Chinese Crested: Temperament, Size, Lifespan & Care

Chinese Crested temperament and personality

The AKC describes the Chinese Crested as lively and alert, and rates it four out of five for affection and openness to strangers. It says the Crested loves to spend time with its owner, which makes it a great candidate for agility, flyball and obedience, and a good therapy dog.

Cresteds have a very sensitive nature, according to the AKC. VCA notes limited tolerance for being alone and a preference for company. Most are devoted lap dogs that like to be wherever you are.

How big do Chinese Cresteds get?

The AKC lists the Chinese Crested at 11 to 13 inches tall and 8 to 12 pounds, with no separate figures by sex. The hairless variety has smooth, soft skin with tufts of hair on the head, tail and ankles; the powderpuff is covered in a soft, silky coat.

Apart from the coat, the AKC says there is very little difference between the two. Both are fine-boned and graceful, and VCA notes they are sensitive to temperature extremes.

Chinese Crested lifespan and common health issues

The AKC gives a Chinese Crested lifespan of 13 to 18 years. Breeders screen for inherited eye problems including progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma and primary lens luxation, and the AKC notes epilepsy occasionally and patellar luxation, as in most small breeds. Recommended tests include patella, cardiac and eye evaluations and DNA tests for lens luxation and PRA.

VCA calls dental abnormalities a defining concern, especially in the hairless, and says exposed skin is more prone to irritation and environmental damage. Ask breeders for parent results, start dental care early, and see a vet the same day for a red, painful or cloudy eye.

Exercise needs

The AKC says daily short walks with the owner and play sessions in the yard usually satisfy a Crested. It is good for them to exercise outdoors, but the AKC stresses using sunscreen or protective clothing on the hairless.

These are tough little dogs that can be very competitive in canine sports, and the AKC notes they enjoy lure coursing. In cold weather, a sweater or coat keeps a hairless Crested comfortable.

Chinese Crested grooming and skin care

The AKC warns that the hairless is not low-maintenance: exposed skin is prone to irritation, allergies and sunburn, and careful skin care, sunscreen and products suited to your dog's skin type are necessary. Ask your vet which products are safe.

The powderpuff needs regular brushing to prevent tangles. Shedding is one out of five on the AKC scale for both. Brush the teeth daily, trim nails and keep the head and tail furnishings combed.

Training a Chinese Crested

The AKC says Cresteds must be trained with gentle patience, because harsh words and negative actions can damage the bond. Reward-based training with small treats and praise works well, and trainability is four out of five. Short daily sessions of five to ten minutes, ended while the dog is still keen, usually work better than one long session.

Start socialization early so a sensitive dog grows confident with new people and places. House training a small dog takes consistency; a regular schedule and plenty of praise help.

Are Chinese Cresteds good with kids and other pets?

The AKC rates the Chinese Crested three out of five with young children, and VCA says they do best with gentle, respectful handling. Fine bones and sensitive skin mean rough play is a poor fit, so older, calm children suit best.

With other dogs the AKC rating is three out of five, and VCA says they typically socialize well with proper introductions. Choose gentle, similar-sized playmates, supervise play with larger dogs, and give a sensitive Crested a quiet place to retreat when it has had enough.

What a Chinese Crested needs at home

Useful kit includes dog-safe sunscreen and gentle skin products your vet approves, sweaters for small dogs and a light shirt for sun, a soft small-dog bed and blankets, a lightweight small-dog harness and leash, a dog toothbrush and toothpaste, nail clippers and, for powderpuffs, a pin brush and comb. A breathable mesh small-dog harness and leash and a gingham pet bed with a headboard are examples of the light harness and soft bedding mentioned above.

Keep the home comfortably warm in winter and offer shade in summer, since VCA notes the breed is sensitive to temperature extremes. Book a vet visit soon after bringing your Crested home and ask about a dental care plan, which skin products are safe, sun protection and eye checks.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.