Trainability

This sociable little butterfly will need early training and socialisation to ensure they learn to love all those that come into their world. Once they have fallen in love, their devotion and loyalty are second to none. Like all breeds care, patience and understanding needs to be a prime focus when training. Don’t be fooled by their size, the Chinese Crested make wonderful little athletes and thrive at dog sports or any activity they can flex their incredible speed and brain. They don’t need a lot of exercise, but they certainly need training and entertainment to keep them mentally stimulated. Known to be impressive jumpers too, the breed does require high fences alongside a solid ‘recall’ command. Early socialisation is advised, puppy-preschools offer a wonderful introduction to the world of training and doggy manners. This breed excels in obedience training on all levels but starting early is the key to success.

Grooming

The Chinese Crested come in two varieties, Hairless and Powderpuff. The hairless variety has hair on the head and tail with very cute socks, while the Powderpuff has a full coat of hair.
Both varieties do need a fair bit of maintenance when it comes to their coat and skin condition.

Hairless – will require frequent bathing to prevent skin problems and the hair on the feet, tail and head needs to be groomed often to prevent tangles. When grooming your dog check for any skin conditions or dryness. The sooner these issues are treated the better.

Powderpuff – This type of Crested will require a good dose of weekly grooming to prevent painful matting in their stunning double coats. It’s important to have your pup used to this lifetime activity so starting young is advisable.

Clipping around the face is best achieved with the help of a professional groomer until you are confident in this technique.

Both hair types need monthly nail clips, as they are incredible jumpers this can help prevent painful nail injuries.

Exercise Requirements

The Chinese Crested doesn’t need much exercise to keep him happy, however they do need a decent dose of mental stimulation to keep them out of trouble. A short walk once a day is also a good idea to keep your pup in good condition. A gentle stroll around the block is a great way to allow your dog to explore and examine the world around them. For a dog, a morning or afternoon walk is like reading the newspaper. Enrolling in a dog sport is another way to flex your dog’s mind as well as their muscles. However, this breed is just as happy sleeping the day away beside you.

Intelligence

The Crested is a very smart breed that will find entertainment if entertainment is not provide in the form of mental stimulation. A bored pup will become destructive. To prevent digging, barking and pining a clever selection of boredom busting puzzles and treats is important. This breed does not take well to being left alone for long periods of time. They are 100% a people-person dog and will pine when alone. The breed is also known for their acrobatics! They have an amazing ability to jump and climb even the biggest of fences.

Family Friendly

The Crested make wonderful family companions. Bred to be a people’s dog they will quickly become your devoted shadow, happily following you wherever your tread (or sleep). However, care does need to be taken with small children due to the size and bone-structure of the breed. Like with all breeds children should be taught how to correctly behave around a dog, and the dog taught how to correctly interact with the children. Crested’s are known for their playful nature with other pets and will bond quickly with existing animals.

Indoor/ Outdoor

This breed will exhibit signs of stress if left outside alone for endless hours. They will also feel the cold, so it is advisable for the Crested to be an inside dog. If you are leaving your dog outside for a few hours during the day a good dose of boredom busting techniques is advisable and also to double check fences. This breed is a master of Houdini escapades, particularly if they are bored or sense something more fun over the fence.

Breeding

It is very important to only source your new family member from a reputable breeding establishment, to ensure your puppy is healthy. Ask all the important questions about hereditary problems and ask to see mum and dad. Contact your local breed club and research your chosen breeder. Your breeder should have proof that they regularly test their dogs for genetic diseases and to ensure that the dogs they are breeding from have sound temperaments. It may take a little more time than a quick purchase, but it can save you and your family from unimaginable heartache and pain dealing with a sick puppy.