Well, there are a few differences maintenance-wise between owning a HL (hairless) CC or a PP (powderpuff) CC. The "hairless" can actually have quite a variety of hair, varying from a True Hairless (only 25% of less of body has hair) or Hairy Hairless (75% of more covered in hair.)
Chinese Crested Crush
So even the "hairless" dog can have a lot of hair and require some pretty extensive grooming including shaving the face and body to get the "clean, smooth" look. The hairless also often have very poor dentition & missing teeth. It's natural for them, which is why even the AKC allows missing teeth in a hairless. Also, it is not uncommon for a HL CC to have skin problems, acne, etc. and require regular cleansing regimines to keep skin clear. The powderpuff, which is covered in a thick DOUBLE coat, is quite different. While they can be just as susceptible as any other coated breed to allergies, etc. they don't have nearly the skin troubles as a HL. And, the powderpuff has normal proper
dentition. The powderpuff's coat will grow long though, so needs to be either brushed regularly if kept in a full coat (Like Julian, far right on my below signature; though he's been shaved since) or most pet puff owners (who aren't showing) keep them trimmed into the pony clip to resemble a HL's coat pattern. This is what I have Tequila in, in the above pictures. I like it personally because I can still have the flashy diva look; while being able to let her coat grow out a bit if needed (it grows in evenly, whereas in a HHL it may grow in patches.) And she has a perfect bite. And I must point out that on average, powderpuff CC's are MUCH cheaper. Tequila was $100 from a reputable breeder. Julian on the other hand was free, but a rescue that required a lot of investments LOL.
Personality-wise, CC's are VERY snuggly and love cuddling. Liking strangers, being shy or outgoing etc. honestly depend more on how they're socialized early on. I got Tequila at 11 weeks and took her everywhere with me to meet all kinds of people and experience different things. So now at 11 months, she LOVES
attention from new people and traveling. However, in the past I had once taken in a HHL that had only really been around her previous owners for 5 months of her life. And though we made some progress in the time I had her, she was always really shy and apprehensive of new things since her owners didn't take the time to expose her to different things. SO yeah; I guess I'll say that CC's are VERY receptive to their owner's actions; if you get one young enough and make the effort to socialize it properly; it'll be the fun loving, friendly outgoing dog you want. If you don't, however; you'll still have a very fun-loving, friendly dog to YOU (as they bond super close with their person) but may not appreciate strangers as much. They're like little super absorbent sponges; and their adult personalities will very much reflect on how they were raised initially. So if gotten while young, they are VERY adaptable to various kinds of lifestyles. On a CC forum that I'm on, we have CC's who live in apartments, country houses, city skyscrapers, and even one who lives in a semi as it's owners drive one for a
living. It's amazing how adaptable they are.
So in short, I can never NOT recommend owning one, LOL. Tequila and Julian both are very good with our other dogs. Any time we have company, they both will make their rounds curling up in everyone lap to see how they can get the most cuddles. =P They're just super affectionate. If you check out chinesecrestedcrush.com you'll find everything you ever wanted to know; it's the "Chi People" forum of the Crested world, LOL. That might give you a better idea on the different requirements, concerns etc. that many CC owners share.
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