Chinese Crested

Temperament & Personality

The Chinese Crested is a loving, people-oriented little dog. You’ll find this breed extremely affectionate – they bond closely with their families and love to snuggle. Playful and upbeat, Cresteds will clown around to amuse you, yet they’re also content to lounge quietly in your lap. They are usually friendly with strangers and get along with other pets when well-socialized. However, they do crave attention and can become anxious or needy if left alone too long.

Despite their fragile build, Cresteds have lively personalities and even a few cat-like quirks (some will perch on the back of a sofa like a feline!). Their energy level is moderate – they enjoy short play sessions and brisk walks, but they’re not hyperactive. Chinese Cresteds are generally gentle and not aggressive, but because they are so small any play with young children must be supervised to prevent accidental injury. All in all, your Chinese Crested is a devoted, quirky companion that wants nothing more than to stay by your side.

Care, Living Environment & Grooming

Chinese Cresteds are adaptable and make excellent apartment dogs. They need only a small amount of exercise – a couple of short walks or indoor play sessions each day is usually plenty. Cresteds actually love being indoors curled up with you, and they don’t tolerate extreme heat or cold well due to their lack of heavy fur. With their fragile frame and thin skin, it’s safest to keep this breed as an indoor companion rather than an outdoor dog.

Grooming requirements differ between the two varieties of the breed (hairless and powderpuff), but both types need regular care:

• Hairless Chinese Crested: Exposed skin must be moisturized regularly to prevent dryness. Also apply dog-safe sunscreen before outdoor outings and dress your hairless Crested in a sweater or jacket in cold weather. Hairless Cresteds can get pimples or clogged pores, so gentle baths every week or two help keep their skin clean.

• Powderpuff Chinese Crested: The powderpuff’s long, silky coat should be brushed a few times a week to prevent mats. Many owners opt for a short “puppy clip” every month or two to make upkeep easier – regular trims keep the coat manageable. Between haircuts, you’ll still need to comb through the soft undercoat to remove tangles.

All Chinese Cresteds need basic hygiene. Brush their teeth frequently (daily if possible) since they are prone to dental disease. Also trim their nails regularly and clean their ears to prevent infections. With patience and a consistent routine, grooming can become a bonding time – your Crested will likely enjoy the pampering attention.

Training & Socialization

Chinese Cresteds are intelligent and eager to please, which generally makes training fun. Positive reinforcement methods work best for this sensitive breed – reward them with gentle praise, tiny treats, or a favorite toy when they do well. Harsh corrections or yelling will only frighten or confuse a Crested. Fortunately, they respond beautifully to kind, consistent training and often excel in activities like agility or learning tricks.

Early socialization is very important for Chinese Cresteds. Expose your puppy to a variety of people, places, and other animals in a controlled, positive way so they grow up confident. Though naturally friendly, Cresteds can become timid if sheltered too much. Puppy kindergarten classes or AKC’s S.T.A.R. Puppy program are great ways to safely socialize and teach basic manners. Always use positive reinforcement when training your Chinese Crested – but keep an eye on the number of treats, as those calories can add up quickly in a dog so small. Overall, training a Chinese Crested is a rewarding experience. They are bright little dogs and, with gentle guidance, your Crested can learn quickly and happily.

Health Considerations

Chinese Cresteds tend to be long-lived (often 13–18 years) and are generally healthy, but like all breeds they have some hereditary health concerns to be aware of. Responsible breeders perform health screenings on the parents to reduce the risk of these issues. Common health conditions in the Chinese Crested include:

• Dental Problems: Toy breeds often have crowded or missing teeth. Cresteds frequently experience early tooth loss and gum disease, so diligent dental care is essential.
• Knee Issues (Patellar Luxation): The kneecap can slip out of place, causing lameness or a "bunny-hop" gait. Severe cases may eventually require surgical correction.
• Eye Disorders: Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and primary lens luxation (PLL) can affect this breed and may lead to impaired vision or blindness. Dry eye (insufficient tear production) is another concern.
• Orthopedic Conditions: Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (degeneration of the hip joint in young dogs) and hip dysplasia have been reported in the breed; either can cause chronic hind limb pain and lameness.

Not every Crested will develop these issues, but it’s wise to be proactive. Regular veterinary checkups, preventative care (like joint supplements and maintaining a healthy weight), and being attentive to any changes in your dog’s condition will give your Chinese Crested the best chance at a long, healthy life.

