Chinese Crested
Bred to be the most loyal canine companion the world has known, this affectionate breed is incredibly loveable and devoted to its pack. They make lovely apartment dogs and are the perfect breed choice for those restricted on room.
Chinese Crested At A Glance
| Lifespan | 13-15 years |
| Temperament | Chinese Cresteds are known for their affectionate, playful, and lively temperament, often forming strong bonds with their owners and enjoying interactive activities. |
| Suitable | Chinese Cresteds are ideal for individuals or families seeking a unique, affectionate companion with low shedding and a lively personality, ideally in households where they can receive ample attention and socialisation. |
| Health | Chinese Cresteds are generally healthy dogs, but they may be prone to dental issues, skin conditions, and patellar luxation, requiring regular veterinary care and attention to preventive measures. |
| COMMON CLAIMS | MAXIMUM CLAIM |
|---|---|
| Heart Condition | $1,076.43 |
| Gastrointestinal Condition | $3,747.78 |
| Blood Vessel Disorder | $2,826.26 |
| Neurological Condition | $944.60 |
| Arthritis | $7,142.84 |
| Muscle/Skeletal Condition | $1,114.00 |
| Urinary System Disorder | $1,991.50 |
*PetSure Data 2024
Trainability
This friendly little butterfly will need early training and socialisation to learn to love all those who come into their world. Once they have fallen in love, their devotion and loyalty are second to none. Like all breeds, care, patience, and understanding need to be a prime focus when training. Don’t be fooled by their size; the Chinese Crested make extraordinary little athletes and thrive at dog sports or any activity in which they can flex their incredible speed and brain. They don’t need a lot of exercise, but they certainly need training and entertainment to keep them mentally stimulated. Known to be impressive jumpers, the breed also requires high fences alongside a solid ‘recall’ command. Early socialisation is advised; puppy preschools offer an excellent introduction to training and doggy manners. This breed excels in obedience training on all levels, but starting early is the key to success.
Grooming
The Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: Hairless and Powderpuff. The hairless variety has hair on the head and tail with adorable socks, while the Powderpuff has a full coat of hair. Both varieties do need a fair bit of maintenance when it comes to their coat and skin condition.
Hairless – will require frequent bathing to prevent skin problems, and the hair on the feet, tail and head needs to be groomed often to prevent tangles. When grooming your dog, check for any skin conditions or dryness. The sooner these issues are treated, the better.
Powderpuff – This type of Crested will require a good dose of weekly grooming to prevent painful matting in their stunning double coats. Having your pup used to this lifetime activity is essential, so starting young is advisable.
Clipping around the face is best achieved with the help of a professional groomer until you are confident in this technique.
Both hair types need monthly nail clips, as they are incredible jumpers that can help prevent painful nail injuries.
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Common Health Complaints – Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested dog breed is a robust and lovely wee dog; however, like all dog breeds, they can suffer from a range of conditions.
- Dental Issues (Periodontal Disease, Tartar Buildup) - Chinese Cresteds are prone to dental problems due to their small size and crowding. Treatment may involve regular dental cleanings under anesthesia by a veterinarian and at-home dental care like tooth brushing and dental chews.
- Skin Conditions (Allergies, Dermatitis) - Chinese Cresteds may suffer from allergies and skin sensitivities, leading to itching, redness, and irritation. Treatment involves identifying and avoiding allergens, using hypoallergenic shampoos, topical medications, and oral antihistamines prescribed by a veterinarian.
- Patellar Luxation - Patellar luxation is a common orthopedic issue in Chinese Cresteds where the kneecap dislocates from its normal position. Treatment options range from rest and pain management medication to surgical correction to realign the kneecap and stabilise the joint.
- Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease - Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a degenerative condition affecting the hip joint's blood supply, leading to hip pain and lameness. Treatment options may include rest, pain management medication, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery to remove the affected femoral head.
- Eye Problems (Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Lens Luxation) - Chinese Cresteds may be prone to various eye problems, including progressive retinal atrophy and lens luxation. Treatment options depend on the specific eye problem and may include medications, surgery, or management strategies to slow disease progression and preserve vision.
