Chinese Crested Dog: Complete Guide to Care and Ownership

The Chinese Crested Dog is a unique and loving companion that requires attention to their specific needs.

Their skin is very sensitive, so they need regular grooming and skin care to prevent infections and irritation.

With their hairless body, they're perfect for warm climates, but in cooler temperatures, they'll need a sweater or coat to stay comfortable.

These dogs are naturally playful and outgoing, making them great with families and social situations.

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As a dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your Chinese Crested Dog. Mast cell tumors can look like anything, so it's crucial to have all lumps and bumps checked out.

Regular veterinary check-ups are vital to ensure your dog's overall health and detect any potential problems early on. You should also keep an eye out for any unusual lumps or bumps on your dog's skin.

Your Chinese Crested Dog is a unique breed that requires special care. They need regular grooming to prevent skin problems, especially on their skin folds.

By being proactive and monitoring your dog's health closely, you can help prevent or catch potential issues early on. This will give you peace of mind and ensure your dog lives a happy and healthy life.

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Hairless Chinese Crested Dogs are prone to various health issues, some of which can be severe. They are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, such as parvo, rabies, and distemper, which are preventable through vaccination.

Their kneecaps may slip out of place, causing patellar luxation, and in severe cases, surgery may be needed to realign the kneecap. This can be a painful condition, especially if left untreated.

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial in detecting potential health issues early on. Breeders should also screen their dogs for eye problems, knee problems, heart problems, and genetic diseases such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Primary Lens Luxation (PLL).

Here are some common health issues that Hairless Chinese Crested Dogs may experience:

Hairless Chinese Crested Dogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, such as parvo, rabies, and distemper.

These infections are the same ones that all dogs can get, and many of them are preventable through vaccination.

We'll recommend a vaccination plan based on the diseases we see in our area, your dog's age, and other factors to help keep her safe.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia is a serious health concern for Chinese Crested dogs. Dysplasia causes joints to develop improperly, leading to arthritis and stiffness.

Your Crested may show lameness in his legs or have difficulty getting up from lying down as he matures. This is especially true if he's overweight, as excess weight can cause arthritis to develop years earlier.

We can treat arthritis with medication to minimize discomfort and pain. The sooner we catch the issue, the better.

Surgery may be necessary in severe cases to alleviate pain and suffering. X-rays can help identify problems early on, making it easier to develop a treatment plan.

To keep your Crested healthy, it's essential to monitor his weight and ensure he gets regular exercise. This can help prevent or delay the onset of arthritis.

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Eye problems can have a significant impact on your Hairless Chinese Crested Dog's quality of life. Unfortunately, this breed is prone to several eye conditions that can cause blindness or pain if not treated promptly.

Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Cresteds, as the lenses of their eyes become more opaque and cloudy. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may be an option.

Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) is an inherited disease that causes the lens to drop out of place, potentially blocking normal circulation in the eye and leading to secondary glaucoma. Surgery may be needed to relieve pain.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an inherited disease that causes the eyes to deteriorate, eventually leading to blindness. A genetic test is available for this condition, and symptoms typically begin around three to five years of age.

Several structural defects can occur in Hairless Chinese Crested Dog's eyes, some of which may cause serious vision problems. These defects can be detected by a veterinarian using special tests.

Hairless Chinese Crested Dogs are more likely to have Persistent Pupillary Membrane, a condition where small strands of tissue remain attached to the iris. These tissue bits usually don't hurt or impede vision, but occasionally can cause problems.

The following eye conditions are common in Hairless Chinese Crested Dogs:

Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Hairless Chinese Crested Dogs.

They often look just like other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, some of which are harmless and others not.

Early detection and removal is critical because many cancers are cured by surgically removing them.

All suspicious lumps should be tested and any questionable lump should be surgically removed as soon as possible.

The sooner mast cell tumors are surgically removed, the better.

Surgical removal is often the most effective way to cure mast cell tumors.

Chinese Crested dogs are a unique breed that requires some special attention. They can be difficult to housetrain, so be prepared for some extra effort and patience.

One of the biggest concerns with Chinese Crested dogs is their susceptibility to infections. They are prone to bacterial and viral infections like parvo, rabies, and distemper, which can be prevented with vaccination.

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Here are some common health issues that Chinese Crested dogs may experience:

As you can see, Chinese Crested dogs need regular veterinary check-ups to monitor their health and catch any potential issues early on. They also require protection from sunburn and need to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Some owners have even reported that they tend to snuggle up under the covers at night, so be prepared for some extra warmth in the bedroom!

