Chinese Crested Dog
Chinese Crested Dogs, known for their unique appearance, are small sized, affectionate, lively. Making excellent companion dogs, they thrive in family environments and are ideal for owners who value close bonds with their pets.
| Recommended for | Recommended for families |
| Breed Classification | Toy Group |
| Other names | Chinese Hairless, Chinese Edible Dog, Chinese Ship Dog, and Chinese Royal Hairless. |
| Lifespan | 13 – 18 years |
| Size | Small |
| Temperament | Affectionate, playful, lively, sweet-Ttempered, alert, happy |
| Intelligence | Above average |
| Tendency to bark | Moderate |
| Maintenance Level | High grooming needs, low food costs |
| Health Risk | High probability of health issues during its lifetime, hence it is one of the more expensive breeds to insure. |
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Breed history of Chinese Crested Dogs
The origin of the Chinese Crested Dog remains a bit of a mystery, with many believing they descended from ancient hairless dogs in Africa or Asia. These larger dogs were eventually bred down to create the smaller, more agile Chinese Crested breed we know today. It’s thought that Chinese sailors in the 13th century brought these dogs aboard their ships, where they served as loyal companions and effective vermin hunters, keeping the ships free of rats and pests.
This connection with Chinese sailors helped the breed spread across the world, where they were valued for their companionship and usefulness. The breed’s distinctive look, particularly in the Hairless variety with tufts of hair on the head, feet, and tail, made them easily recognisable. On the other hand, the Powderpuff variety, born with a full, soft coat, adds to the breed’s diversity.
Over the years, the Chinese Crested has been bred as a beloved companion, perfectly suited for living alongside humans in different societies. Despite their exotic appearance, they are known for being affectionate, playful, and attentive.
In the 20th century, the breed’s popularity grew outside of China, particularly in Europe and North America. Breeders focused on refining the Chinese Crested’s unique traits while improving its overall health and temperament. Today, they are admired in both show rings and households for their graceful looks and affectionate nature.
The Chinese Crested is now recognised worldwide, loved for its striking appearance and engaging personality. Major kennel clubs, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Federation Cynologique International (FCI), ensure the breed’s heritage and traits are preserved for future generations.
Physical description of Chinese Crested Dogs
The Chinese Crested is a petite, slim breed, recognised for its graceful and delicate physique. Despite its sophisticated appearance, the breed has surprising strength and flexibility, making it both elegant and lively. The breed’s head is slightly rounded, with large, expressive eyes that give it an attentive, loving look. Its large, upright ears contribute to a sharp and energetic appearance.
There are two distinct types of Chinese Crested: Hairless and Powderpuff. The Hairless variety is known for its smooth, hairless skin, with tufts of hair on its head, paws, and tail, giving it its signature “crested” look. The skin of the Hairless is soft and warm but sensitive to the sun and cold, requiring extra care in extreme weather. In contrast, the Powderpuff variety has a dense, fluffy double coat covering its entire body. This luxurious coat, with its fine, flowing outer layer and insulating undercoat, gives the Powderpuff its silky and elegant appearance.
| Weight range | Males: 2.3 – 5.4 kg, Females: 2.3 – 5.4 kg |
| Height range | Males: 28 – 33 cm, Females: 23 – 30 cm |
| Colours | Powderpuff coats come in various colours, including mahogany, blue, lavender, or copper, and can be solid or spotted. Hairless skin tones are pink and black. |
| Coat length | Two varieties: hairless or full, flowing coat |
Chinese Crested Dog personality and temperament
Chinese Crested dogs have a reputation for being loving and fun-loving. Despite their small size, they possess an energetic and captivating character, making them delightful companions. They thrive on human connection, forming strong bonds with their owners, often displaying a loyal and devoted nature. While they love to play, they are equally content to relax and enjoy quiet moments with their family, easily adapting to different lifestyles.
One of the most endearing qualities of the Chinese Crested is their sensitivity to their owner’s emotions. They are highly attuned to the feelings of those around them, making them gentle and affectionate companions. This trait makes them ideal for individuals or families seeking emotional support. Their calm and warm demeanour also allows them to excel in therapy roles, as their natural intuition brings comfort and joy to those in need.
Though typically sociable and affectionate, Chinese Cresteds can show a streak of independence, often displaying playful or curious behaviour when left alone. They are vigilant and attentive, often acting like little guard dogs despite their size. However, their strong preference for social interaction means they thrive best in environments where they receive regular companionship; being left alone or neglected may lead to anxiety or behavioural issues.
Chinese Crested dogs can flourish in various living situations, from apartments to larger homes, provided they receive proper attention and care. Their friendly, loyal nature makes them wonderful companions for both families and individuals.