- Luxating Patellas - Luxating patellas occur when the knee joint slides in and out of place, causing pain and lameness. Treatment options range from conservative management with rest and pain medication to surgical correction to stabilise the knee joint.
- Hypothyroidism - Hypothyroidism is a hormonal disorder where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues. Treatment involves lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy, typically administered orally, and regular monitoring of thyroid hormone levels.
- Heart Murmurs - Chinese Cresteds may develop heart murmurs, which are abnormal sounds heard during a veterinary examination, indicating turbulent blood flow within the heart. Treatment depends on the severity and underlying cause of the heart murmur and may involve monitoring, medication, or further diagnostic testing and intervention by a veterinary cardiologist.
- Sebaceous Adenitis - Sebaceous adenitis is a skin condition where the sebaceous glands become inflamed, leading to hair loss, scaly skin, and secondary infections. Treatment involves topical therapy with medicated shampoos, moisturisers, and oral medications prescribed by a veterinarian to manage symptoms and control inflammation.
- Collapsed Trachea - Collapsed trachea is a condition where the cartilage rings in the trachea weaken, leading to breathing difficulties, coughing, and respiratory distress. Treatment may involve weight management, medications to manage coughing and inflammation, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention to support the trachea.
Understanding these common health conditions in Chinese Crested dogs and their treatments can help owners recognise potential issues early and provide appropriate veterinary care to maintain their pet’s health and well-being. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are essential for effectively managing and addressing these health concerns.
Looking to protect your pet? Learn more about our dog insurance for your Chinese Crested here.
Exercise Requirements
The Chinese Crested doesn’t need much exercise to keep them happy. However, they need a decent dose of mental stimulation to keep them out of trouble. A short walk once daily is also a good idea to keep your pup in good condition. A gentle stroll around the block is a great way to allow your dog to explore and examine the world around them. For a dog, a morning or afternoon walk is like reading the newspaper. Enrolling in a dog sport is another way to flex your dog’s mind and muscles. However, this breed is just as happy sleeping the day away beside you.
Intelligence
The Crested is a brilliant breed that will find entertainment if entertainment is not provided through mental stimulation. A bored pup will become destructive. A clever selection of boredom-busting puzzles and treats is essential to prevent digging, barking and pining. This breed does not take well to being left alone for long periods. They are people-person dogs and will pine when alone. The breed is also known for its acrobatics! They have a fantastic ability to jump and climb even the biggest of fences.
Family Friendly
The Crested make excellent family companions. Bred to be a people’s dog, they will quickly become your devoted shadow, happily following you wherever you tread (or sleep). However, care does need to be taken with small children due to the size and bone structure of the breed. Like with all breeds, children should be taught how to behave around a dog correctly, and the dog should be taught how to interact with the children correctly. Crested’s are known for their playful nature with other pets and will bond quickly with existing animals.
Indoor/outdoor?
When acquiring a Chinese Crested puppy, choosing a reputable breeder is crucial to guarantee your new family member’s health. Inquire about hereditary issues, request to meet the parents, and seek recommendations from your local breed club. A responsible breeder will conduct regular genetic testing and prioritise sound temperaments in their breeding program. Though it may require patience, this careful selection process can prevent the emotional distress of caring for an unwell puppy and ensure a healthy addition to your family.
Responsible Breeding
When acquiring a Chinese Crested puppy, choosing a reputable breeder is crucial to guarantee your new family member’s health. Inquire about hereditary issues, request to meet the parents, and seek recommendations from your local breed club. A responsible breeder will conduct regular genetic testing and prioritise sound temperaments in their breeding program. Though it may require patience, this careful selection process can prevent the emotional distress of caring for an unwell puppy and ensure a healthy addition to your family.
Contact PIA to Get Pet Insurance for Chinese Crested Dogs
PIA is a family owned pet insurance company for Australia, and we have a long and successful history of helping owners care for their Rottweilers. Contact us today to learn more about our range of simple, flexible and affordable cover options.
Resources
https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/chinese-crested
https://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-breeds/chinese-crested-dog
https://www.uk.pedigree.com/dog-advice/dog-breeds/chinese-crested-dog
