Chinese Crested Dog breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Chinese Crested dogs
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Chinese Crested breed
The Chinese Crested is a unique and charming breed known for its hairless appearance. They have a distinct look with their hairless bodies, except for their plumed tail and a crest of hair on their head, feet, and tail. However, there are also varieties with a full coat called the Powderpuff. They come in a variety of colours and patterns. Chinese Crested are friendly, affectionate, and make great companions.
Weight, height & life expectancy
The average height of Chinese Crested dogs ranges from 25 to 33cm, and they weigh between 3.2 and 5.4kg.
They have a relatively long lifespan of around 12 to 14 years.
What is the temperament of a Chinese Crested like?
Chinese Crested are known for their affectionate and loving nature. They are often described as being devoted to their owners and enjoy being lap dogs. They thrive on human companionship and make excellent family pets for those seeking a loving and loyal companion.
They are generally good with children and other pets if socialised from a young age. Chinese Crested can be a bit reserved with strangers, but they warm up quickly with proper introductions.
Our Chinese Crested Community
“Dolly is a little bundle of energy who doesn’t like to leave your side. She loves a cuddle but also loves a game of fetch. She will sleep by your side most of the day, until you take her for a walk where she just loves all the things in nature.”
Dolly’s owner, Olivia from London
“Archie likes to walk in a park but is not particularly a social dog and is not very interested in enjoying some playtime. He loves to explore new spots and likes nature. He normally just sleeps on the sofa for the majority of the day.”
Archie’s owner, Anna from Avon
How much exercise does a Chinese Crested need?
Chinese Crested dogs have moderate exercise needs and require up to an hour of exercise per day. Daily walks, interactive play sessions, and mental stimulation activities are beneficial for their overall well-being.
While they enjoy some outdoor time, it's important to protect their skin from excessive sun exposure due to their hairless or partially hairless bodies. They also appreciate indoor play sessions to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active.
Need an extra hand exercising your Chinese Crested? Find a local borrower today.
Do Chinese Crested dogs need a lot of grooming?
Chinese Crested dogs have unique grooming needs depending on their coat type. Hairless Chinese Crested require regular skincare to protect their delicate skin. Moisturising lotions, sunscreens, and protective clothing can help shield their skin from the sun and harsh weather conditions. The Powderpuff variety has a long, soft coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Chinese Crested dogs easy to train?
Chinese Crested are generally intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. They respond well to positive reinforcement methods such as treats, praise, and rewards.
Early socialisation and consistent training from a young age are essential for shaping their behaviour. Chinese Crested can excel in various dog sports and activities, including obedience, agility, and therapy work.
Want to experience spending time with a Chinese Crested to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Chinese Crested near you.
What do Chinese Crested dogs eat?
A balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for their overall health and well-being. High-quality commercial dog food formulated for small breeds is recommended. Ensure the food provides the necessary nutrients and is appropriate for their age and activity level. Most adult dogs do well being fed twice daily.
Puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day until 6 months old when this can be reduced to twice daily. They should be given a specially formulated puppy diet until they reach approximately 12 months of age. At 12 months they can be transitioned to adult dog food gradually.
Your vet can advise on the dietary needs of your Chinese Crested.
Are Chinese Crested dogs healthy?
Chinese Crested are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues, including:
Bones and joints
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease - a hip condition that affects the blood supply to the head of the femur bone, leading to breakdown of the bone, pain and lameness
Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be
Dental
Periodontal Disease - a buildup of plaque and tartar on a dog’s teeth leading to inflammation, infection and tooth loss
Eyes
Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
Primary Lens Luxation - the lens of the eye shifts from its normal position, which results in glaucoma and inflammation
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - this is when the retina of the eye breaks down, leading to blindness
Skin
Atopy - when the immune system overreacts to an allergen and results in skin irritation
Sunburn - inadequate protection from the skin can result in burns from sun exposure.
This list is by no means comprehensive. If you have any concerns about the health of your Chinese Crested or want to discuss further if this breed is right for you, consult with your veterinarian.
Vet top tip
Pay special attention to their skin care. Chinese Crested dogs, especially the hairless variety, are prone to skin issues. Use a gentle, pet-safe sunscreen when they go outside to protect their delicate skin from sunburn, and keep their skin clean to prevent irritation or infections. Additionally, moisturise their skin with a vet-recommended lotion to avoid dryness. Regular grooming and hygiene will help keep your Crested happy and healthy.
BorrowMyDoggy loves Chinese Crested dogs
BorrowMyDoggy has over 300 Chinese Crested members
Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog’s health contact your local vet.