Chinese Crested Dogs with kids and other pets
Chinese Crested dogs are loving and outgoing pets, making them a great fit for families with children. Their kind and lively nature allows them to form strong bonds with kids, often engaging in playful activities while offering comfort. Due to their petite size, they are best suited for families with older children who understand how to gently interact with smaller dogs. Supervision is recommended when young children are around the dog to ensure safety and gentle handling.
Chinese Cresteds typically get along well with other pets, especially if socialised from a young age. Their friendly and adaptable nature makes them great companions for both dogs and cats. However, as with any breed, gradual introductions are important to foster positive relationships. While they have a calm temperament, they may be a bit reserved or cautious around larger animals, so it’s crucial to observe their initial interactions to ensure harmony in the home.
Overall, Chinese Cresteds thrive in environments where they receive attention, care, and gentle handling. With proper socialisation and supervision, they generally adapt well to living in multi-pet households.
Chinese Crested Dog training and exercise
Chinese Crested dogs are a small, energetic breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. While they aren’t overly active, daily walks and playtime are essential for their well-being. These dogs enjoy interactive activities and can be playful, but they also appreciate quiet moments spent relaxing with their family. Short, enjoyable bursts of activity suit their size and personality better than prolonged exercise sessions.
In addition to physical activity, Chinese Cresteds benefit from mental stimulation through puzzle toys, trick training, and problem-solving tasks. Engaging their minds helps prevent boredom and unwanted behaviours.
Training a Chinese Crested can be a rewarding experience due to their clever and eager nature. Starting socialisation and training early, using positive reinforcement techniques, helps them develop good manners and confidence, especially in interactions with unfamiliar people and animals. Consistency is key, as they are sensitive to harsh tones or corrections. They respond best to rewards, praise, and gentle encouragement, which builds trust and strengthens the bond with their owner.
| Energy level | Moderate |
| Exercise requirements | Moderate |
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Chinese Crested Dog feeding and nutrition
Given their small size and unique structure, Chinese Crested dogs need high-quality, balanced dog food designed for small breeds, to ensure that they receive the necessary nutrients to support their energy levels, skin health and coat quality.
Nutritional needs for Chinese Crested dogs vary with age. Puppies require a protein-rich diet to support their growth and development, while adult dogs benefit from a balanced mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to sustain their energy levels. Senior dogs may need lower-calorie meals and supplements to support joint health and prevent weight gain.
It’s essential to adjust portion sizes based on your dog’s age, size, and activity level to avoid over- or underfeeding. Regular vet visits are helpful for monitoring your dog’s weight and dietary needs, ensuring they remain healthy throughout their life.
Chinese Crested Dog care and grooming
The grooming needs of a Chinese Crested dog largely depend on its type. The Hairless variety requires frequent skin care, as its exposed skin can become dry and irritated. Regular moisturising and gentle bathing help keep the skin healthy, free from dirt and allergens. Due to their sensitivity to UV rays, Hairless Cresteds also benefit from sun protection. Regular nail trimming and dental care are essential for maintaining their overall well-being.
The Powderpuff variety, with its thick, fluffy coat, needs regular grooming to prevent tangles and mats. Brushing a few times a week keeps the fur smooth and tangle-free, while occasional baths help maintain its softness and cleanliness.
Trimming the fur around the paws and ears can tidy up their appearance, and keeping the coat at a manageable length preserves its natural beauty. Both types of Chinese Crested dogs require consistent dental care and nail trims as part of their grooming routine.
Health issues for Chinese Crested Dogs
- Patellar Luxation is a common condition in small breeds like the Chinese Crested, where the kneecap dislocates from its normal position. This can cause lameness, difficulty walking, and pain. The condition may be inherited, with severity ranging from mild cases that need minimal treatment to more severe cases requiring surgical correction.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a genetic disorder that leads to the gradual degeneration of the retina, eventually resulting in blindness. Early signs include night blindness and dilated pupils. PRA is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, and although there is no cure, early detection through genetic testing can help manage the condition.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease may affect Chinese Crested dogs, particularly during their early years. It causes degeneration of the femoral head in the hip joint, leading to pain, lameness, and difficulty walking. Surgical intervention, followed by rehabilitation, is often necessary.
- Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland underperforms, slowing down metabolism. Symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. This condition can usually be managed with medication and regular vet check-ups, though it may be linked to an autoimmune disorder or genetic predisposition.
- Skin Problems are prevalent in Hairless Chinese Cresteds, as their exposed skin is prone to dryness, irritation, and sunburn. Regular moisturising, proper skincare, and sun protection are essential to prevent common issues like rashes or acne. Careful attention to their skin is important for maintaining their overall health.
- Dental Issues are particularly common in the Hairless variety of Chinese Cresteds, as they often have missing or malformed teeth. Regular dental care, including brushing and professional cleanings, is essential to prevent gum disease and tooth loss, which can affect their overall health and ability to eat.
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