Toy group · China/Africa
Chinese Crested
Also called Crested, Puff.
Tiny dog, moderate energy, trains well with consistency.
- Affectionate
- Playful
- Alert
- Lively
- Happy
- Size
- Toy
- Weight
- 4 to 5 kg8 to 12 lb
- Lives
- 13 to 18 years
- Energy
- Moderate
- Trains
- Moderate
- Barks
- Moderate
Training
Training a Chinese Crested
Toy breeds. Train them like a dog, not an ornament. Small dogs skip the manners work because they can be picked up.
Temperature Sensitivity
Start here
Hairless variety needs sunscreen and sweaters. Train indoors in extreme weather.
Sensitive Souls
Very emotionally sensitive. Harsh words or tones cause lasting upset.
Agility Potential
Athletic and willing. Surprisingly good at agility despite delicate appearance.
The app turns this into five to fifteen minutes a day.
Add your Chinese Crested and it builds the plan around their age, where they came from and what they already know, on video with Atlas and Shango.
Free to start. iPhone. No card needed.
At home
Living with one
Bred for company. Small in body, and often bigger in personality than the owner expected.
Gets on with
- ChildrenModerate
- Other dogsHigh
- StrangersModerate
- CatsHigh
Breed averages. Early socialisation and the individual dog matter more.
- Exercise
- 30 minutes daily. Moderate activity level. Protect skin from sun and cold.
- Grooming
- Varies by variety. Hairless needs skin care (moisturizer, sunscreen). Powderpuff needs regular brushing.
- Drool
- Very Low
- Coat
- Hairless, Powderpuff (full coat)Any colour or combination, Spotted, Solid
- In a flat
- Can work, with enough exercise outside it.
Health
Things to ask a breeder or vet about
Dental Issues
Moderate
Hairless variety has primitive teeth prone to decay and loss
Skin Problems
Moderate
Hairless variety susceptible to sunburn, acne, and dryness
Luxating Patella
Moderate
Kneecap displacement common in small breeds
Where they come from
History
Origins debated between China and Africa. Used as ratters on Chinese trading ships. Came in two varieties: Hairless and Powderpuff (full coat), both can appear in same litter.
- Sam · Three-time winner of World's Ugliest Dog Contest
