| Height | 11-13 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8-12 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 13–18+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Alert / Lively / Affectionate [1] |
| AKC group | Toy Group [1] |
| Origin | Africa/China [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 72 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The exercise needs of the Chinese Crested can usually be satisfied with daily short walks with his owner and play-sessions in his backyard. It is good for the Crested to exercise outdoors, but care must be taken to use either sunscreen or place protective clothing on him. These are tough little dogs who can be very competitive in canine sports. [1]
Grooming
You might think that the hairless variation of the Chinese Crested would require almost no grooming. After all, he has no hair. However, because his skin is exposed, the hairless Crested is prone to skin irritations, allergies, and sunburn. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Responsible breeders consistently screen their breeding stock for inherited eye problems that are known to occur in the Chinese Crested, including progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, and primary lens luxation. Epilepsy occurs in the breed occasionally. Patellar luxation (slipped stifles) affects Cresteds, as it does most small breeds. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease has no DNA test to screen parents, but it does sometimes show up on X-ray. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Primary Lens Luxation (PLL) - DNA Test, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Rod-Cone Dysplasia 3 (PRA-rcd3) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 – $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 – $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 – $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Chinese Crested in 1991. [1]
- It ranked No. 72 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 75 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Crested.” [1]
- The AKC lists Africa/China as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 5 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Patella Evaluation, Cardiac Exam. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 4/5)
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 1/5)
Common questions
How long do Chinese Cresteds live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 13-18 years.
How big does a Chinese Crested get?
AKC breed information lists height 11-13 inches and weight 8-12 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Chinese Crested?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the Chinese Crested, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.