Chinese Crested Dog

Also known as: Guanmao, Chinese Crested Terrier

The Chinese Crested Dog, despite its name, likely didn't originate in China at all but from African hairless dogs that Chinese trading ships spread around the world as a curiosity and shipboard vermin control. It comes in two variants, Hairless with tufts only on the head, tail and feet, and Powderpuff with a full long coat, and both can appear in the same litter. The hairless variant's exposed skin is sensitive to sun and cold, so sunscreen and clothing are genuinely necessary. The dog weighs only around 5.4 kilograms, lively, alert and closely bonded to its owner. Dental health in hairless individuals tends to run weaker than average, so regular checkups matter. Life expectancy runs 13 to 15 years.

Browse dog food sized right for this breed

Chinese Crested Dog: how old in human years?

23–33 cmHeight
2.3–5.4 kgWeight
13–15 yrsLife expectancy

Japanese Chin

FCI group: Companion and Toy Dogs
FCI section: Section 4: Hairless Dogs
FCI: 288
Country of origin: China

Energy level

3/5
Trainability

4/5
Family friendly

4/5
Grooming need

3/5

At a glance

Height

Males 23–33 cm

Females 23–30 cm

Weight

Males 2.3–5.4 kg

Females 2.3–5.4 kg

Life expectancy

13–15 yrs

Coat

hairless with crest, tail plume and socks of hair; powderpuff variety has a full veil coat (hairless)

Temperament & Family Life

Chinese Crested Dog's average temperament and family-life score for this breed is moderate.

Family friendly 4/5
Good with children 3/5
Good with other dogs 3/5
Friendly with strangers 3/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 4/5

Exercise, Energy & Space

Chinese Crested Dog's energy and exercise needs are moderate.

Energy level 3/5
Exercise need 3/5
Apartment friendly 5/5
Prey drive 2/5
Hunting instinct 1/5

Guarding & Alertness

Chinese Crested Dog's guarding and alertness traits are low.

Guarding instinct 1/5
Watchfulness 3/5
Barking level 2/5

Grooming & Care

Chinese Crested Dog's grooming needs are low.

Shedding 1/5
Drooling 1/5
Grooming need 3/5

Living with the Chinese Crested Dog

A Chinese Crested will be on your lap before you have finished sitting down, and tucked under a blanket it looks as if it was born there. This is a dog that needs closeness: it follows you from room to room, likes to sleep beside you, and does not enjoy long stretches alone.

Flat life suits it perfectly. A couple of walks a day and some play are what it needs, and its light, nimble body is well suited to agility too. It dislikes cold, wet weather, so in autumn and winter its wardrobe should include a jumper or a coat. It gets on well with other dogs and gentle children, though children need reminding that a dog this small is fragile.

It learns quickly and willingly when the lessons are cheerful, short and built on treats and praise; harshness will frighten it rather than teach it. It won't wear out the neighbours with barking, though it will let you know about visitors, and strangers get looked over from a safe distance first, ideally from your arms.

Grooming and coat

The Chinese Crested comes in two varieties, and their care differs. The hairless dog has hair only on the head (the crest), the tail (the plume) and the feet (the socks); brush those a few times a week, and the rest is skin care. It needs bathing more often than a coated dog, with a gentle dog shampoo, so the pores don't clog. On sunny days keep to the shade or put on a light T-shirt, and in winter a warm jumper; ask your vet what else will protect the skin from the sun. The Powderpuff variety wears a long, soft double coat that needs brushing at least a few times a week to stay free of tangles.

The big upright ears are well aired, but look inside once a week anyway: they should be clean and odour-free, and the fringe on the edges can be trimmed. Wipe the corners of the eyes daily with a soft damp cloth. Long, narrow hare feet come with long nails that grow quickly, so trim them every few weeks; if you can hear them clicking on the floor, it is time. And don't forget the teeth: brush them with a dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste, ideally every day.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

Bare skin that gets cold in winter and can burn in summer is the first thing you will learn about a Chinese Crested's health. This small dog can live thirteen to fifteen years, and its list covers teeth, eyes, hearing, bones and joints, and skin. You will spot plenty of changes yourself while stroking and playing; assessing them is the vet's job.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own dog's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Dental and gum disease

This covers troubles with the teeth and gums, from plaque and gum inflammation to missing or crooked teeth. You may smell bad breath, see reddened gums or notice your dog chewing on one side only. In the hairless Chinese Crested, the same inheritance that leaves the skin bare also affects how the teeth form, so there may be fewer teeth or they may sit unevenly; have a vet look in the mouth regularly.
Eye problems

This is an umbrella term for a range of eye troubles, from inflammation to changes in the lens or retina. Watch for tears, redness, squinting, a sudden change in the colour of the eye or a dog that grows timid at dusk. A Chinese Crested's eyes are dark and expressive, so changes are fairly easy to see; take any of them to the vet, and if you are getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.
Deafness

Deafness is partial or complete loss of hearing in one or both ears, which can be present from birth or develop later. Your dog may not respond to its name, the rattle of its bowl or the doorbell, and may startle when you approach from behind. A Chinese Crested watches its people closely, so its behaviour can make it hard to tell whether it hears you or is simply reading you; if in doubt, a vet can assess its hearing.
Orthopaedic (bone and joint) problems

This is an umbrella term for problems with bones and joints, such as a slipping kneecap or changes in the hip joint. You might notice limping, a sudden hop on three legs, or reluctance to jump or climb stairs. A Chinese Crested has fine, light bones, so it is worth limiting leaps off tall furniture, and any limp should be shown to the vet.
Skin problems

This is an umbrella term for skin troubles, from dryness and irritation to spots, clogged pores and sunburn. On bare skin you will see changes at once: redness, pimples, blackheads, peeling or itchy patches. A hairless Chinese Crested has no coat to shield its skin from sun, cold or irritants, so take skin changes to the vet, who can also advise you on how to protect it.

Food for small breeds — cheapest per kg

This list is chosen by the breed's weight (5 kg) rather than the breed itself: shops label food by dog size, so every breed of the same size gets the same list. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 82 g of dry food a day, from €4,49 a month For a neutered, normally active 3,9 kg dog. Calculate for your dog