Chinese Crested
The mostly-hairless breed. Very low-shed. Needs sun cream and warmth. Deeply bonded to their person — poor alone-tolerance.
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Training tips for a Chinese Crested
Practical, breed-specific advice tuned to a Chinese Crested's temperament, energy and trainability.
House-Training Consistency
Take your Chinese Crested out every 2-3 hours and immediately after meals, using a specific toilet spot. If you catch an accident in progress, interrupt with a calm verbal cue and redirect outside, then praise heavily when they finish in the right place.
Early Socialisation Priority
Expose your Chinese Crested to varied people, sounds, and environments before 16 weeks, as their strong bonding tendency can lead to wariness of strangers. Keep sessions brief and upbeat, letting the dog approach at their own pace rather than forcing interaction.
Balanced Exercise Routine
Provide two 20-minute walks daily plus indoor puzzle toys or scent games to satisfy their moderate energy and alert nature. Their small size means mental stimulation through problem-solving is just as tiring as physical exercise.
Separation Anxiety Prevention
Address their poor alone-tolerance early by practising short departures and ignoring attention-seeking behaviour like whining or scratching. When they settle quietly, return calmly without fuss; dramatic hellos and goodbyes worsen the problem.
Clear, Gentle Communication
Use calm, consistent verbal cues and body language with this sensitive breed, applying well-timed corrections only when necessary to interrupt unwanted behaviour. Their gentle temperament responds best to clear boundaries delivered without harshness, building confidence through predictable consequences.
Training guides for a Chinese Crested
Expert-written guides picked for a Chinese Crested's temperament and needs.
How dogs actually learn: the four quadrants explained
Positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and everything in between — a clear, honest look at operant conditioning and when each tool is the right call.
Separation anxiety: a realistic rehab plan
Barking, destruction and toileting when you leave? Here's how to tell true separation anxiety from boredom — and how to actually fix it.
Health & nutrition for a Chinese Crested
What to watch for, how to feed, and how to keep a Chinese Crested in top shape — tuned to this breed's size and build.
Common health concerns
- •Chinese Cresteds are prone to dental disease due to their small jaw structure, so monitor for tartar buildup, tooth loss, and gum inflammation from an early age.
- •Skin issues including acne, sunburn, and dryness are common in hairless varieties; watch for irritation, lesions, or excessive scratching and protect skin from UV exposure.
- •Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) can occur in this toy breed, so watch for limping, skipping steps, or reluctance to jump.
- •Progressive retinal atrophy and other eye conditions may develop, so schedule regular veterinary eye examinations throughout their life.
Feeding & nutrition
- •Feed a biologically-appropriate raw diet with 2-3% of body weight daily (roughly 80-150g for an 8-12 lb Crested), including raw muscle meat like chicken, turkey, or kangaroo, meaty bones such as chicken necks or wings for dental health, and 10% organ meat including liver and kidney.
- •Raw meaty bones are especially critical for this breed's dental health, helping scrape away plaque naturally and strengthen their vulnerable teeth and gums where kibble fails.
- •Small, frequent meals (two per day) suit their tiny stomach capacity and high metabolism, with raw food providing superior bioavailable nutrients and moisture compared to processed kibble.
- •If convenience absolutely demands it, choose a high-quality, grain-free kibble as a last resort, but understand it cannot match the dental, digestive, and systemic health benefits of species-appropriate raw feeding.
Exercise & weight
- •Provide 20-30 minutes of daily exercise split into short walks and indoor play sessions to match their moderate energy level without overtaxing their small frame.
- •Interactive play like fetch, puzzle toys, and gentle agility courses prevent boredom and maintain healthy weight in this intelligent, alert breed.
- •Avoid extreme temperatures during exercise—use dog-safe sunscreen and limit sun exposure for hairless skin, and provide warm coats or indoor activity during cold weather.
- •Mental stimulation through training and bonding activities is equally important as physical exercise given their strong attachment to their person and lively temperament.
Educational guidance only — not veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed vet for your dog's specific health needs.
Ready to meet a Chinese Crested?
Search animal shelters and rescues across Australia — and consider bringing a certified trainer to your first meet-and-greet.