Your Chinese Crested dog will thrive with a consistent routine and proper care. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler, keeping doors closed and out of reach of objects she shouldn't put in her mouth.

A weekly bathing and regular lotion application are essential for your hairless Chinese Crested dog. Brush her teeth at least three times a week to prevent serious problems with her teeth.

To keep her skin healthy, apply moisturizer regularly and clean her ears weekly. Very sensitive to cold, so a warm winter wardrobe is necessary. She is well suited for apartment living, requiring a daily walk and regular inside play.

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Here's a quick rundown of her grooming needs:

Your Chinese Crested dog is highly intelligent and can be taught to perform a variety of tricks to keep her mentally stimulated. Regular exercise is also crucial, but don't overdo it at first.

Taking care of a Chinese Crested dog requires attention to their sensitive skin and hairless body. They need to be protected from the sun with sunscreen or clothing, and their skin should be moisturized regularly.

Their diet is crucial, and they should be fed a high-quality food appropriate for their age, with a consistent and balanced diet to prevent digestive issues. Avoid giving them people food, which can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Exercise is essential for Chinese Cresteds, but they are delicate and should not be overexerted. A daily walk and some playtime indoors or in the backyard should suffice, with occasional short walks outside.

Here are some specific exercise guidelines for Chinese Cresteds:

Their grooming needs are unique, with daily brushing of the powderpuff variety and regular nail trimming and teeth cleaning for all varieties. They also require regular bathing and moisturizing to prevent skin issues.

Chinese Cresteds are social dogs that thrive on interaction with their family, but they can be delicate and require gentle play. They are generally good with children if supervised, but not suitable for large or rambunctious dogs.

With proper care and attention, Chinese Cresteds can live up to 13-18 years, making them a long-term companion for many families.

Chinese Crested dogs are smart and respond quickly to positive reinforcement-based training. They thrive on praise and rewards, making them a joy to train.

Avoid correction-based training with this breed, as they're sensitive to harsh emotions and can become anxious. This is especially true because of their intelligence.

These dogs excel at canine sports like agility, flyball, and lure coursing. They're surprisingly athletic and can keep up with energetic activities.

Puzzle toys and teaching new tricks are great ways to keep your Chinese Crested's mind and body in shape. It's a fun way to challenge them and provide mental stimulation.

As long as it means spending time with their family, Chinese Cresteds will be happy to learn more advanced skills. They'll take to agility, rally, and even lure coursing with ease.

As a Chinese Crested owner, you're likely no stranger to the unique needs and characteristics of this breed. They can be a great companion for people with allergies, as they produce less dander than many other breeds.

The Chinese Crested is a relatively small dog, with adults typically weighing between 10-13 pounds and standing between 10-13 inches tall at the shoulder.

One owner shared that their pet, a Yorkie mixed with Chinese Crested, weighed 2.6 pounds at just 2 months old. This highlights the importance of monitoring growth and development in these puppies.

Their crest can be either hairless or powderpuff, with the hairless variety requiring extra care to protect their skin from the sun and cold.

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Chinese Crested dogs are prone to several health issues that can affect their quality of life. One of the most common issues is eye problems, which can be caused by genetic conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Primary Lens Luxation (PLL).

PRA is an inherited disease that causes the eyes to deteriorate, leading to blindness. It's a bit more common in Hairless Chinese Crested dogs, and symptoms can start as early as three to five years of age. A genetic test is available to detect this condition.

Glaucoma is another painful eye disorder that can be caused by PRA or PLL. It affects the natural pressure levels inside the eye and can be treated with medication or surgery.

Patellar luxation is a condition that affects the knee joint, causing it to pop out of place when the dog moves around. It's a common issue in Chinese Crested dogs and can be painful.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures, which can be treated with medication. It's essential to ask about the puppy's relatives and their health history to understand the risk of epilepsy.

Here are some common health issues that can affect Chinese Crested dogs:

It's crucial to find a reputable breeder who engages in responsible breeding practices and screens for common diseases and conditions. This will give you a better chance of spending a long, healthy life with your Chinese Crested dog.

If you're considering bringing a Chinese Crested dog into your life, it's essential to think about whether their personalities and needs align with your home.

Before making a decision, speak to owners, breeders, and rescue groups to learn more about this breed. Meeting a Chinese Crested dog in person can also give you a better understanding of their temperament.

If you decide a Chinese Crested is right for you, research responsible breeders in your local area. Puppies typically cost between $1,000 and $2,000, while the powderpuff variety can be more expensive, upwards of $4,000.

You can find resources for adopting a Chinese Crested dog through the national breed club and AKC adoptable dogs. Here are some places to start: