Chinese Crested Dog
Elegant, lively, and affectionate, this breed stands out with its unique hairless or powderpuff coat. Playful and loyal, Chinese Crested Dogs thrive as devoted, close companions.
Breed Characteristics

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
28–33 cm (male)
23–30 cm (female)
WEIGHT
3–5.5 kg (male)
2.5–5 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
13–18 years
Chinese Crested Dog: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Chinese Crested Dog isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Chinese Crested Dog's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Chinese Crested Dog is affectionate, alert, and tends to form strong bonds with its family, often displaying a playful and gentle nature.
Key Personality Traits
Affectionate with family and familiar people
Learns quickly with gentle, consistent training
Moderate activity needs, enjoys daily walks
Enjoys interactive games and gentle play
Adjusts well to various living environments

Strengths
- Affectionate with family members
- Low-shedding and minimal dander
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Playful and alert personality
- Generally friendly with other pets
Challenges
- Prone to dental health issues
- Sensitive to cold and sun exposure
- May develop separation anxiety
- Requires regular skin care
- Can be timid with strangers

Protect your Chinese Crested Dog
Chinese Crested Dog can develop dental issues and patellar luxation. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Chinese Crested Dogs are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and responds well to positive reinforcement training, though it can be sensitive and may require patience and consistency from its owner.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
30–45 minutes daily
recommended per day
Chinese Crested Dogs have moderate energy levels and benefit from daily walks and play sessions, along with mental stimulation to keep them engaged and prevent boredom.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Chinese Crested Dogs are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Chinese Crested Dog would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Adaptable and manageable for new owners with moderate patience and care
Apartment Living
Small size and quiet nature suit compact living spaces
Active Lifestyle
Enjoys play but does not require intense daily exercise
Kids
Fragile build and sensitivity make them less suited for rough play
Multiple Pets
Gets along with other pets if properly socialized
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being alone and may develop separation anxiety
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Chinese Crested Dogs compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chinese Crested Dog
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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