How Much Does a Chinese Crested Cost? (2024 Updated)

Have you been thinking about owning a Chinese Crested but have no idea about the average cost of owning one?

Like owning other dogs, you must familiarize yourself with all potential expenses that need to be covered to make sure your Chinese Crested lives a healthy and comfortable life.

This article will tackle everything you need to know about the Chinese Crested price, including their initial and annual upkeep costs, and even tips on saving money as Chinese Crested puppy owners.

How Much Does a Chinese Crested Puppy Cost?

If you’re looking to buy a Chinese Crested puppy from a reputable breeder, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,500. However, prices can vary, and some Chinese Crested breeders may charge up to $4,000 for top-quality puppies.

The cost will also vary depending on which type of Chinese Crested puppy you intend on getting — the hairless or powderpuff. Other factors affecting the puppy’s price include age, coat type, and bloodline.

Also known as Chinese Ships, the Chinese Crested originated from Mexico, China, and Africa and is a rare breed. Hence, making them more expensive than other dogs.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Chinese Crested From a Shelter? 

Adopting Chinese Crested dogs from a shelter ranges between $50 and $600. Similar to buying one from a reputable breeder, the cost of adoption depends on the dog’s age, condition, and bloodline.

Keep in mind these dogs are rare so they do not wind up in adoption shelters too often. When they do, they are immediately adopted as these hairless dogs are in high demand.

If you happen to find Chinese Crested dogs at your nearest adoption shelter, do not miss out on an opportunity to give this affectionate dog a new family and home.

Plus, if you have young children or other dogs at home, Chinese Crested dogs can coexist with them, especially when trained properly.

First-Time Expenses of Chinese Crested Ownership

Before deciding to get a Chinese Crested dog, you must prepare your finances to cover all the necessary first-time expenses to make it easier for your pet to transition to a new environment.

Having an estimate of the initial expenses before bringing your new companion home will also help you plan your budget accordingly so you can have some of the essentials ready upon their arrival.

Here are the first-time expenses you can expect:

• Food and Treats: Feeding your Chinese Crested high-quality dog food and treats is very important to ensure your dog develops properly and stays healthy. There are plenty of options available that range between $30 and $80, so take time to look at different brands to ensure that your dog gets the proper nutrients it needs.
• Bowls: Getting a sturdy and quality bowl your Chinese Crested can use for a very long time will cost around $10 to $30. When choosing the right bowl, consider the amount of food and water that will go in so your dog can eat or drink comfortably without making too much mess.
• Toys: Toys are essential to keep your Chinese Crested puppy entertained, especially if you cannot play with them on busy days. They are also great for teaching your pet tricks since some toys can stimulate its brain. You can allot $20 to $30 for fun and durable toys.
• Beds: The average price for a bed is about $3 to $200, depending on the material. Opt for something comfortable yet durable so your pooch can rest well after a day of activities.
• Collars and Leashes: Finding the right collar and leash for your Chinese Crested ranges between $15 to $50. Buying a durable and comfortable set is a must since you will be using this on your pet regularly.
• Crates and Carriers: When choosing crates and carriers for your Chinese Crested, make sure there will be enough room for it to move around. It is important that your dog stays comfortable even traveling. A durable and spacious crate and carrier can cost about $30 to $200.
• Grooming Essentials: The cost of grooming essentials for your Chinese Crested ranges from $50 to $150, which includes a brush, mild shampoo, nail clippers, a toothbrush, and other basic items for your pet’s upkeep.
• Initial Vet Visits: Regardless of where you acquire your Chinese Crested dog, the first step you need to take as soon as you have your new puppy is to make a quick trip to the vet before heading home to ensure that it does not have any health problems, such as progressive retinal atrophy. This can cost around $100 to $150.
• Initial Vaccine Shots: Similar to initial vet visits, getting your Chinese Crested the core vaccine shots is another thing you should prioritize before bringing your furbaby home. These shots are essential, especially at a young age. Depending on the shots needed, the average price for this is about $50 to $300.
• Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: For deworming, flea, and tick treatment, budget anywhere between $40 and $300. These will greatly help your pup avoid any health problems and viruses that come from parasites. 
• Neutering or Spaying: Neutering or spaying your Chinese Crested is highly advised to avoid getting mammary or testicular cancer. This procedure will cost around $50 to $500, depending on your pet’s age and health condition.
• Microchipping: Getting your Chinese Crested microchipped is the best way to locate it if you accidentally leave the door open and it runs off. The average price of microchipping is about $40 to $60. 
• Dog License: Along with microchipping, getting a dog license for your Chinese Crested ensures its safety. Plus, having a dog license is a requirement in most states, so it is considered essential. It costs between $10 to $20.
• Other Essentials: Apart from the essentials mentioned above, other items you may need for your Chinese Crested puppy include dog tags, diapers, and clothes. Another item you should not forget are poop bags to help you comply with the Popper-Scooper law. Allot $20 to $50 for this.

