Chinese Crested Dog
The Good
- Good-natured and completely non-aggressive
- Excellent trainability
- Handles heat well
- Friendly with other pets
- Devoted to their owner
The Real
- Struggles with prolonged loneliness
- Loves to bark and howl loudly
- Requires early socialisation
- Prone to allergies
Gallery
Breed Overview
The Chinese Crested is one of those breeds that stops people in their tracks - and for good reason! These delightful little dogs come in two varieties that couldn't look more different: the hairless variety with their smooth, warm skin and tufts of silky hair on their head, feet, and tail, and the powderpuff variety covered in a soft, flowing double coat.
Standing just 28-33 cm tall and weighing between 3.5-5.4 kg, these elegant toy dogs pack enormous personality into their petite frames. What really sets them apart is their cat-like behaviour - you'll often find them perched on the back of your couch, surveying their domain like feline royalty.
In Australian homes, Chinese Cresteds make wonderful companions for families, singles, and retirees alike. They're particularly well-suited to apartment living in cities like Sydney or Melbourne, though they'll need warm clothing during cooler months. Their cheerful, alert nature means they're always up for whatever you're doing - whether that's a gentle stroll through your local park or simply curling up on the couch for a Netflix session.
These dogs form incredibly strong bonds with their people and can be quite needy when it comes to attention. They're the type of dog that wants to be involved in every aspect of your life, making them perfect for someone who wants a true companion rather than just a pet.
History
History
Despite their name suggesting Chinese origins, the true history of the Chinese Crested is fascinatingly complex. Recent genetic studies actually point to Mexican origins rather than Chinese, though these unique dogs have been travelling the world for centuries.
What we do know is that hairless dogs with similar characteristics were popular among noble families across Asia and Europe in ancient times, considered exotic and valuable gifts. The breed likely evolved from larger African hairless dogs that were gradually reduced in size through selective breeding.
By the 15th century, Chinese sailors were taking these dogs aboard their vessels as skilled rat catchers - a job they excelled at thanks to their agility and hunting instincts. This maritime connection helped spread the breed to port cities worldwide, which is why you can still find Chinese Cresteds in coastal communities around the globe today.
The breed's journey to formal recognition was surprisingly long. Despite appearing in European paintings and prints by the mid-19th century, and being featured in American dog shows from the late 1800s, the Chinese Crested wasn't officially recognised by major kennel clubs until much later. The International Canine Federation finally acknowledged them in 1987, followed by the American Kennel Club (American Kennel Club) in 1991.
Interestingly, both hairless and powderpuff varieties can appear in the same litter, with the powderpuff gene being recessive. This genetic quirk has been part of the breed since its earliest days.
Traits & Characteristics
Chinese Crested Dog characteristics and temperament traits.
Caring Guide
Chinese Cresteds are generally healthy dogs with impressive longevity - many live well into their late teens. However, like most toy breeds, they do have some health considerations that Australian owners should be aware of.
Dental health is perhaps their biggest concern. These little dogs are prone to early tooth loss, gum disease, and often have fewer teeth than other breeds - sometimes only 19 instead of the usual 42. Regular teeth brushing at home and professional dental cleanings are absolutely essential. Many Australian vets recommend starting dental care routines early to prevent serious complications.
Eye conditions are another area to watch. Progressive retinal atrophy, primary lens luxation, and dry eye can all affect the breed. While some conditions like lens luxation can be surgically corrected, others may lead to vision loss. Regular eye checks during your annual vet visits are crucial.
Patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation) is common in Chinese Cresteds, causing that characteristic "bunny hop" gait you might notice. Mild cases often don't require treatment, but severe instances may need surgical intervention.
The hairless variety requires special skin care in Australia's varied climate. Their exposed skin needs protection from both sun and cold, and they're prone to acne, dry skin, and blocked pores. Even with careful management, skin issues can develop.
Hip dysplasia and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease can also occur, though responsible breeders screen for these conditions. Before purchasing a puppy, always ask to see health clearances for both parents.
Feeding your Chinese Crested properly is crucial for maintaining their health and that characteristic elegant appearance. These little dogs don't need enormous amounts of food, but what they eat needs to be high-quality and well-balanced.
Most adult Chinese Cresteds do well with two meals daily - one in the morning and one in the evening. Puppies need more frequent feeding, typically three to four small meals throughout the day to support their rapid growth and development.
Choose a high-quality commercial dog food that meets nutritional standards and is formulated for your dog's life stage. Many Australian pet stores stock excellent options from brands like Royal Canin, Hill's, and Purina. For toy breeds like the Chinese Crested, foods specifically formulated for small dogs often work well as the kibble size is more manageable.
The amount you feed will depend on your dog's age, weight, activity level, and the specific food you choose. While package guidelines provide a starting point, your vet can help determine the perfect portion size for your individual dog.
Watch those treat calories! Because Chinese Cresteds are so small, even a few extra treats can quickly add up to weight gain. This is especially important during training when you might be using food rewards frequently.
Be aware that some Chinese Cresteds can develop food allergies, which often manifest as skin problems - something particularly noticeable in the hairless variety. If you notice skin issues, work with your vet to identify potential food triggers and adjust the diet accordingly.
Don't be fooled into thinking the hairless Chinese Crested is low-maintenance - both varieties actually require quite involved grooming routines, just in different ways.
For hairless Chinese Cresteds, skin care is your main focus. In Australia's climate, this means daily moisturising to prevent dry, damaged skin, and sun protection is absolutely essential. You'll need dog-safe sunscreen for outdoor activities, and even on mild days, protective clothing might be necessary. During Melbourne or Canberra winters, warm sweaters are a must.
