The Chinese Crested is a loving and affectionate little dog that needs to be kept indoors due to temperature sensitivity. She is fairly active indoors and just needs that occasional walk. She can tend to dig and climb but barks little. She needs special care with her teeth and hairless varieties need their skin moisturized. It can be very difficult to find puppies for sale.

Good With Children?

They love children and are generally very affectionate. They are a delicate breed so children need to be very careful not to injure them. As a reminder, never leave a young child unsupervised with a puppy or dog.

Good With Other Pets?

They generally do well with other pets, especially if socialized with them early on.

Temperament

This is a very loving and affectionate dog.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the Chinese Crested is approximately 9 to 13 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and around 5 to 12 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Chinese Crested is no exception. Be on the look out for skin allergies, patella luxation (congenital condition in which the kneecap dislocates), Legg-Perthes disease (hip joint disease, proabably genetic, affects hip joint and results in arthritis or inflamation and pain and lameness). The hairless variety appears to have more medical issues than the Powderpuffs (fully haired variety). The hairless will need sunscreen if exposed to much sun, plus they can have teeth problems and should not be given hard chew items like bones. Additionally, the hairless versions may have allergic reactions to wool and lanolin. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Chinese Crested comes in two varieties, one with hair on just the head, tail and feet and the other completely covered in hair called the Powderpuff. The Powderpuff has a double soft and silky coat which can tangle easily. She needs to be groomed daily to help keep her from matting. The hairless needs bathing frequently and oils rubbed into her skin, but avoid lanolin or products containing lanolin. They do not shed much and may be a good choice for allergy sufferers.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Life Span

The Chinese Crested can live between 10 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History of Chinese Crested

They were developed in thirteenth century China through mixing the Chihuahua and Mexican Hairless Dog. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1991.

Some Registries