Chinese Crested Overview
The Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: the Hairless (with hair only on head, feet, and tail) and the Powder Puff (fully coated). These distinctive, charming lap dogs are renowned for their affectionate, gentle temperament and unusual appearance. They are intensely devoted to their owners and form extremely strong bonds, sometimes to the point of separation anxiety.
CRITICAL FOR AUSTRALIAN OWNERS: The Hairless variety requires constant sun protection in Australia due to the nation’s extreme UV intensity and warm climate. Hairless Chinese Crested need daily SPF 50+ sunscreen application, protective clothing, and limited sun exposure. Australia’s high UV index poses genuine welfare and health risks. The Powder Puff variety suits Australia better but still requires careful climate management. These dogs are unsuitable for families unwilling to commit to intensive sun protection and specialised skin care.
Both varieties are low-shedding and suitable for allergy sufferers. They require significant grooming and skin care, particularly the Hairless variety. They are ideal lap dogs for retirees and sedentary owners but unsuitable for active families or outdoor pursuits. Chinese Crested are sensitive dogs requiring gentle handling and emotional support.
Chinese Crested Personality & Temperament
Understanding the Chinese Crested temperament is the most important step before bringing one home.
Affectionate, devoted, and sensitive, Chinese Crested are intensely people-oriented companions who form extraordinarily strong bonds with their owners. They are gentle, playful, and loving but can be anxious when separated from their chosen person. These dogs are not naturally confident; they require reassurance and emotional support. They are not aloof or independent; they are true velcro dogs.
With kids: Poor; fragile and easily injured; sensitive nature unsuitable for rough play.
With pets: Fair; can be timid; variable with other animals; requires early socialisation.
Key traits
Affectionate, devoted, sensitive, gentle, loyal
Barking
Moderate; alert but not excessively vocal; responsive to training.
Breed Ratings at a Glance
How the Chinese Crested scores across key traits (1 = Low, 5 = High).
Is a Chinese Crested Right for You?
✅
Apartment
Ideal; small, low-energy, minimal exercise
✅
House with yard
Good; garden access helpful but not essential
❌
First-time owner
Separation anxiety, sensitivity, and specialized care challenge novices
✅
Renters
No breed restrictions; ideal for rental properties
❌
Hot climate (QLD/NT/WA)
Hairless: UNSUITABLE due to sun/heat risk; Powder Puff: Poor; both require intensive climate management
⚠️
Cold climate (VIC/TAS/ACT)
Hairless: Need sweaters/protection in cold; Powder Puff: Better in cool climates
✅
Elderly/retired owners
Ideal; affectionate, low-energy, good companions; grooming manageable for mobile owners
❌
Working owners (8hrs alone)
High separation anxiety; cannot be left alone extended periods
❌
Rural/acreage
Low exercise tolerance; unsuitable for rural life
❌
Active lifestyle
Minimal exercise tolerance; unsuitable for active owners
Separation Anxiety: Moderate to High — this breed may struggle if left alone for long periods.
Chinese Crested Size & Appearance
Size
Toy
Weight M
2–5.5 kg
Weight F
2–5.5 kg
Height
28–33 cm
Coat
Two varieties: Hairless (hairless body, hair on head, feet, tail) and Powder Puff (full long coat)
Colours
Any color or combination; skin patterns vary in hairless variety
Variations
None
Brachycephalic
No
Hypoallergenic
No
Chinese Crested Health & Lifespan
15 years
Average Lifespan
Known Health Conditions
Knee joint dislocation
Est. treatment: $900–$1800
Degenerative eye disease
Est. treatment: $800–$1500
Missing teeth common in hairless variety
Est. treatment: $300–$1000
Sensitivity, dryness, sunburn risk
Est. treatment: $300–$1500/year
Low blood sugar in small breeds
Est. treatment: $500–$1500
Spinal disc problems
Est. treatment: $1200–$2500
Pet Insurance for Chinese Crested
Avg Annual Insurance: $600
Monthly Estimate: $30–$60/month; readily available; no breed restrictions in Australia.
Recommended Insurers:
• Bow Wow Meow
• PD Insurance
• Petinsurance.com.au
• Budget Direct
• Petcover
• NRMA
TIP: Insure before 6 months.
Compare insurance policies for your Chinese Crested
Given this breed's known health conditions, comprehensive coverage is recommended for Australian owners.
Compare Pet Insurance →
Chinese Crested Cost of Ownership (AUD)
| Category | Amount (AUD) |
|---|
| PURCHASE |
$1,500 - $3,000 |
| Food |
$1,000 |
| Vet |
$550 |
| Grooming |
$350 |
| Insurance |
$600 |
| TOTAL/yr |
$1,844 |
| Monthly |
$87 |
| LIFETIME (15 yrs) |
$27,660 |
| FIRST-YEAR EXTRAS |
$1,200–$2,200 (desexing, vax, microchip, setup, puppy school) |
$27,660
Estimated lifetime cost (15 years)
All prices in AUD. Costs vary by state, vet, and lifestyle. Sources: PetSure, RSPCA, Animal Medicines Australia.
