Chinese Crested
OVERVIEW OF THE CHINESE CRESTED
The Chinese Crested is an unmistakable breed with its spotted pastel crimson or dull pink skin and fluffy white socks, tail, and ears. The small slender pups stand between 11 and 13 inches tall and also come in coated varieties called Powderpuffs. Powderpuff has a soft silky coat, but other than their appearance the two varieties are very similar in their affectionate nature and fine-boned elegance.
These companion dogs are attentive and devoted to their human family. If you’re somewhat of a couch potato, you’ll get along quite well. They will happily spend hours snuggling with you and are suitable for apartment living as well as properties with yards.
Although they don’t require the same amount of exercise as many other breeds, they are incredibly athletic and are masters at escaping over high fences, digging, and jumping. If your pup is left alone too long, they can experience separation anxiety, become destructive, and may attempt to take off. Once your little escape artist gets away, you’ll have a job on your hands trying to recapture them. Chinese traders used to have these dogs on their ships to catch rats and vermin, which is possibly a clue to their excellent agility.
Giving your loving pup enough attention is important since they can be needy and sensitive. They love being with their people but can be timid and fearful of strangers if not socialized from an early age. They need to be handled with care, so make sure your kids know how to handle your pup gently. If they do, they’ll have an affectionate friend for life.
The Chinese Cresteds’ natural apprehension of strangers does, however, make them good guard dogs (in small bodies). Intruders may not be too fearful, but everyone will be notified by your pup’s efficient alarm barking. They take their family guard duty pretty seriously.
If you’re thinking of welcoming a Chinese Crested to your family, here’s everything you need to know to give your new pup the best care possible.
CHINESE CRESTED FOOD AND HEALTH
When welcoming a Chinese Crested to your home, make sure to buy from a reputable breeder who can show you test results for genetic disease clearances. Chinese Crested are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they are prone to develop certain ailments. Although your pup may never develop any of these health conditions, it’s still important to be aware of them.
Dental issues are more common in hairless breeds. Their small teeth can slope forward causing problems. They often lose teeth by age two or three and may require canned food. Some eat kibble without any problems. Powderpuff has a normal toy breed dental orientation.
The Chinese Crested breed may develop Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or ‘dry eye’. Progressive Retinal Atrophy involves the long-term deterioration of the retina. It initially causes night blindness and eventually, they lose some or all of their daylight vision. Pups can adapt well to their impaired vision if their surroundings stay the same.
A dry eye occurs when the tear film of the eye is not functional, leaving the eye dry and inflamed with oil and mucus. This can be treated with eye drops and sometimes ointment will be recommended by your vet.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease occurs in puppies between four to six months. Due to poor blood flow in the rear leg femur, the bone starts to disintegrate and leg muscles start to atrophy.
Your pup will usually start to limp. The great news is that surgery can correct the condition and restore your pup to its happy pain-free self.
Ask your breeder for health clearances for hip and elbow dysplasia from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) as well as hypothyroidism, von Willebrand’s disease, and thrombopenia. Also, request clearance from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) that their eyes are healthy.
When it comes to vaccinations, cortisone, and topical applications (including sunscreens and tick or flea preventatives), try to avoid anything that is not absolutely necessary. Medications, shots, and topical applications can trigger problematic health responses.
Although many people are concerned about their dog’s skin exposure to the sun, they are actually very tolerant to heat. They don’t drink a lot of water and are happy to lounge around in the warmth of the sun. They are however not tolerant of cold conditions. Make sure your pup stays warm and don’t try to harden them to the cold. It won’t work.
The amount your pup eats will depend on their level of activity, weight, and age. Never feed puppies adult food. They should only be given food specifically formulated for puppies. The quantity will be indicated on the packaging according to their weight and age.
An adult dog will need anything from a quarter cup to one cup daily, divided into two meals. Adjust this according to your pet’s activity level and keep their weight in check to avoid health problems. Always check in with your vet before starting a new feeding regime for your pup.
LEASHES AND COLLARS FOR YOUR CHINESE CRESTED
Chinese Cresteds don’t fit a typical dog personality profile. This should, however, not be mistaken for low intelligence. These dogs are extremely intelligent and should be trained with a loving and sensitive hand as well as patience and lots of positive reinforcement.
Keep your pup on a leash for walks. They can have a stubborn streak. When choosing between a collar or harness for your pup, always choose a harness for walking. A back clip harness is the best option. Check for something that is comfortably lined on the interior. These pups are small-boned and can get injured easily when pressure from a collar is exerted against their neck. If they spot something exciting and try to make a dash for it, a collar can damage their throat or trachea.
Lightweight collars are best kept for identity or name tags. You should be able to place two fingers between the collar and your pet pal’s neck. If you can’t, loosen the collar as it can choke your pup.
