Chinese Crested Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

Variety-Specific Preparation

Whether you're bringing home a Hairless or Powder Puff Chinese Crested, the core supply list is similar with important variety-specific additions. Confirm your puppy's coat type with your breeder well in advance so you can purchase the right supplies.

Shared Supplies (Both Varieties)

• Medium crate with soft bedding (the Crested likes to burrow — provide a soft blanket)
• Small food and water bowls at an appropriate height for a short-legged small dog
• Well-fitted harness (recommended over collar for this fine-boned breed) and 4–6 foot leash
• ID tag engraved with phone number
• Small-breed puppy food confirmed with your breeder
• Enzymatic cleaner for accidents
• Small dog toothbrush and enzymatic dog toothpaste (start using from day one)
• Soft toys and at least one puzzle feeder or stuffable chew toy

Hairless Variety — Additional Setup

• Pet-safe or mineral zinc-free sunscreen (purchase before the puppy arrives)
• Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer or dog skin conditioner
• 2–3 dog sweaters or coats for outdoor cold-weather use
• Self-warming or fleece dog bed
• Soft, gentle dog shampoo designed for sensitive skin

Powder Puff Variety — Additional Setup

• Pin brush and/or soft slicker brush
• Detangling spray for fine coats
• Research local groomers experienced with fine, long coats

Vet Setup

• Find a vet experienced with Toy breeds and ideally with Chinese Cresteds or other hairless breeds
• Schedule first wellness exam within 48–72 hours
• Ask about the dental development in hairless Chinese Cresteds and what to expect
• Ask about sun safety protocols for the hairless variety
• Enroll in pet insurance before first vet visit

First Week Setup

Building Daily Routines From Day One

The Chinese Crested is a social, adaptable breed that settles in relatively quickly. The first week is about establishing the daily care routines that will define the dog's health for its entire life — particularly dental care and, for hairless dogs, skin care.

Day 1–2: Arrival and Orientation

• Introduce the crate with a meal inside and comfortable bedding — the Crested loves to burrow, so tuck a small blanket in the back of the crate
• Begin house training on a consistent schedule
• For hairless puppies: apply a small amount of moisturizer to the skin and let the puppy sniff it before applying. If going outside, apply sunscreen first.
• Let the puppy explore the home in a supervised, gated area

Day 3–7: Establishing Routines

• Begin daily teeth brushing: let the puppy taste the toothpaste first, then use a very small brush and brush for a few seconds. Build duration gradually over days and weeks.
• Start short harness walks in the neighborhood
• For Powder Puff puppies: begin gentle brushing sessions — brief and positive with treats, building to the full routine over weeks
• Invite calm adults for positive stranger introductions
• Complete first vet wellness visit

Socialization Priorities (Weeks 8–16)

• Varied adults — the Crested can be initially reserved with strangers and benefits from broad early socialization
• Gentle children
• Other small dogs
• Novel environments: urban sounds, different surfaces underfoot, different locations
• Building independence: short alone-time sessions in the crate while you are home, gradually increasing duration

Training

Training a Bright, Sensitive Toy Dog

The Chinese Crested is intelligent and motivated by positive reinforcement. Training sessions should be short (3–5 minutes), positive, and frequent. The breed does not respond to harsh corrections — it will shut down or become anxious. Focus on making training feel like a game.

Priority Training Goals

• Harness and leash walking: Begin from day one. The Crested should learn to walk beside you without pulling. Reward heavily for the correct position.
• Sit, stay, come: The basic safety commands. Work daily.
• Alone time: This is the most important behavioral training for a breed this people-oriented. Build independence gradually with crate time while you are home before ever leaving the house.
• Accepting handling: Daily sessions touching feet, ears, teeth, and skin build tolerance for grooming and vet exams. This is especially important for the hairless variety, which will have more skin-touching routines than most dogs.

Agility and Enrichment

• The Chinese Crested is surprisingly athletic and many individuals excel at agility. Consider enrolling in a beginner agility class once basic obedience is established — it provides excellent mental and physical stimulation.
• Puzzle feeders, sniff games, and hide-and-seek with treats are great indoor enrichment options that suit the breed's intelligence and size.

Common Training Pitfalls

• Allowing the puppy to be carried everywhere — this prevents socialization and builds dependency
• Skipping dental training early — by the time a dog is 3–4 years old it is much harder to establish a brushing routine
• Failing to build independence early — separation anxiety is common in the breed and much easier to prevent than treat