The table below shows a quick overview of the first-time expenses for owning a Chinese Crested:

In a nutshell, you would need about $495 to $2,470 to cover the initial costs of owning a Chinese Crested.

As you read this, the amount might be a head-scratcher, but some items on this list will not be recurring expenses, so the amount can decrease over time.

It would also be a great idea to ask the breeder or animal shelter for previous medical records of your Chinese Crested puppy so you can cross off vaccines it has already received.

The breakdown of the cost is just to give you a forecast for the initial expenses as you acquire your new pet.

With my experience in pet breeding, I would highly suggest to also look for reputable breeders who can provide freebies as part of the overall package with the purchase of the puppy.

Breeders with natural concern for their pups will most likely secure them with at least their basic needs and help give the new fur parent a head start on taking care of their new puppy.

I gave this same advice to a previous client of mine who was looking for a Chinese Crested puppy. She was able to look for one where the breeder also offered her a loot bag containing dog food, a leash and collar set, a dog bed, and a carrier. This saved her hundreds of dollars.

Annual Cost of Owning a Chinese Crested

Now that you have seen an overview of the initial costs of owning a Chinese Crested, it is time to look at the bigger picture — the annual cost.

Like the initial expenses, learning about what to expect regarding the annual cost of owning Chinese Crested dogs is just as important so you can easily make necessary changes financially.

It is better to be prepared instead of getting blindsided a few weeks in. Plus, these estimates also allow you to make adjustments to your budgeting system.

The table below shows a rough estimate of your annual cost of owning a Chinese Crested:

Your estimated monthly budget can still decrease since some items will be one-off expenses, especially if you acquire good-quality and durable ones.

And as an owner, your dog’s health should be one of your top priorities, so having pet insurance is a must. You have three options to choose from: accident and wellness, wellness, and accident-only plans.

It will save you tons of money in the long run as it will cover some medical expenses, such as health tests, surgeries, accidents, disease testing, and more.

Remember — owning a Chinese Crested, or other breeds for that matter, comes with great responsibility. So use this table as a guide to plan ahead to ensure your pet stays happy and healthy.

Other Potential Expenses to Consider

While it is great to forecast the essential expenses you will encounter as a Chinese Crested owner, unforeseen expenses are inevitable, so you should always be prepared.

Below is a list of other potential expenses that you need to consider as a Chinese Crested owner:

• Dog Sitter: There are times when you will not be allowed to bring your Chinese Crested when going on vacation. Hiring a dog sitter can help you with that, costing you around $25 to $30 daily for small dogs like the Chinese Crested.
• Dog Boarding: In the event you can not find a dog sitter for your Chinese Crested, or if you are not comfortable with hiring one, leaving your pup at a dog boarding facility is another good option. The nightly rate would cost between $30 to $50.
• Dog Walker: A Chinese Crested is a very lively and energetic breed. Hence it would need an outlet for its energy. If you are short on time and can not take your pooch out for a walk, you can hire a dog walker to do that for you. It can cost about $15 to $40, depending on how much time they would spend walking.
• Training Programs: If you don’t have time to train your dog on your own, enroll it in training programs, including the basic obedience course. Costs range between $150 to $4,000, depending on the program — individual sessions, group classes, or stay-and-train. This is important so your dog develops positive behavior and skills.
• Grooming: Chinese Crested is one of those dog breeds that require regular grooming, especially since it has exposed skin. And if you are a first-time owner, it can be challenging to do it yourself, so bringing them to a groomer might be ideal. Grooming costs between $30 to $45 for the hairless type and $35 to $50 for the powderpuff type.
• Vitamins: While getting the necessary vaccinations on time can shield your dogs from catching viruses, it would not hurt to give them vitamins, such as chondroitin, glucosamine, vitamin C, and omega 3. The cost for this is about $100 to $500, which can last for a long time.
• Dental Care: It is also important you get your Chinese Crested dog’s teeth cleaned to avoid getting any form of dental disease. The costs for this can range from $250 to $900.
• Kennel Club Registration: If you are interested in letting your Chinese Crested join any dog shows and events sponsored by a kennel club, getting them registered is a requirement. This would cost around $40 to $60.

