Chinese Crested — breed guide
A hairless dog needs sunscreen in summer and a coat in winter — its skin is genuinely exposed.
At a glance
- Group
- toy
- Size
- Toy
- Weight
- 4–5 kg (9–11 lb)
- Life span
- 13–18 years
- Coat
- Hairless with tufts, or a coated "powderpuff"
Living with a Chinese Crested
- Moderate energy — a proper walk every day.
- Regular grooming — brushing a few times a week.
- Barely sheds.
- Trainable with consistency.
- Vocal when there is a reason.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Typically lives happily with a cat.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Needs a coat in the cold.
Temperament
Affectionate · Playful · Velcro · Alert
Health to watch
- Dental disease
- Sunburn
- Luxating patella
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Questions people ask
Is a Chinese Crested good with kids?
Generally yes. Chinese Cresteds are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Chinese Crested good with cats?
Usually yes. Chinese Cresteds typically settle well with a resident cat — introduce them slowly and give the cat a high perch and a way out of the room.
How much exercise does a Chinese Crested need?
A real walk every day, around 30–60 minutes.
Can a Chinese Crested handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Chinese Crested's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.