Chinese Crested

Coat & Grooming:

You might think that because this breed is hairless that it doesn’t need grooming, but what the Chinese Crested lacks in shedding and regular grooming needs, it makes up for in skin care problems. First of all, since their skin is bare, you’ll need to put lotion on them to stop their skin from drying out. Of course that also means putting sunscreen on your dog for longer excursions outside. Cresteds are also prone to rashes and blackheads, so believe it or not, you may have to get specialty skin treatments, or ‘dog facials’ for your pet. The powderpuffs of the breed require regular grooming every few months, and tend to stain around their mouths and eyes, so most groomers will keep the fur on and around the face cropped very close.

Coat length:
Short

Grooming:
Occasional

Shedding:
As there is no fur on the standard hairless Chinese Crested apart from his crest, socks, and plume, there should be little to no shedding with this breed. However, the powderpuff variety are completely covered in the breed’s signature silky long mane, and they will shed more than the hairless versions. Regular brushing will keep their coats healthy and keep shedding to a minimum.

Training:
Cresteds are smart and love to spend time with their owners, which makes them great candidates for agility training and flyball. They also make excellent therapy dogs, but it’s important to start their training and socialization early. They will be more than content to be trained to lay in people's laps or to do tricks for treats.

Barking:
One of the best parts of owning a Chinese Crested is how little they bark. This trait is particularly unusual since they are a typically vocal toy breed. Cresteds are pretty laid back, and you should find that when they bark it’s for something important or fun, not just to hear the sound of their own voice.

Temperament & Behavior:
Chinese Cresteds are happy, alert dogs who love to cuddle and interact with humans. They have a great disposition for therapy dogs and make great pets for disabled persons or seniors. A Crested can spend all afternoon playing with you in the yard and all evening snuggled up in your lap. They are incredibly affectionate and sweet dogs. Chinese Cresteds also make for excellent agility dogs and love to compete in flyball.

Behavior with kids:
Chinese Cresteds are wonderful for families and great with children. It’s important to start the socialization process early and remember to never leave your Chinese Crested, just like any dog, alone with new children.

Protection:
The Chinese Crested is neither ferocious nor particularly protective when it comes to other humans. The Chinese Crested is as much a guard dog as it is a Wall Street broker. On the bright side, you’ll rarely have to worry about this breed barking or nipping at new people.

Life Span:
On average, Chinese Crested live to be about 13-18 years old.

Inherited Health Issues:
As with any breed of dog, certain health conditions occur in Chinese Cresteds at an increased frequency, or as inherited conditions. Given their unique hairless appearance, many of these conditions involve disorders with their skin. These conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following: Progressive retinal atrophy, Vitreous degeneration, Follicular dysplasia and Follicular cysts.

Preventive Care:
As a hairless breed, the Chinese Crested is prone to developing a variety of skin conditions. Sun protection is a crucial step in preventing skin cancer in Cresteds, just as it is in people. Be sure to regularly use sunscreen or UV rated clothing to minimize the risk of sunburn. Additionally, keeping your Chinese Crested’s skin clean and moisturized will help to keep it healthy. Bathing too frequently, however, will dry out your dog’s skin.

As with any dog, Chinese Cresteds should go to the veterinarian regularly for routine examinations. Veterinarians have been extensively trained to pick up on subtle changes, which can be helpful in diagnosing minor problems before they become more significant.

Nutrition:

If overfed or under-exercised, Chinese Cresteds can quickly become overweight. Eating a bite or two of your dinner may not seem like much, but it can be quite a feast to these tiny dogs. Try to limit treat consumption and avoid table scraps, since these goodies will easily pack on the pounds. Instead, feed your Crested a high quality balanced diet with portion-controlled meals.

Daily Consumption:

Adult Chinese Cresteds eat 1/4 to 1/2 cups of dry food per day

Energy Level:

Enjoys some moderate exercise every now and then

Exercise:

The Chinese Crested is an alert and playful breed, but is relatively low maintenance when it comes to exercise. A typical Crested will be more than happy with a short daily walk, so long as you let them frolic around your yard or living room. It’s important to remember that because this breed is hairless, they need to wear sunscreen when they are outside for extended periods of time, or you may need to put them in a coat and boots for walks on cold nights.

Climate:

These little guys prefer warmer climates and shelter from the sun, as it’s no surprise that their hairless appearance leaves them susceptible to the cold and to sunburn. It’s important to consistently apply sunblock to them, just as you would to a child on the beach. Really, the need to keep them warm is just a great excuse to buy them some fetching outfits.

Living space:

Because of their size and laid back nature, the Chinese Crested makes an excellent apartment dweller or suburban pet.