The hairless variety still has hair on their head (the "crest"), feet, and tail that needs regular brushing to prevent matting. You'll also need to manage hair growth on the body - many owners learn to use epilators, trimmers, or visit professional groomers for hair removal to maintain that sleek appearance.
Powderpuff Chinese Cresteds need daily brushing to prevent their double coat from matting. Their coat structure is unique - the undercoat is actually shorter than the topcoat, which makes brushing easier but means mats can form quickly if you skip a day. Regular professional grooming appointments will keep them looking their best.
Both varieties need regular nail trims (often weekly since they spend most time indoors), ear cleaning to prevent infections, and frequent dental care. Eye care is also important - gentle daily cleaning helps prevent tear staining and allows you to spot any developing eye problems early.
Many Australian owners find it worthwhile to learn basic grooming skills themselves, as professional grooming for this breed can be quite expensive.
Here's some great news - Chinese Cresteds are eager-to-please dogs that respond beautifully to positive training methods. Their intelligence and desire to bond with their humans makes them surprisingly trainable for such a small breed.
Start socialisation early and consistently. While these dogs are naturally friendly, proper socialisation helps them feel confident in new situations - whether that's visiting busy weekend markets in Melbourne or meeting other dogs at your local park. The breed club recommends puppy training programs, which are widely available across Australian cities.
Always use positive reinforcement with your Chinese Crested. These sensitive souls don't respond well to harsh corrections - in fact, negative training methods can damage your relationship to the point where they'll lose interest in learning. Keep training sessions short, fun, and reward-based.
Exercise needs are quite manageable, making them perfect for Australian apartment living. Daily short walks around your neighbourhood, combined with indoor play sessions, usually satisfy their activity requirements. They enjoy interactive puzzle toys, gentle games of fetch, and even learning tricks - many can master dancing on their hind legs!
Despite their small size, Chinese Cresteds can be competitive in dog sports. Many Australian dog clubs offer agility, obedience, and even lure coursing activities that these athletic little dogs excel at. They also make wonderful therapy dogs due to their gentle, attentive nature.
Remember that these dogs have that cat-like personality - they might spend time perched on furniture surveying their territory, but they're always ready for interaction when you are.
Who is an ideal owner?
The Chinese Crested is perfect for someone who wants a true companion dog rather than just a pet. These dogs thrive with owners who appreciate their unique appearance and are ready to provide the attention and care they crave.
They're ideal for apartment dwellers in Australian cities, retirees who want a devoted companion, or families with older children who understand how to interact gently with small dogs. First-time dog owners often do well with Chinese Cresteds because they're so eager to please and relatively easy to train.
However, this breed isn't suitable for everyone. If you travel frequently for work or have long work hours with no one home during the day, a Chinese Crested will struggle. They form incredibly strong bonds with their people and can become destructive when lonely - you might come home to chewed shoes or scattered belongings.
You'll need to be committed to their grooming requirements, whether that's daily skin care for the hairless variety or regular brushing for the powderpuff. You'll also need patience with their vocal nature - Chinese Cresteds can be quite chatty and may need training to manage excessive barking, which is important for maintaining good relationships with neighbours in Australian suburbs.
Active families who enjoy weekend adventures will find these dogs make excellent companions for car trips and outdoor activities, though you'll need to plan for their climate sensitivity. They're also perfect for people who want a dog that can participate in activities like agility or therapy work.
The ideal Chinese Crested owner is someone looking for a devoted, intelligent, and slightly quirky companion who'll be involved in every aspect of their daily life.
Interesting facts about the Chinese Crested Dog
Interesting Fact
Despite their name, genetic studies suggest Chinese Cresteds likely originated in Mexico, not China
Interesting Fact
Both hairless and powderpuff varieties can appear in the same litter - the powderpuff gene is recessive
Interesting Fact
They have unusually long tongues that they often curl up to fit in their mouths
Interesting Fact
Chinese Cresteds typically have fewer teeth than other breeds - often only 19 instead of the standard 42
FAQ
Purchasing a Chinese Crested puppy from a reputable Australian breeder typically costs several thousand dollars. Prices vary based on the breeder's reputation, the puppy's lineage, and whether you want a pet-quality or show-quality dog. Always research breeders thoroughly and ask to see health clearances for both parents.
Yes, Chinese Cresteds require significant grooming regardless of variety. Hairless dogs need daily skin care, moisturising, and sun protection, while powderpuffs need regular brushing and professional grooming. Both varieties require frequent dental care and nail trims.
When properly trained and socialised, Chinese Cresteds make excellent family pets. They're particularly good with older children who understand gentle handling. However, interactions with young children should always be supervised due to the breed's small, delicate frame.
Chinese Cresteds have relatively low exercise requirements. Daily short walks and indoor play sessions usually meet their needs. They're well-suited to apartment living and don't require large backyards, making them perfect for urban Australian lifestyles.
The hairless variety handles heat reasonably well but needs sun protection and warm clothing in cooler weather. Both varieties struggle with extreme temperatures. In hot Australian summers, exercise should be limited to cooler parts of the day, while winter months require protective clothing, especially in cooler cities like Melbourne or Canberra.
Absolutely! Their small size and moderate exercise needs make them ideal apartment dogs. However, they can be vocal, so early training to manage barking is important for maintaining good relationships with neighbours in Australian apartment complexes.