November in 2005, due to heart problems and cancer. His death became a major news item, even several days after his passing.
Chinese Crested dogs are also prevalent in a number of feature films and television shows. The character Peek, featured in the 2001 film Cats & Dogs and its 2010 sequel, Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore, is portrayed by a Chinese Crested dog. The films, as their titles suggest, are about a group of cats and dogs, their rivalry and how they are plotting against each other.
Another famous canine film wherein a Chinese Crested can be seen is in the 2010 comedy film Marmaduke. In this movie, the titular character is a Great Dane who moves to a new city and befriends a group of street canines. One of these gang members is Giuseppe, a Chinese Crested dog who seems to be afraid of everything. Giuseppe serves as one of Marmaduke’s first friends in his new city and helps him adjust to his new life.
Numerous other characters in films and TV shows are portrayed by Chinese Crested dogs, including Krull the Warrior King from the film How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Fluffy in 102 Dalmatians, Halston in Ugly Betty, Lackey in Good Boy!, Romeo in Hotel for Dogs and Bobby in The Young and the Restless.
Chinese Crested Dog Name Considerations
Chinese Crested dogs are highly unique and are chosen by wannabe dog owners specifically because of their special traits. There are many qualities that set this breed apart from others, which is why they deserve a name that matches their individuality.
One of the first things that you will notice about the Chinese Crested is the coat, or lack thereof. This exotic look adds to the breed’s distinctiveness. Cresteds are also tiny in physique and come in a variety of coat colors, including apricot, black, blue, cream, chocolate and tricolor mix. These physical characteristics may be used as a basis for a name.
Aside from the physical attributes, Chinese Crested dogs also have some special quirks and behaviors that make them stand out. They are known for being lively and dexterous, being able to leap and climb despite their small size. However, in spite of this agility, Cresteds can be lazy and do not enjoy running around like other dog breeds. The breed also falls under the “Velcro dog” category, which means that they can be immensely clingy towards their owners. In fact, they get easily attached to their masters and can become quite needy, to a fault. However, their loyalty knows no bounds and their devotion is admirable. Their many funny quirks and temperament may become a source of inspiration for a name.
Male Chinese Crested Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
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3 |
Banzai
Japanese battle cry
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3 |
Chico
Means “small boy” in Spanish
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2 |
Beau
Means “handsome” in French
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2 |
Shorty
Slang term referring to someone short
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2 |
Baldwin
German name meaning “brave friend”
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2 |
Poco
Means “a little” or “somewhat”
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2 |
Nano
Denoting something very small
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2 |
Pip
A small seed of a fruit
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1 |
Pequeño
Means “little” in Spanish
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1 |
Fizz
Means “bubbly” or “effervescent”
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1 |
Yoda
A fictional character from the Star Wars franchise
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1 |
Dobby
After the famous house elf in the Harry Potter franchise
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0 |
Ace
Means “one” in Latin
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0 |
Chipper
Referring to someone upbeat
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0 |
Atom
Smallest unit of an element
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0 |
Spunky
Slang term meaning “determined”
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0 |
Calvin
French name meaning “bald”; funny name for your hairless pup
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0 |
Devo
Derived from “devotion”; for your devoted pup
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0 |
Buddy
Another term for “friend” or “pal”
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0 |
Archibald
German name meaning “genuine”
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0 |
Neutron
A subatomic particle
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0 |
Yoshi
Means “good” and “virtuous” in Japanese
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0 |
Tardos
Hungarian name meaning “bald”
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0 |
Stalk
To follow around or pursue steadily
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-1 |
Peewee
Slang term used to refer to something or someone small
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-1 |
Mini
Used to describe a miniature version of something or someone
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-1 |
Hairball
A ball of hair; ironic name for a hairless Crested
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-1 |
Rollick
To act in a jovial way
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-1 |
Hobbit
A fictional race of dwarf-like beings
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-1 |
Baldy
An informal term referring to someone bald or without hair
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Female Chinese Crested Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
---|---|---|
2 |
Tiny
Another term for “small”
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2 |
Adora
Means “loved child” in Latin
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2 |
Bambi
Means “little girl” in Italian
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2 |
Chica
Means “little girl” in Spanish
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2 |
Bonbon
Means “marshmallow” in Spanish; for your sweet pup
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2 |
Bonita
Means “pretty” in Spanish
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2 |
Pippa
English name meaning “to love”
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2 |
Venus
The goddess of beauty in Roman mythology
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2 |
Button
A small knob found on clothes
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2 |
Jamila
Arabic name meaning “beautiful”
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2 |
Cher
Means “darling” in French
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2 |
Amie
Means “loved” in French
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2 |
Nugget
A small chunk of gold or another mineral
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2 |
Aphrodite
Goddess of love and beauty in Greek mythology
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2 |
Aika
Means “little love” in Japanese
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2 |
Shotzey
Means “loved one” in German
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2 |
Petunia
Native American name meaning “flower”
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2 |
Cara
Irish name meaning “friend”
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2 |
Pixie
A small supernatural being in folklore
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2 |
Mausi
A German term of endearment
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0 |
Belle
Means “beautiful” in French
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0 |
Cuddles
From “cuddle”, which is an act of holding someone close
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0 |
Tinker Bell
A fictional fairy character in Peter Pan
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0 |
Smooch
Another term for “kiss”
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0 |
Dollface
A gangster term of endearment
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0 |
Buttercup
A small wild flower; also used as a term of affection
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0 |
Sweetie
Slang term of affection, shortened version of “sweetheart”
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0 |
Bebe
Means “baby” in French
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0 |
Minnie
The name of famous Disney character Minnie Mouse
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0 |
Precious
Means “valuable” or “prized”
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Community Dogs With Chinese Crested Names
Henry was very nervous when we got him and the breeders had already named him Henry so we kept the name as to not confuse him.