Clinical decision support tool. Does not replace professional veterinary judgment. Always verify recommendations with current references.
Chinese Crested
DOG· TOY· Lifespan: 13-18 years
Thinking about this breed for your home? Read the owner suitability guide
📋 Breed Predispositions
| Condition | Prevalence | Onset | Severity | Screening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Lens Luxation (ADAMTS17) | Autosomal recessive; genetic test available | 3-6 years | SEVERE | ADAMTS17 genetic test before breeding. Acute lens luxation is a same-day, vision-threatening emergency — a red painful eye in an at-risk Crested goes straight to referral. |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (prcd) | Elevated; genetic test available | 3-6 years | SEVERE | prcd-PRA genetic test plus annual CAER exam. |
| Ectodermal Dysplasia — Hairless Dentition (FOXI3) | Effectively 100% of the Hairless variety — the allele defines the coat | Congenital; dental changes evident by 6 months | MODERATE RISK | Full-mouth radiographs at the first COHAT — expect missing, conical and malpositioned teeth. Powderpuff (coated) littermates have normal dentition. |
| Patellar Luxation | Elevated | 4-6 months | MODERATE RISK | Orthopedic exam at 6 months and annually. |
| Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease | Elevated (toy-breed pattern) | 4-11 months | MODERATE RISK | Radiograph the hips in any young toy-breed dog with progressive unilateral hindlimb lameness — it is routinely mistaken for a soft-tissue injury. |
| Solar Dermatitis and Thermal Intolerance (Hairless variety) | Hairless variety | Any age | MILD | Skin check at every visit for sunburn, comedones and actinic change. |
🏥 Anesthesia Considerations
⚠ Hairless Coat — Rapid Perioperative Hypothermia
Almost no coat insulation and low body mass. Start active warming BEFORE induction (forced-air warming, warmed IV fluids, insulated table), monitor core temperature continuously, and minimise clipping and surgical-scrub wetting. Hypothermia prolongs recovery and drug clearance. Also confirm dentition on radiographs — missing and malformed teeth are expected and change the dental plan.