The Chinese Crested Dog is a hairless breed that is known for its quirky and unusual looks. These little dogs come in two types: the hairless Chinese Crested, which has soft, uncovered skin but tufts of hair on the head and on the feet and tail, and the Powderpuff Chinese Crested, which covers a full coat of soft fur. They are known to be very loving and energetic; they can be a very good fit to the right owner as a companion. However, as with any breed, they do have some particular needs and considerations.
When considering a Chinese Crested as your new companion, it is important to reflect on your lifestyle, family, and ability to care for this dog. Though they are very affectionate and bond closely with their owners, they do need regular care, socialization and protection from the elements. In this article, we’re going to dive into if the Chinese Crested is right for you and how you will need to take care of them depending on the temperature and living conditions.
Temperament and Personality
Typical Behavioral Traits
Persistently sweet-natured, Chinese Crested dogs live for human companionship. They are often described as:
- Loving and loyal – These dogs bond very closely with their families and love to be near their owners.
- Social and friendly — Generally, they are friendly with other pets and people but require early socialization.
- Alert and playful – They have an active but not too-high-energy-somewhat easy-going personality, love “play” time without going overboard.
- Can be shy or sensitive sometimes —Some Chinese Cresteds can be shy around new people or in new environments.
Energy Levels and Social Tendencies
Chinese Cresteds are moderate-energy dogs that prefer to have playtime interaction and short bursts of activity rather than a lot of exercise. They are a very social creature and like companionship, so they do not do well being left alone for long in time. If you want an independent dog, you may be looking for the wrong breed.
Pros and Cons for Different People
Families with Children
✅ Pros: Gentle, affectionate, and will gladly sit on your lap all day long. They are great lap dogs and enjoy participating in the day-to-day routine.
❌ Cons: They may get injured easily when rough-housing due to their tiny stature and fragile frame. They must be supervised when in the vicinity of young children.
Single Individuals
✅ Pros: Great for singles seeking a loving, affectionate companion. Their need for attention works nicely with someone looking for a close, emotional pet.
❌ Cons: They might develop separation anxiety if you’re gone for long periods of the day.
Elderly Owners
✅ Pros: Requires less exercise, loves to cuddle, and is manageable for seniors who want a companion pet.
❌ Cons: They have delicate skin and need special care, and they are prone to some health issues that can require attention.
Active Lifestyle vs. Sedentary Lifestyle
- Active Owners: They like to play but aren’t a high endurance dog. A moderately active owner who enjoys some play sessions indoors or short walks outside would suit them nicely.
- Couch Potato Owners: They are great lap dogs that like to hang out on the couch as long as they get to go for some walks to stay healthy.
Suitability Factors
Do Chinese Cresteds Do Well with Kids?
Yes, they are generally good with older children who know how to treat small dogs with care. Younger children should be monitored to avoid accidental rough handling.
Are Chinese Cresteds Good with Other Dogs
They usually get along very well with small dogs and small breeds families, while rigorous introduction with large breed dogs is recommended as théy are very petite as compared to other breeds.
Do Chinese Cresteds Get Along with Cats?
Yes! They are fairly cat-friendly pets due to their friendly and even playful nature, but it would be best to supervise the first interactions.
Do Chinese Cresteds Make Good Guard Dogs?
But they’re not the best guard dogs. They might bark at strange noises or strangers, but their size and gentleness don’t make for good protection.
Is Chinese Crested Apartment Friendly?
Absolutely! Their tiny stature and light exercise requirements make them ideal candidates for apartment life, as long as they get enough attention and mental stimulation.
Do Chinese Cresteds Need a Yard?
Not necessarily! They do well as indoor pets and can meet their exercise needs through indoor play and short outdoor strolls.
Is a Chinese Crested Dog Right for You?
Yes, they can be a great breed for first-time dog owners, if the owner understands how to care for the breed, such as how to protect their skin and their emotional dependence.
Care Requirements
This is due to lots of reasons, including the fact that Chinese Cresteds do not have hair and are a pleasure breed.
Exercise Needs
- They need short walks each day as well as some playtime.
- Indoor activity is frequently sufficient to keep them fit.
- They must not be over-exercised as they have little and fragile limbs.
Grooming Requirements
- Hairless Chinese Cresteds need skin treatment to avoid dryness, sunburn, or irritation.
- Powderpuff variety needs to be brushed regularly to prevent matting.
- Giving a gentle bath at regular intervals helps maintain clean and healthy skin.
Both breeds are low shedders, making them a good choice for those wanting to minimize fur indoors.
Training Considerations
- Very trainable but will need regular, gentle reinforcement.
- May be susceptible to barking if not trained early.
- They respond much better to positive reinforcement than strict corrections.
Are Chinese Cresteds Outdoor Dogs?
No, they are not suited to living outdoors, regardless of having or lacking a coat. Hairless breeds are sensitive to extreme heat and cold and require protection from the sun and low temperatures.
The Chinese Crested: A Versatile Companion
You shouldn't leave them alone for long. Social in nature, they often develop anxiety-based behaviors without proper care.
Are Chinese Cresteds High Maintenance?
- Exercise-wise, no.
- Grooming-wise: somewhat, depending on the variety.
- Emotionally: YES - they need attention and love.
Health and Lifespan
Common Health Issues
Chinese Cresteds are fairly healthy but are susceptible to several common conditions, such as:
- Skin problems (rashes, acne, sunburn on hairless types)
- Dental issues (some are prone to early tooth loss)
- Luxating patella (a common knee issue in small breeds)
- Eye issues, such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Life Span of a Chinese Crested
Chinese Cresteds generally have a life span of 12 to 15 years, and with proper care, they can live a long, healthy life.
Are Chinese Cresteds Hypoallergenic?
They are classified as a low-allergen dogs because they shed very little; however, they are not 100 percent hypoallergenic. People with serious allergies should spend time around the breed before deciding to adopt.
Financial & Legal Aspects
How Much Is a Chinese Crested?
- Adoption: $100 – $500
- From a breeder: $1,000 – $3,000 depending on pedigree and breeder reputation
- Consider ongoing expenses like grooming, vet visits, and skincare.
This list, however, is not exhaustive, and the current list of breeds may change over time as cities and boroughs/local councils amend the list of 'dangerous dogs' under the act.
Chinese Cresteds are not typically banned or restricted, but it’s wise to check your local laws and your apartment’s pet policy before getting one.
Conclusion
The Chinese Crested is an affectionate, playful, one-of-a-kind companion and suits many households. With their small size, low exercise needs, and affection, they are perfect for apartment dwellers, as well as for seniors or families with older children. But their delicate skin, emotional sensitivity, and grooming needs demand consistent care and attention.
If you're seeking a dog who relishes companionship, delights in cuddling and has a fun-loving and quirky temperament, you might find the Chinese Crested to be a match made in heaven. However, if you'd rather have a more independent pet or one that doesn't need so much specialized attention, you might be better off with another breed.
Of course, you should think about your lifestyle, time commitment, and whether you can meet their needs before bringing a Chinese Crested home. If you can offer the love and care they need, you’ll be rewarded with an adorably loyal and charming companion for life.
