How to Care for Chinese Crested Dogs

Last Updated: April 17, 2019 References Approved

When caring for your Chinese Crested dog, its skin should be your priority. Care for your dog’s skin by limiting sun exposure, keeping dry skin supple, and treating acne. Also, care for your dog’s basic needs by bathing it regularly, cleaning its teeth, and by having fresh water readily available. Because Chinese Crested dogs are small and low to the ground, keep common household cleaners up and away from your dog. And, remember to always wash your dog’s clothing and bedding before use.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Caring for Your Dog's Skin

1
Apply sunscreen. Because Chinese Crested dogs have hairless bodies, their skin is prone to sunburn. If you know you will be spending an extended amount time in the sun, for example 45 minutes or more, apply sunscreen on your dog. Use dog-safe, recommended sunscreen. You can find this at pet supply stores.^{[1]
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- Apply sunscreen sparingly. Excess lotion will block your dog’s pores and lead to acne. Always bathe your dog afterwards.^{[2]
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- You can also limit sun exposure by providing shady areas or by carrying an umbrella with you whenever you go outdoors.
- If you dog does get sunburned, apply an aftersun aloe lotion to soothe the skin. You can use an over-the-counter aloe vera lotion normally used by humans. If you are concerned about the sunburn, contact your vet.^{[3]
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  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
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2
Buy a sweater. You will also need to protect your dog during the winter months. Prevent your Chinese Crested dog from becoming too cold by buying sweaters. Sweaters keep your dog warm during the winter months.^{[4]
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- Do not purchase sweaters that are 100% wool. The wool can cause your dog’s skin to become irritated. Instead, buy a sweater that is a mix of wool and cotton or acrylic.^{[5]
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- If you live in a wet or rainy area, purchase a sweater that is rain and snow resistant. Sweaters that absorb water can make your dog colder than no sweater at all.^{[6]
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3
Treat acne. Like human skin, the skin of Chinese Crested dogs is prone to acne. You can treat acne with the same products used to treat human acne. However, it is always best to talk with your vet about the best products to use to treat your dog’s acne.^{[7]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
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- Avoid squeezing or popping pimples and blackheads. Squeezing and/or popping pimples can cause infections, scarring, and discolor the skin.
- Make sure to keep your dog's hair groomed. Long hair can cause your dog's skin to breakout in acne.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Providing Basic Care

1
Take your dog to see a veterinarian. When you first get your dog, you should schedule an appointment with a veterinarian right away to get your dog checked out and vaccinated against life-threatening diseases, such as rabies and distemper-parvo. Your dog's veterinarian can also identify any health concerns and recommend treatment.^{[8]
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- Make sure to ask your dog's veterinarian about a treatment schedule to protect your dog against parasites, such as ticks and fleas.
- Plan to take your dog to see the veterinarian about once per year for a checkup and any time you are concerned about your pet's health.
2
Bathe regularly. Bathe your Chinese Crested dog either once a week, or every 10 to 15 days. Use a mild, hypoallergenic dog shampoo to bathe your dog. When bathing your dog, make sure the water, as well as the bathing area, is warm. If not, your dog might become cold and start to shiver. Make sure to dry it well after the bath, and keep it warm. For example, put a sweater on your dog to keep it warm. Put the sweater on only after your dog is fully dry.^{[9]
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- Apply a mild, non-scented lotion afterwards to prevent the skin from drying. Use a mild dog lotion. If not, use a mild, baby lotion on your Chinese Crested dog.
- Always bathe your dog after a long day in the sun to remove all the sunscreen. If you leave the sunscreen on, it can clog your dog’s pores and cause acne.^{[10]
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3
Care for your dog's teeth. Any dog needs good oral hygiene to prevent gum disease and loose or missing teeth later in life. Brush your dog's teeth and gums regularly, or use alternative treatments such as water additives or an oral hygiene spray for dogs.
- Take your dog to the veterinarian’s office for regular dental check-ups as well.
4
Provide fresh water. Keep fresh water readily available. By keeping it readily available, you can keep your dog hydrated. Hydration will keep your dog’s skin and teeth healthy.^{[11]
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- Change out the water frequently; at least once a day. Water that is stagnant and unclean can lead to more dental and skin problems.
5
Make sure it gets regular exercise. Because Chinese Crested dogs are small, 30 minutes to an hour of exercise per day is all it needs. Take your dog to the park, walk it around the block, or play fetch with it in the backyard.^{[12]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
- Keep your dog leashed until you have trained it to come promptly when called, even at a dog park.
- Avoid using an extending leash, as this teaches the dog to pull. You can also train your dog to walk on a leash with good behavior.
6
Socialize your dog early. Early and frequent socialization will help you build a confident dog that has a stable temperament. Expose your dog to many different environments, people, and animals when they are young. If not, your dog might be timid or fearful around new people and dogs. Also, begin training your dog early with reward-based methods. Chinese Crested dogs do not respond well to negative reinforcement.^{[13]
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- Take your dog to the dog park frequently to help it get used to being around other dogs and people.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Protecting Your Chinese Crested Dog

1
Wash new bedding and clothing before use. New clothing, bedding, and home furnishings often contain harmful chemicals, like formaldehyde, that can irritate your Chinese Crested’s skin. Therefore, always wash new clothing and bedding, which will be used by your dog, before use.^{[14]
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- When washing clothing and bedding, use a pet-friendly, non-toxic detergent, like Soap Nuts Laundry Liquid or Nellie’s All-Natural Laundry Detergent.
2
Buy safe chew toys. Buy chew toys for your Chinese Crested dog that are the right size. Your dog should not be able to fit the whole toy in its mouth. If it can, then it is too small.^{[15]
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Trustworthy Source
American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
Go to source}
- Do not buy toys with small parts that your dog can choke on, or toys with foam stuffing.
- Buy chew toys made with softer materials, like soft rubber, since the Chinese Crested’s teeth are so fragile.
3
Store household cleaners in high places. Since Chinese Crested dogs are small and low to the ground, store your common household cleaners in high places, i.e., at or above eye level. Common household cleaners, like all-purpose cleaners, detergents, and glass and wood cleaners, emit harmful vapors that your dog can breathe in.
- You can also store these cleaners in the garage.^{[16]
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Expert Q&A

Question

What is the life expectancy of a Chinese crested dog?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The average life expectancy of a Chinese crested dog is around 13 to 15 years.
Question

How much does a Chinese crested dog weigh?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

The average weight for a Chinese crested dog is 2.3 to 5.4 kg. The females tend towards the lighter end of this scale, with the males to the heavier end.