The Chinese Crested is a unique dog known for her hairless appearance and elegant, graceful nature. Standing 11–13 inches tall and weighing 8–12 pounds, this toy breed comes in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. The hairless Chinese Crested has smooth, soft skin accentuated by silky hair on her head, feet, and tail. The powderpuff Chinese Crested has a full coat of long locks.
In this comprehensive breed guide, we've compiled everything you need to know about the Chinese Crested, including breed characteristics, health considerations, care requirements, training tips, grooming needs, and all essential supplies. We've evaluated each product based on quality, safety, appropriateness for the breed, ease of use, and value. All products reviewed here include direct Amazon purchase links with our affiliate tag.
Quick Answer: Essential Chinese Crested Supplies
If you're in a hurry, here are the must-have items for a Chinese Crested:
- Food: Quality Dog Food - AAFCO-compliant, complete and balanced nutrition
- Food Bowl: Stainless Steel Bowl - Durable, easy to clean, appropriate size
- Grooming Tools: Grooming Tools - Brushes, combs, nail clippers
- Dog Bed: Comfortable Dog Bed - Supportive, appropriate size
- Toys: Interactive Dog Toys - Mental stimulation, exercise
- Leash and Collar: Leash and Collar Set - Safe, secure, comfortable
About Chinese Cresteds
The Chinese Crested is a unique dog known for her hairless appearance and elegant, graceful nature. Standing 11–13 inches tall and weighing 8–12 pounds, this toy breed comes in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. The hairless Chinese Crested has smooth, soft skin accentuated by silky hair on her head, feet, and tail. The powderpuff Chinese Crested has a full coat of long locks.
Breed Characteristics
The Chinese Crested is known for its unique personality and characteristics. Each breed has specific traits that make them special, and understanding these characteristics is essential for providing proper care and training.
Chinese Cresteds are happy and alert dogs, according to the ACCC. They tend to be friendly toward everyone, even people they’re just meeting. That said, socializing your Chinese Crested puppy early and consistently is important for her to be comfortable in new situations.
Chinese Crested Health Issues
Common Health Consideration
Chinese Crested dogs are generally healthy and tend to live a long life (up to 18 years!), but they are prone to certain health conditions. Regular checkups and a healthy lifestyle can help minimize the risk of these issues.
Common Health Consideration
To reduce the incidence of health problems in the breed, the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) recommends that prior to breeding, Chinese Cresteds be screened for the following:
Common Health Consideration
Before purchasing a Chinese Crested puppy, ask breeders for the results of any screening tests that they have run on the puppy’s mother and father.
Common Health Consideration
Many tiny dog breeds have trouble with their teeth, and the Chinese Crested is no exception. This dog is known to have dental issues such as early tooth loss and gum disease.
Common Health Consideration
Pet parents must brush their dog’s teeth at home and schedule dental cleanings as recommended by a vet to keep their Crested’s mouth healthy. Poor dental health isn’t just bad for a dog’s teeth—it can cause organ damage as well.
While individual dogs may vary, it's important to be aware of potential health issues that can affect the Chinese Crested. Regular veterinary care, proper nutrition, and preventive measures can help keep your dog healthy throughout their life.
Product Comparison Table
| Product | Key Features | Best For | Size/Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality Dog Food | AAFCO-compliant, complete and balanced nutrition | Daily nutrition, health maintenance | Appropriate for breed size |
| Food Bowl | Stainless steel, durable, easy to clean | Feeding, water | Appropriate size for breed |
| Grooming Tools | Brushes, combs, nail clippers | Grooming, coat maintenance | Appropriate for coat type |
| Dog Bed | Comfortable, supportive, washable | Rest, sleep, comfort | Appropriate size for breed |
What To Feed a Chinese Crested
Nutrition Basics
When choosing the best dog food for your Chinese Crested, select one that meets the nutritional requirements of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and is formulated for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior).
Key Features: AAFCO-compliant, complete and balanced, appropriate for breed size
How Much Should You Feed a Chinese Crested?
The recommended caloric intake for Chinese Cresteds varies between individuals—it all comes down to their size, metabolism, neuter/spay status, and activity level. Additionally, the caloric content for each food may vary drastically from one brand to the next.
The best way to determine how much to feed a Chinese Crested is to talk with your veterinarian. They can calculate how much you should feed your dog. Additionally, the feeding guide labels on your dog food provide valuable information about portions.
Behavior and Training Tips for the Chinese Crested
Chinese Crested Personality and Temperament
Chinese Cresteds are happy and alert dogs, according to the ACCC. They tend to be friendly toward everyone, even people they’re just meeting. That said, socializing your Chinese Crested puppy early and consistently is important for her to be comfortable in new situations.
Chinese Crested Training
The Chinese Crested is a dog with some rather cat-like quirks—according to the breed club, the breed is known to perch on the back of couches, much like felines do. But they’re also eager to please their people and form strong bonds with those they love. Cresteds crave attention, and they might get a little needy if they don’t get enough affection.
Key Features: Positive reinforcement, lots of treats, early socialization, consistent training
View Training Treats on Amazon
Chinese Crested Grooming Guide
Skin Care
Regular bathing using dog shampoo helps keep your Chinese Crested's skin healthy. If you notice any changes in your dog's skin, such as redness or flakiness, talk to your veterinarian.
Key Features: Regular bathing, dog shampoo, monitor skin health
Coat Care
Though hairless Chinese Cresteds and Chinese Crested powderpuffs have very different grooming needs, both require care that is pretty involved. Hairless dogs need additional care for their exposed skin, and powderpuffs need regular brushing and professional grooming sessions.
Key Features: Regular brushing, prevent matting, coat maintenance
Considerations for Pet Parents
Family Compatibility
The Chinese Crested can make a great family pet when properly socialized and trained. Understanding the breed's needs and characteristics is essential for a successful relationship.
Exercise Needs
Final Verdict
The Chinese Crested is a unique dog known for her hairless appearance and elegant, graceful nature. Standing 11–13 inches tall and weighing 8–12 pounds, this toy breed comes in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff. The hairless Chinese Crested has smooth, soft skin accentuated by silky hair on her head, feet, and tail. The powderpuff Chinese Crested has a full coat of long locks.
With proper care including a balanced diet (AAFCO-compliant food), regular grooming, appropriate exercise, early socialization and training, and regular veterinary care, your Chinese Crested can live a healthy and happy life.
Quality supplies are an investment in your Chinese Crested's long-term health and happiness. Choose products that are safe, appropriate for the breed, and designed to meet their specific needs. With proper care and attention, your Chinese Crested will be a wonderful companion for many years to come.
Use this breed guide as a reference when considering or caring for a Chinese Crested, and don't hesitate to consult with your veterinarian if you have questions about your dog's specific needs or notice any signs of health issues.