Think: hairless body, tufts of fur like a mohawk, pinch-doll proportions and a gaze that says, “Yes, I know I’m fetching.” The Chinese Crested is a breed of contrasts, bold where bare, delicate where furred, and always demanding attention (for better or worse).
Want to see whether a nearly naked dog fits your life? Try our Which Dog Breed Is Best for Me? Quiz and find out.
Great Names for a Chinese Crested
These dogs beg for names that highlight their uniqueness, elegance, or cheeky charm:
Bare & bold: Nude, Silk, Sleek, Xeno, Onyx, Ghost
Soft contrast: Fleur, Pearl, Willow, Luna, Belle, Ivy
Regal & exotic: Jade, Kai, Zen, Tao, Mei, Qin
Playful & fun: Pixie, Zip, Tango, Jinx, Rascal, Poppy
Curious for more? Head to our Dog Name Generator on CrazyDogs.club and see what surprises you.
Exercise
A Crested may look fragile, but many have surprising energy. Think of them as small athletes with soft skin. They’ll trot, jump, explore — but overdo it, and the skin or joints will let you know.
What works well:
- 45–60 minutes of varied activity daily (walk + play)
- Gentle off-lead time in safe areas (if well trained)
- Interactive games, scent trails, and fetch in short bursts
- Gentle warm-ups and cooldowns (because of skin/joint sensitivity)
“Cresteds are wonderful dogs, love them dearly … they are active dogs, but very clever.”
Temperament
Don’t let the nearly hairless look fool you — this is a dog with character. They crave close connection, often bond deeply with “their person,” and can be sensitive to changes. They’re often more observant than bold.
You’ll see:
- Loyal and affectionate to family
- Watchful — alert without being over the top
- Sensitive to harsh voices or inconsistency
- Sometimes reserved around strangers
“Grooming is easy but skin care is not … they have lots of blackheads that must be taken care of.”
Training
Training a Crested is like working with a clever, delicate creature — you need finesse, consistency, and positive reinforcement. They don’t respond well to heavy-handed tactics.
Best methods:
- Start early with socialising to people, dogs, and environments
- Use rewards (treats, praise, gentle tactile rewards)
- Keep sessions short but frequent
- Teach impulse control, recall, and “leave it”
Need tailored help when you get stuck? Try the World’s First AI Dog Trainer for step-by-step, breed-sensitive plans.
“They are easy to train … are a people pleaser.”
Strangers & Watchdog Potential
This breed is more likely to alert softly than to erupt. They might sniff, bark gently, monitor, but rarely confront. With proper socialisation, they usually lean toward friendly rather than defensive.
- Some will bark at new stimuli
- Many will approach cautiously first
- Good socialisation helps prevent overreaction
Other Animals
Because of their moderate temperament, many Cresteds do well with other pets — especially if introduced young. But their fragility and skin sensitivity mean cautious interactions.
- Introduce in controlled, calm settings
- Supervise around boisterous dogs
- Watch for chasing instincts with small animals
Grooming & Skin Care
Here’s where the Crested becomes high-maintenance despite appearances. The skin is exposed, the fur parts delicate: fold care, moisturising, and protection matter.
Routine needs:
- Regular bathing (gentle, for skin balance)
- Moisturising lotions or oils to prevent dryness
- Daily inspection of skin for irritations, blemishes, blackheads
- Sun protection (coat or sunscreen)
- Dental care (they often have dental issues)
Skin & Sun Sensitivity Warning
Bare skin = high risk. Sunburn, cuts, abrasions, dryness — neglect skincare and you’ll pay with infections, sores, or chronic discomfort.
Health
Because of their extreme traits, Cresteds come with a set of health challenges. Owners must be vigilant.
Key risks:
- Skin problems: acne, dermatitis, sunburn
- Dental issues: missing teeth, decay
- Eye problems: dryness, irritation
- Allergies/sensitivities to food, environment
- Orthopaedic issues (depending on lines)
“Both of them have skin issues … they are allergic to grains and potato … teeth problems … most will lose their teeth as they age.”
Always choose breeders who have done health testing, and consider skin/eye genetics. Use our Best in Breeder Guide for checks.
Cost of Ownership
This is a breed where health, skincare, and dental care add up. In the UK, expect:
- Puppy price: £1,000–£2,500 (depending on line, health checks)
- Insurance: ~ £50–£100+ per month (skin & dental risks)
- Food: ~ £25–£45/month (small size but quality diet needed)
- Skin care & grooming: £10–£40/month (skincare products, vet creams, baths)
- Vet & dental care: £150–£400/year baseline; dental surgery or skin treatments can run much higher
Famous Owners & Moments
- Chinese Cresteds frequently appear in “ugly dog” contests because their extreme features make them memorable.
- They were once favoured as companion dogs in ancient China, prized for their delicate look and loyalty.
Myth-Busting
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| “Because they are hairless, they shed nothing.” | The hairless parts don’t shed — but cresteds often have fur tufts that shed. |
| “They’re good outdoors dogs.” | Their skin is delicate — they prefer shelter, warmth, and care. |
| “They don’t need grooming.” | Far from it. Bathing, skincare, dental care are essential. |
FAQs
Are Chinese Cresteds good with children?
Careful supervision is needed. They can bond, but fragile skin means rough play is risky.
Do they drool a lot?
No — drooling is minimal due to their facial structure.
Are they easy to train?
Often yes — they’re smart and attentive when training is gentle and consistent.
How much exercise do they need?
About 45–60 mins a day + mental enrichment.
Thinking of Bringing One Home?
If you’re drawn to a dog that’s part sculpture, part companion, the Chinese Crested offers unique beauty and personality. But you’ll need skincare routines, dental vigilance, and a gentle touch.
Start with our New Puppy Paw-rent Planner and immortalise those distinctive looks with a Custom Cartoon Pet Portrait.
Breed Stats
- Size: Small
- Weight: ~2.5 to ~7 kg (varies by type)
- Lifespan: ~10–14 years
- Best Trait: Unique look, affectionate bond
- Challenging Trait: Skin issues, dental health, fragility
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