Chinese Cresteds need early socialization to ensure they grow up to be well-rounded dogs with healthy social skills. This will prevent them from being overly suspicious of other dogs and anxious, timid, or snappy around other people as they grow up. When enrolling your puppy in puppy school, see if there are any specific allocations for smaller dogs since they can get injured if playing with large boisterous puppies.
BEST CRATES, BEDS, AND DOG HOUSES FOR CHINESE CRESTED
Your Chinese Crested will most likely want to sleep with you in your bed. Letting this pup sleep outside is a definite no-no. Crate training can be very helpful for house training. If you plan on getting a crate for your pup, make sure it is kitted out with a comfy mattress or bed, a warm blanket, and a plush toy. Make it a comfortable and happy place for your pup and never use it as a form of punishment.
When looking for a dog bed for your pup, get something that has a removable and machine washable cover. Even the hairless breed sheds so make it easy for yourself by getting something that is effortless to clean. If your pup suffers from any joint or bone ailments, an orthopedic bed will be a good option.
BEST TOYS FOR CHINESE CRESTED
Although Chinese Cresteds will love playing outdoors with you, they won’t be a good running companion, not by far. These pups need a little exercise and plenty of mental stimulation.
For the outdoors, erratic balls are fun. They’ll bounce unconventionally and are a fun way to play fetch. Puzzle toys are also a great option. Some puzzle toys even include training books so your pup can get the most out of each toy. They often come with different levels so your furry friend can progress as they figure the puzzle out.
Get your puppy a teething toy to keep them from chewing your household or clothing items. A cuddly plush toy for their crate will make a wonderful companion for your pup when you aren’t around.
GROOMING INSIGHTS FOR CHINESE CRESTED OWNERS
Your pup’s grooming requirements will depend on whether you have a Hairless Crested or Powderpuff.
Although hairless dogs don’t shed as much as other breeds, they do still have some body hair and are not hypoallergenic. The hair on their body is best shaved to protect their skin. They require weekly or bi-weekly bathing depending on their lifestyle and activities. Use a good quality shampoo. Do not use sunscreen or moisturizer since your pup’s skin can be very sensitive to these. In fact, using lotions on your pup can often do more harm than good causing outbreaks or skin reactions.
Powderpuffs, on the other hand, require a lot more grooming with their silky double coats. They require at least weekly brushing. If they aren’t groomed regularly, their undercoat will start to mat. When their hair starts changing from puppy to adult hair, brush them daily with a pin brush or bristle brush. Check their feet and remove any felting between the pads.
Powderpuffs don’t need to be bathed as frequently as their hairless family members, but they still need regular baths with a good quality shampoo that won’t strip their hair or skin of natural oils. Towel-dry and then blow-dry your pup on a low heat setting after bathing and gently brush out their coat.
Brush your Cresteds teeth at least three times weekly. Daily brushing is ideal to prevent gum disease. You will also need to trim their nails occasionally, however, you may prefer to get a professional to do this. Dogs have blood vessels in their nails. This means clipping just slightly incorrectly can cause bleeding and make future nail trimming a nightmare.
Check for any inflammation or rashes as you groom to spot problems early. Their eyes should be clear and their ears clean. Redness, tenderness, or a bad odor can be a sign of infection.
Always make grooming a pleasant experience and start at a young age. Get your pup used to being groomed and having their teeth brushed to avoid difficulties when they get older. Give them lots of praise and positive affirmation along the way.
BEST CHINESE CRESTED ACCESSORIES
Your Chinese Crested doesn’t love the cold, so the number one accessory we recommend you get for your new family member is a jacket. Make sure the jacket is easy to put on, soft and comfortable, not too tight and machine-washable. Ensure that your pup can move freely and naturally when wearing their jacket. A dog raincoat is also a good idea if you walk in the rain.
Since your Crested is not one for jogging, why not get a dog buggy so your pup can join you? You’ll have to push your pet along in their stroller, but that’s an extra good workout for you.
A bicycle bag or dog basket will allow you and your pet pal to traverse slightly longer distances together without much strain. A bike bag generally attaches inside a sturdy metal frame and has a zip-up netting cover. The bags are usually detachable and can be used separately as a transport bag which is also great for taking your pup to the vet or traveling.
If you prefer to commute in the car, a dog car seat will allow your Crested to travel safely next to you or in the back seat. A dog car seat with a non-slip base and secure attachments to the headrest and seat will ensure your co-pilot doesn’t shift around when the car turns or stops suddenly. Some car seats form a basket allowing your pup to curl up and nap.
If you are kitting your pup out for crate training, we also suggest you get a crate cover. This is a fantastic way to turn a boring crate into a haven of comfort. Get a cover that is machine washable and that has a door flap that can be left up or down. This can be helpful in establishing a bedtime routine as the crate remains dark and closed during the night while still giving your pup the freedom to enter and exit as needed.
To learn more about small breeds like Chinese Crested, check out our breed hub page.