Chinese Crested Grooming Guide
Frequency
Hairless: daily skin care, frequent bathing; Powder Puff: daily brushing, monthly grooming
Brushing
Hairless: specialized skin products; Powder Puff: slicker brush, metal comb
Professional Cost
$60–$90
Coat
Two varieties: Hairless (hairless body, hair on head, feet, tail) and Powder Puff (full long coat)
Shedding
☆☆☆☆☆/5
Tools
Slicker/pin brush, deshedding tool, nail clippers
Nails
Every 4–6 weeks | Ears: Monthly | Teeth: 2–3×/week
Chinese Crested Exercise Needs
Daily Exercise
30 minutes
Type
Walks, play, companionship
Energy
★★☆☆☆/5
Separation Anxiety
Moderate to High
Mental Stimulation
Puzzle feeders, sniff walks, 10min training/day
Sports
Agility, flyball, scent work, swimming (breed-dependent)
Training Your Chinese Crested
Trainability: ★★★☆☆/5
First-Time Owner: ★★☆☆☆/5
Intelligent and responsive but require gentle training. Sensitive temperament; harsh correction counterproductive. Respond to positive reinforcement and rewards. Early socialisation important.
Tips: Positive reinforcement only | Puppy school 8–12 weeks
Short 5–10min sessions | Socialise early with dogs, people, sounds
Chinese Crested Feeding Guide
Annual Food Cost: $1,000
0.25–0.5 cup quality kibble daily, split into two meals. Small breed; prone to hypoglycaemia. Maintain regular feeding schedule.
Tips: Premium kibble + 2 meals/day | Monitor weight | Fresh water always
Avoid: grapes, onion, chocolate, xylitol, macadamias
Finding a Reputable Chinese Crested Breeder
REGISTRIES:
• ANKC (ankc.org.au)
• RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au)
GREEN FLAGS: Health tests, ANKC/RPBA reg, visits allowed, health guarantee, screens buyers
RED FLAGS: Always available, multiple breeds, no health tests, Gumtree/social media sellers, pet shops
✅ Green Flags
- Registered with ANKC, RPBA, MDBA, or RightPaw
- Invites you to visit and meet the mother (dam)
- Provides health test results for parents
- Includes vet certificate, microchip, and vaccination records
- Has a waiting list (sign of demand, not a puppy farm)
❌ Red Flags
- Multiple breeds always available with no wait
- Won't let you visit or meet the mother
- No health testing mentioned
- Price significantly below market average
- Meets in a public place instead of their property
Trusted Australian Registries:
ANKC (ankc.org.au) · RPBA (rpba.org.au) · RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au) · Dogs Australia · ACF
Adopting a Chinese Crested in Australia
RESCUE OPTIONS:
• Chinese Crested Rescue Australia (limited activity)
• PetRescue.com.au
• RSPCA Australia
Adoption Cost: $250–$600 AUD
(includes desexing, microchip, vaccinations)
Search PetRescue.com.au — Australia's largest adoption platform
❤️ Thousands of dogs need homes. Rescue dogs come desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Chinese Crested — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for a Hairless Chinese Crested in Australia?
CRITICAL: Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen daily, provide protective clothing, limit sun exposure, monitor for sunburn, and ensure access to shade. Australia's UV is dangerous for hairless dogs.
Are Chinese Crested suitable for Australia?
Hairless variety: Poor—requires intensive sun protection. Powder Puff: Better, but still requires climate consideration and careful management.
How much grooming does each variety need?
Hairless: Daily skin care, frequent baths, sunscreen application. Powder Puff: Daily brushing, monthly professional grooming ($60–$90).
What's the annual cost to own a Chinese Crested in Australia?
Hairless: $2000–$3000/year (food, grooming, skin products, sunscreen, vet care). Powder Puff: $1500–$2300/year (food, grooming, insurance, vet care).
How much exercise do Chinese Crested need?
Minimal—30–40 minutes daily. Low-energy lap dogs unsuitable for active owners.
Do Chinese Crested get along with other pets?
Fair; variable temperament; some get along well, others are timid. Early socialisation important.
How long do Chinese Crested live?
13–18 years, often reaching 15–16 years with good care; long-lived breed.
Are they good for first-time owners?
No. Separation anxiety, sensitivity, and specialized care requirements (especially Hairless) challenge novices significantly.
What health issues should I be concerned about?
Patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, dental disease, and skin issues (Hairless). Hypoglycaemia possible. Regular vet checks essential.
Why is the Hairless variety risky in Australia?
Australia's extreme UV index (12+) and warm climate pose serious health risks. Hairless skin requires daily sunscreen; sunburn risk real. Welfare concerns significant.
