The Chinese Crested is a distinctive dog known for its unique appearance and graceful demeanor. This toy breed stands about 11-13 inches tall and weighs between 8-12 pounds. There are two varieties of the Chinese Crested: hairless and powderpuff. The hairless variety has soft, smooth skin with silky hair on its head, feet, and tail, while the powderpuff variety has a full coat of long, flowing fur.
Interestingly, despite the breed’s name, genetic research suggests the hairless Chinese Crested may have originated in Mexico rather than China. Regardless of its origins, the Chinese Crested has been bred for centuries as a loving companion.
Caring for a Chinese Crested
Chinese Cresteds have cheerful, friendly personalities, making them a great fit for families, including those with children and other pets. However, due to their small and delicate build, it’s important to supervise playtime with young kids to prevent accidental injury.
These dogs are also ideal companions for older adults or people living in small apartments. They require only a modest amount of exercise and are content with indoor play or relaxing on the couch. The American Chinese Crested Club (ACCC) describes their personality as “cat-like.”
Health Concerns Of Chinese Crested
Chinese Cresteds generally live long, healthy lives—up to 18 years—but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular vet checkups and a healthy lifestyle can help manage or prevent these conditions.
The Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) recommends that breeders screen Chinese Cresteds for potential health concerns before breeding. These include:
- Eye problems
- Patellar luxation (dislocated kneecaps)
- Heart issues
- Primary lens luxation (a painful eye condition)
- Progressive retinal atrophy (a degenerative eye disease)
- Congenital deafness
- Hip dysplasia
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (a hip disorder)
If you’re considering getting a Chinese Crested, ask breeders for health test results on the puppy’s parents.
Dental Problems
Like many small dog breeds, Chinese Cresteds can suffer from dental issues such as early tooth loss and gum disease. To keep their teeth healthy, pet parents should brush their dog’s teeth regularly and schedule dental cleanings with a vet. Poor dental health can lead to serious issues, including organ damage.
Eye Issues
Chinese Cresteds are prone to eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), primary lens luxation (PLL), and dry eye. Some of these issues, like PLL, may be treatable with surgery, while others, such as PRA, are irreversible and can lead to blindness. If you notice changes in your dog’s vision or eye appearance, consult your vet.
Deafness
Some Chinese Crested puppies are born deaf. Deaf dogs can live happy, full lives, but they may need special training with hand signals to ensure their safety.
Orthopedic Concerns
Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place, is common in Chinese Cresteds. This can cause your dog to have a skipping gait or hop when walking. Mild cases may not need treatment, but more severe cases can be managed with medication or surgery if necessary. Additionally, Chinese Cresteds may develop hip dysplasia or Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, which also affects the hips and may require similar treatments.
Skin Care
Hairless Chinese Cresteds need extra protection from the elements. Their exposed skin requires moisturizing to prevent dryness, and they may need dog-safe sunscreen or clothing when outside to avoid sunburn. Be sure to keep them warm in colder weather.
Feeding Your Chinese Crested
To keep your Chinese Crested healthy, feed them high-quality dog food that meets the nutritional standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). It’s important to choose a food formulated for your dog’s life stage—whether they’re a puppy, adult, or senior.
How Much to Feed
The amount of food your Chinese Crested needs depends on factors like their age, weight, activity level, and overall health. Adult dogs generally do well with two meals a day, while puppies may need three to four smaller meals to support their growth. Consult your vet to develop a feeding schedule and portion sizes tailored to your dog.
Personality and Training Tips
Chinese Cresteds are known for their happy, alert nature. They tend to be friendly with people, even strangers, but socializing with them from a young age is important to help them feel comfortable in new situations.
These dogs often display cat-like behaviors, like perching on the back of couches, but they also form strong bonds with their humans and can become needy if they don’t get enough attention. Positive reinforcement is key when training a Chinese Crested. They respond well to gentle methods, and it’s important to keep an eye on treat intake, as too many treats can lead to weight gain in these small dogs.
Fun Activities for Chinese Cresteds
Chinese Cresteds enjoy a variety of activities, including:
- Interactive puzzles
- Short walks
- Agility training
- Scent work
- Dock diving
- Fetch
- Learning new tricks
- Gentle tug-of-war
- Cuddling
Grooming Your Chinese Crested
Both hairless and powderpuff varieties have specific grooming needs. Hairless Chinese Cresteds require extra care for their exposed skin, while powderpuffs need regular brushing and grooming to maintain their long coats.
Skin Care for Hairless Cresteds
Hairless Cresteds have soft, delicate skin that requires moisturizing to prevent dryness. They also need protection from the sun and cold, which may mean applying dog-safe sunscreen or dressing them in weather-appropriate clothing.
Coat Care for Powderpuffs
Powderpuff Chinese Cresteds have a double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting. They also need routine grooming appointments to keep their hair manageable.
Eye and Ear Care
It’s important to monitor your Chinese Crested’s eyes for signs of irritation, redness, or discharge, which could indicate a problem. Wiping their eyes regularly with a damp cloth can prevent tear staining. Keep their ears clean and check for any signs of infection, such as redness or a foul odor.
Nail Care
Since Chinese Cresteds are typically indoor dogs, their nails may grow faster and require frequent trimming. Check their nails weekly and trim them when needed to prevent overgrowth.
In summary, the Chinese Crested is a unique and affectionate breed that makes a wonderful companion. With proper care, attention to health, and regular grooming, this breed can live a long, happy life filled with love and joy.