Cost of Ownership

The average annual cost to care for a Chinese Crested is around $1,500. This factors in food, grooming, routine vet care, and other supplies. Food expenses are modest since Cresteds are small eaters – you might spend about $250 a year on quality dog food and treats. Routine veterinary care (yearly exams, vaccines, and preventative medications) can average $300–$500. If you opt for pet health insurance, that may add another ~$400 per year. Grooming costs depend on your Crested’s variety: a hairless Crested will need sunscreen, moisturizer, and sweaters (budget perhaps $100 for skincare and clothing items), whereas a powderpuff may require professional grooming every couple of months (around $50 per session).

Other expenses include toys, a bed, leash and collar, and dental care items. These supplies might be $100–$200 initially, then smaller amounts each year to replace or replenish. Also, remember unexpected costs: vet emergencies can happen to any pet, so it’s good to set aside some savings for that. Overall, maintaining a Chinese Crested is relatively affordable compared to larger breeds, but you should still plan for steady, ongoing expenses to keep your little friend happy and healthy.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Affectionate “velcro” dog: loves to snuggle and bond closely with owners.
• Small size and low exercise needs: well-suited to apartment living and easy to manage.
• Very minimal shedding: especially the Hairless variety (often touted as hypoallergenic).
• Playful, entertaining personality: brings a lot of joy in a small package.

Cons

• High-maintenance grooming and skin care needs: either frequent brushing or skincare and sun protection.
• Fragile build: not ideal for rough play; can be easily injured by children or larger pets accidentally.
• Prone to certain health issues: (dental disease, knee problems, eye conditions) that may require extra vet care.
• Dislikes being left alone for long: can develop separation anxiety or undesirable behaviors if lonely.

Fun Facts

• Chinese Crested dogs sailed the high seas: they earned their name by reportedly riding with Chinese sailors and hunting vermin on ships as far back as the 14th century. Traders helped spread them to ports around the world.
• This breed comes in two forms (Hairless and Powderpuff) within the same litter: The gene for hairlessness is unique – a Crested puppy must inherit one hairless gene and one coated gene to survive, so even two Hairless parents can produce Powderpuff pups.
• Chinese Cresteds have a track record at the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest: Thanks to their awkwardly cute appearance (spindly bodies, tufted crests, and toothy grins), they’ve won the contest multiple times – in fact, a Chinese Crested has taken the title at least nine times since 2002! Of course, true fans find them beautiful in their own unique way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Chinese Cresteds shed a lot?

No – Chinese Cresteds are very low-shedding dogs. The Hairless variety has little to no hair, so shedding is negligible (you might just find a few stray hairs from their crest or tail). Powderpuff Cresteds do have a full coat, but they shed only lightly. Regular brushing of a powderpuff further reduces loose hair. Overall, Chinese Cresteds are considered a low-shedding, hypoallergenic breed.

Are Chinese Cresteds good apartment dogs?

Yes, they adapt wonderfully to apartment life. Chinese Cresteds are small and quiet indoors, and they don’t need a big yard to run in. As long as you give them a couple of short walks and play with them daily, they’ll be content in a small living space. They tend to bark only occasionally (often just to alert you or to beg for attention). Plus, their polite, friendly demeanor makes them good neighbors in close quarters.

How much exercise does a Chinese Crested need?

This breed has modest exercise needs. Your Chinese Crested will be happy with about 20–30 minutes of activity per day, which can be split into a few short walks or play sessions. They enjoy interactive play (like fetch or chasing a toy) and will also romp around inside on their own. Despite being playful, they’re not an endurance dog – after a bit of exercise they’re usually ready to curl up on your lap. Just be careful not to overdo it in very hot or cold weather, since Cresteds are sensitive to temperature.

Can first-time owners handle a Chinese Crested?

Yes, with some preparation, Chinese Cresteds can be good for first-time dog owners. They are friendly, relatively small, and eager to please, which makes them easier to manage than many breeds. Training them is usually straightforward as long as you use gentle methods. First-timers should be ready for the grooming aspect – you’ll need to either learn to care for a Hairless Crested’s skin or keep up with brushing and trimming a Powderpuff’s coat. Also, new owners must be mindful of the breed’s delicate physique and supervise to prevent injuries. With love, consistency, and proper care, a Chinese Crested can be a rewarding companion for a novice dog parent.

References

1. PetMD – Chinese Crested
2. Time – World’s Ugliest Dog Contest: Chinese Crested Winner