Toy companion Small size 3.6-5.4 kg

Chinese Crested

A tiny, affectionate companion in hairless and coated types - devoted and apartment-friendly, but needs skin care and dislikes being left alone.

Compare
Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Small
Size
3.6-5.4 kg, 23-33 cm
Moderate
Activity
Playful in short bursts
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Very people-bonded, hates isolation
Moderate
Trainability
Sensitive, responds to gentle training
Moderate
Coat care
Hairless skin needs care; powderpuff needs brushing
Moderate
Fit with kids
Gentle but fragile around young kids
Moderate
Other pets
Usually fine with other small pets
Light
Health burden
Luxating patella, Dental disease

The Chinese Crested typically weighs 3.6-5.4 kg, stands 23-33 cm, and lives 13-15 years.

Consider this breed if…

you spend most of the day at home and want a velcro companion,
you live in an apartment and need a quiet-ish, tiny dog,
allergies push you toward a low-shedding breed (no dog is truly hypoallergenic),
you enjoy routine care - sunscreen, moisturizer or brushing is a feature, not a chore.

Do not consider this breed if…

the dog would be alone through full workdays - this breed frets badly,
you have toddlers; a 4 kg dog is easily injured by rough play,
you want a hardy outdoor buddy for all weather - hairless skin burns and chills,
you will not keep up with skin care or dental care; both catch up fast.

A typical day with a Chinese Crested

  1. 7:30 · Morning
    Short walk, then breakfast pressed against you
  2. 9:30 · Midmorning
    Sunbathes or burrows into a blanket
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Quick potty break, a little play
  4. 15:00 · Afternoon
    Naps on a lap or the warmest spot available
  5. 18:00 · Evening
    Zoomies, trick training, family time
  6. 21:30 · Night
    Sleeps under the covers, always touching someone

Temperament and training

Attachment to people Very high
Sensitivity High
Playfulness High
Independence Very low
Watchdog tendency Moderate
Confidence with strangers Low
Common owner mistakes
Skipping sun protection and skin care on the hairless variety · Carrying the dog everywhere instead of socializing it - shyness turns to fearfulness · Ignoring teeth; the hairless gene is linked to missing and weak teeth

Family and environment

Kids Conditional
Fine with gentle older kids; too fragile for toddlers.
Dogs Good
Gets along with other small, polite dogs.
Cats Good
Similar size and energy; usually peaceful.
Apartment Ideal
Small, quiet indoors and needs little space.
House with a yard Suitable
Supervise sun exposure and cold on hairless dogs.
City Suitable
Portable and adaptable; needs a coat in winter.
Countryside Manages
A companion breed, not a farm dog.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Light

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Luxating patella Common in toy breeds
Dental disease Frequent tooth loss, home care vital
Eye disease (PRA, lens luxation) Ask for eye testing in the line
Skin problems (hairless variety) Sunburn, acne, dryness; routine care needed

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

The other hairless companion, a bit sturdier
Xoloitzcuintli
An ancient, calm hairless breed that bonds closely and lives long - no fur does not mean no care, and its watchful, primitive streak needs early socialization.
View profile →
Similar fragile, warmth-seeking velcro dog
Italian Greyhound
A tiny, elegant sighthound that loves warmth and cuddles - ideal for apartments, but fragile-legged, hard to housetrain, and prone to leg fractures and dental disease.
View profile →
Coated toy companion with more trainability
Papillon
A tiny, brilliant, butterfly-eared companion; one of the smartest toy dogs, though fragile around rough play.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Chinese Crested cost?
Pet-quality puppies from reputable US breeders commonly run $1,200-$2,500; show lines cost more. Over a 13-15 year life, food, grooming supplies, skin care and routine vet visits typically add $12,000-$18,000 or more, and dental work - a frequent need in this breed - can add hundreds to thousands on top.
Is the hairless Chinese Crested really hairless?
Mostly. The hairless variety has smooth skin with hair on the head, feet and tail, and needs sunscreen, moisturizing and protection from cold. The powderpuff variety, born in the same litters, has a full soft double coat and needs regular brushing instead. Both varieties shed very little.
Can a Chinese Crested be left alone during a workday?
Not happily. This is one of the more people-dependent toy breeds, and regular 8-hour absences commonly produce crying, house-soiling and anxious behavior. It suits retirees, home workers or households where someone is usually around. A second small dog helps but does not fully replace people.
Are Chinese Cresteds good with children?
They are gentle, but at 3.6-5.4 kg they are genuinely fragile - a fall from a child's arms or a stepped-on leg is a real injury risk. Families with calm, older children do fine; households with toddlers should either wait or supervise every interaction closely.