What’s that tiny, furry shadow you seem to have developed? That’ll be your Chinese Crested dog!
These pint-sized pups are loving, affectionate and utterly devoted to their people - you’ll never be alone again with a Chinese Crested at your side. Known for their distinctive looks, especially the hairless type, Chinese Cresteds are low-maintenance pups who are happy with a lazy daily stroll and outdoor playtime. Sensitive souls, the only thing they demand in return for their unwavering affection is love and plenty of TLC.
Chinese Crested Facts
Chinese Crested dogs’ ancestry goes back centuries - so far in fact, that even today only educated guesses can be made about how the breed was created! Originally used to catch rats on ships, these days you’re more likely to find them curled up on your lap than adventuring on the high seas.
- Breed Group: Toy
- Height: 28-33cm
- Weight: 3.5-5.5kg
- Life Span: 15-18 years
- Coat: Hairless or silky, short or medium
- Colour: Various including white, apricot, black and blue
What Does a Chinese Crested Look Like?
There are 2 types of Chinese Crested: hairless and powderpuff. The hairless Chinese Crested, with their pink spotted skin, spiky hairdo (hence the ‘crested’ name), furry boots and feathery tail is utterly distinctive. Although the powderpuff rocks a silky and glossy, short to medium length coat, they look similar to the hairless Chinese Crested. That’s thanks to the same spiky hairdo and large, upright, bat-like ears.
‘Hairless’ is a bit misleading, as hairless Chinese Crested do have soft, silky hair - but it’s only on their head, tail, feet and ankles. The powderpuff Chinese Crested have double coats of thin, silky strands that look straight out of a shampoo advert. Both varieties come in a range of coat colours, including white, apricot, tri-colour (black, white and tan), blue and brown.
Other than their coat, there’s not much difference between the hairless and powderpuff. They’re both fine-boned, elegant and graceful. They both have wide-set, almond-shaped eyes with a sweet, tapered muzzle. Finally, they both have a very swishable tail.
Chinese Crested
Chinese Crested Temperament: I’m Sticking with You
Chinese Crested dogs make the best companions. They’re fun and playful, and incredibly loving and affectionate. Entirely devoted to their humans, Chinese Cresteds are known to be Velcro dogs - wherever you are, that’s where they want to be. Say goodbye to popping to the toilet in peace…
Although these lively little dogs have an upbeat attitude, they’re actually very sensitive souls. They respond best to tenderness, patience and plenty of TLC. Harsh words won’t fly - they need to be lavished with love as thanks for their unwavering devotion to you.
Chinese Cresteds have a tendency to be a bit mouthy, not in terms of barking (they’re not big barkers) but in terms of nipping. Although they’re loving towards their family, they can be nervous around new people and new places. That’s why proper socialisation while they’re still a puppy is a must.
With their lively natures, Chinese Cresteds can get on well with children and other small dogs and cats. However, their household shouldn’t be too noisy and chaotic. Chinese Cresteds are best suited to older kids who can be calm and gentle with them, rather than rough-housing.
Keeping Chinese Cresteds Healthy: 4 Issues to Watch Out For
Chinese Cresteds have a healthy expected lifespan of 13 to 18 years. Although they’re prone to some inherited health conditions, responsible breeders should screen for these issues.
Eye Issues
Chinese Cresteds are a risk of a range of inherited eye conditions, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), glaucoma, and primary lens luxation (when the lens of the eye dislocates). PRA causes gradual blindness and there’s no cure. Glaucoma and primary lens luxation can be treated with medication or surgery, if caught early enough.
Epilepsy
Another inherited condition Chinese Crested can develop is epilepsy, which causes seizures. These seizures normally start when your dog is between 6 months and 3 years old. Epilepsy doesn’t have a cure but it can be managed with medication.
Dental Problems
Chinese Cresteds are genetically prone to teeth problems. It starts as a build up of tartar on their teeth. Left unchecked, it leads to tooth decay, infected gums and a range of health issues. This is why it’s really important to start a good dental hygiene routine at home from when they are young and to book in a yearly clean by your vet.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation causes your dog’s kneecap to pop out of place. It’s really common in dogs, especially small ones, and can affect their mobility. There are a range of ways to treat patellar luxation, including weight management, physical therapy and surgery.
Caring for Your Chinese Crested Dog
As long as you provide plenty of love and affection, caring for your Chinese Crested dog is a breeze. Some regular grooming (even the hairless ones!) and some daily exercise is enough to keep your Chinese Crested healthy and happy.
Grooming:
No hair means no grooming, right? Not quite. Even the hairless Chinese Crested needs attention. Because their skin is exposed, they’re prone to skin irritations, allergies and sunburn. Your vet or breeder will be able to help you choose the right skin treatments for your dog, but you can expect to slather on the suntan lotion to help protect their delicate skin. Weekly baths with sensitive skin products can help keep their skin healthy.
Don’t forget that hairless Chinese Crested actually do still have hair on their head, tail, feet and ankles. You’ll need to give them a weekly brush to keep this hair silky and tangle-free. They might need the occasional trim too, to keep their rockstar looks.
The powderpuff Chinese Crested’s double coat is unusual in that their undercoat is shorter than their top coat. This makes them easier to brush, but their top coat can quickly mat. Give them a brush every day. Start with a slicker or pin brush, then use a comb to work out any remaining tangles. Pop them in the bath every month or so to keep their coat shiny and healthy.
For both types, you’ll need to regularly check their ears for any signs of infection, like redness or discharge. Give them a weekly clean with some gentle ear cleaner. Brush their teeth a few times a week, ideally daily, to help ward off the dental problems Chinese Cresteds are prone to. Finally, trim their nails about once a month. Read more on nail clipping here.
Nutrition:
As a toy dog breed, Chinese Cresteds do well on a diet of quality commercial dog food that’s tailored to their life stage: puppy, adult or senior. You might want to consider mini dog breed specific food, as it’s specially formulated to meet all their dietary needs.
It can be easy to overfeed a toy dog, and even 1 extra kilo can cause health problems, including heart disease, for your pup. Stick to regular meal times, rather than leaving food out for them to graze at all day. Remember to count treat calories towards their daily intake too.
It’s normal for some hairless Chinese Crested to be missing teeth. They should still be able to handle soft food or a combo of soft food and kibble. Have a chat with your vet about what’s best for your dog.
Exercise:
Don’t be fooled by their adorable appearance, Chinese Crested are tough little dogs who enjoy exercise! Not a lot of exercise, mind you. Most Chinese Crested will be happy with 1 short stroll a day plus some outdoor playtime - they love a good tug of war. About 30 minutes of exercise a day will do your Chinese Crested just fine. If you’ve got a hairless Chinese Crested and you’re going outside, remember the suntan lotion or pop some protective clothing on them.
Training
Even though they’re small, Chinese Cresteds still need training. They especially need early socialisation as it’ll help give them confidence in new situations and temper their nipping tendencies. It’s easiest to start training them when they first come home. Start with the obedience basics, like sit, stay and come. Neighbourhood strolls and inviting people over to your home give your Chinese Crested the opportunity to discover new people and smells.
Remember to keep training positive and never use harsh words or methods. These sensitive souls will quickly shut down and refuse to listen. Read more about clicker training here.