Chinese Crestepoo (Chinese Crested & Poodle Mix): Info, Pictures, Traits & Care

Chinese Crestepoos are a designer breed that results from crossing a Chinese Crested Dog with a Poodle. They are popular pets because they are suitable for many different types of homes, such as singles, seniors, families with children, people with allergies, and people living in an apartment. At just 11 pounds, they are ideal lap dogs, though they are energetic animals that do enjoy playing with their families and going on walks.

Breed Overview

Does it sound like the Chinese Crestepoo could be a good fit for you and your family? Keep reading our guide to find out more.

Chinese Crestepoo Characteristics

Chinese Crestepoo Puppies

If you are planning to buy a Chinese Crestepoo puppy, you should know they can be quite expensive. You should do your research to find a reputable breeder before you purchase your pup. These “designer dogs” are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, so they will not come with pedigree papers, but a good breeder will share your puppy’s parental health and behavioral history so that you know what you can expect from your dog.

While the price may be cheaper, never buy a dog from a backyard breeder and make sure to avoid puppy mills; these individuals usually don’t have your dog’s best interest at heart and are known to treat dogs poorly. If you can’t afford to buy a Crestepoo puppy from a breeder but you are set on this breed, consider searching your local shelters for one of these dogs instead. Not only will the price of adoption be much cheaper, but if you adopt, you can also feel good about giving a home to a dog that needs one.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Chinese Crestepoo 🧠

Chinese Crestepoos are energetic dogs that can sometimes be a little bit high-strung. However, they are generally affectionate and curious animals that make great companions. Though intelligent, they are known to have a bit of a stubborn streak, so consistent training is imperative.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Generally speaking, these dogs are very gentle with children, making them good for families. One thing you should note, however, is that Chinese Crestepoos are very small dogs that weigh only as much as 11 pounds as adults. You should always monitor your children when they are playing with your Chinese Crestepoo, especially if they are young because children don’t always understand boundaries and could accidentally hurt your dog if they aren’t careful. What’s more, your Crestepoo may nip at your child if it feels threatened or if it is accidentally harmed.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽 

Overall, Chinese Crestepoos tend to do well with other pets, including dogs. However, it’s always a good idea to socialize your Crestepoo with family members, including your other animals, from an early age.

Things to Know When Owning a Chinese Crestepoo

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

When choosing what food to give your Chinese Crestepoo, make sure to buy high-quality dog food that is formulated for small breeds. If possible, you could even purchase food that is formulated for toy breeds. Food that is formulated for small breeds is made with your dog’s specific nutritional needs in mind. The kibble itself also tends to be smaller and easier for your Crestepoo to eat.

Your Crestepoo should eat between a half cup to a cup of food per day, split up into at least two separate meals. However, you may need to feed your dog more often; small breeds have higher metabolic rates than larger dogs. You may want to consider splitting your dog’s daily food into four to six meals per day to help prevent your dog from developing hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. To figure out just how much and how often you should be feeding your Chinese Crestepoo, talk to your veterinarian.

Exercise 🐕

Although Chinese Crestepoos tend to be high-energy dogs, their exercise needs are moderate. Because they are so small, they can’t walk as far or as long as other breeds. However, they should still get at least 30 minutes of exercise, or at least one long walk, every day. This breed is well-suited to apartment living as long as you can provide your dog with adequate exercise.

Training 🎾

As mentioned, these animals tend to be a bit stubborn. The best strategy for training your Chinese Crestepoo is to use plenty of positive reinforcement. If you find that you are still not getting anywhere with training your dog, don’t be afraid to use a professional trainer.

Grooming ✂️

The Chinese Crestepoo sheds very little and only needs to be brushed occasionally to prevent matting. Both the Chinese Crested and the Poodle are considered hypoallergenic dogs, so it is very likely that your Chinese Crestepoo will be, too. This makes them a great option for individuals with dog allergies.

In terms of bathing, you only need to bathe your Chinese Crestepoo as needed. You should, however, plan to brush your Crestepoo’s teeth on a daily basis in addition to trimming your dog’s nails a few times a month. Starting a brushing and trimming habit early on can help your dog (and you) get used to the routine.

Health and Conditions ❤️

While Chinese Crestepoos are generally healthy dogs, like all animals, they are prone to certain health conditions. We can look to the Crestepoo’s parent breeds to understand what types of health problems this breed may encounter.

Male vs. Female

Not much is known about specific differences between male and female Chinese Crestepoos. However, we can look at behavioral differences between male and female Chinese Cresteds and Poodles to better understand how you might go about deciding which sex is best for you.

Male Poodles tend to be more affectionate than female poodles, whereas female Poodles tend to be more independent and stubborn. On the other hand, some Chinese Crested owners report that males can be the more stubborn sex. When it comes down to it, your dog’s traits probably have a lot more to do with which of its parent breeds it takes after and its individual personality rather than its biological sex. You must spend some time with your dog before you take it home to make sure that its personality is right for you.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Chinese Crestepoo

1. The Chinese Crestepoo is a relatively new breed.

It is not known exactly when people started intentionally breeding these dogs, but it was likely within the last decade. For this reason, there is still a lot about the Chinese Crestepoo that we don’t know. However, the Chinese Crestepoo’s parents, the Poodle and the Chinese Crested, have much longer histories.

2. Despite its name, the Chinese Crested does not have Chinese origins.

While the breed was eventually brought to China, the Chinese Crested descends from an African dog breed.

3. Poodles come in three different sizes.

They can be a toy, miniature, or standard size. The Chinese Crested can be bred with any of these three varieties, creating different size options in this hybrid.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Chinese Crestepoo can be a great pet. These dogs are affectionate, sociable creatures that can do very well with children and other pets, especially if they have been socialized from an early age. They are a popular choice for a wide variety of households, from singles to seniors. Their small size makes them compatible with apartment living, and the fact that they only need a moderate amount of exercise means that they are relatively easy to care for even in the busiest families. Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of bringing home one of these animals is the fact that they are not only low-shedding and easy to groom but they are almost guaranteed to be hypoallergenic.

However, the Crestepoo is not without problems. They are stubborn animals that can be difficult to train at times. If you are uncomfortable or inexperienced at training dogs, you may be frustrated by a dog that is intelligent but occasionally stubborn. Feeding these animals can also be a bit more high maintenance than other breeds, given that you may need to feed them several times a day. If you’re up for these challenges, the Chinese Crestepoo may just be the right dog for you.

See Also:

• Double Doodle (Golden Doodle & Labradoodle Mix)
• Foodle (Poodle & Toy Fox Terrier Mix)

Featured Image Credit: Jstengel, Shutterstock