Considering these potential expenses when budgeting will help you in the long run, especially when the need for them suddenly arises. So keep a few extra dollars from your paycheck to save yourself from trouble. 

Best Places to Find Chinese Crested Puppies for Sale and Adoption

If you have finally decided to get your own Chinese Crested puppy, look for reputable breeders and animal shelters so you can bring home quality dogs.

Spend some time doing research to ensure you are not purchasing from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, as this could give you multiple problems.

Puppy mills and backyard breeders are dog breeding facilities known for inhumane and inappropriate practices and are only in it for the money — which is immediately a red flag.

To help you save some time, here is a list of reliable websites you can check out:

• AKC Marketplace – The American Kennel Club Marketplace is one of the best places to get your Chinese Crested. This organization only lists breeders that meet their requirements, so you can guarantee you only get the best.
• American Chinese Crested Club (ACCC) – The ACCC is a non-profit organization that advocates the responsible breeding of Chinese Crested puppies. The breeders on their list comply with the requirements and maintain good standing with them. However, ACCC still encourages buyers to practice caution when making transactions.
• Good Dog – Good Dog is a trusted website where you can acquire your Chinese Crested. They only list reputable and responsible breeders with proper dog breeding programs that consider the dog’s physical and mental health. All dog breeders on their list undergo intensive screening to ensure they meet their standards.

Meanwhile, if the cost of Chinese Crested puppies from the list above is beyond your budget, finding one at a credible and well-trusted animal shelter or rescue group is another option you can check out.

Here are some adopting shelters you can contact or visit to find Chinese Crested dogs:

• Bare Paws Rescue – Situated on the East Coast, Bare Paws Rescue is a home-based rescue that only accepts adoption applications from the East Coast. This non-profit organization meticulously chooses the right fur parents for their Chinese Cresteds. They also have a list of rules and qualifications to help identify if you are a good fit.
• Tender Loving Crested Rescue – Based in Houston, Tender Loving Crested Rescue is an all-volunteer organization devoted to rescuing abused and homeless Chinese Cresteds. Their adoption fees range between $250 and $500 depending on the dog’s age and are inclusive of all the major veterinary and rehabilitation expenses that were done for the dog.
• Naked Kisses Dog Rescue – The Naked Kisses Dog Rescue is a Florida-based non-profit organization that has been fostering and rescuing homeless pets for more than 13 years. Aside from taking in Chinese Cresteds, they also take the extra step of educating potential owners on how to properly care for this rare breed.

Even when dealing with reputable breeders and rescue organizations, it is important to ask the right questions about the particular puppy that interests you to see if it is indeed the best fit for you and your preferences.

Money-Saving Tips for Chinese Crested Owners

As a dog owner, your top priority is to do your part in ensuring your pet lives a happy, healthy, and comfortable life, whether you are taking care of a young or an adult Chinese Crested.

But doing so requires you to spend a significant amount of money, which can be stressful at times, especially if you have plenty of personal needs and bills to pay.

However, there are different ways to lessen your expenses since the Chinese Crested price alone will already cost you quite a great amount:

• Groom your Chinese Crested at home. Professional grooming services can cost a lot, so watching a couple of basic dog grooming tutorial videos, such as hair and nail trimming, can help you get familiar with the process. It may take a couple of tries to mimic what the professionals do, so be extra careful when grooming your pet at home.
• Buy dog food in bulk and practice proper storage. Buying dog food in bulk is much cheaper than buying in smaller quantities. But since it may take a while before your Chinese Crested puppy finishes a whole sack, store the dog food properly to preserve its quality.
• Prepare homemade dog treats. Although there are cheaper options in the market, making your own dog treats can help take that away from your expenses completely. Plus, homemade dog treats are more natural and healthier than the ones sold outside.
• Buy durable and high-quality items. You may think that buying cheap and low-quality essentials such as bowls, beds, and collars will save you money. However, low-quality essentials break easily, forcing you to get a new one. But if you invest in high-quality items, your Chinese Crested puppy can use them even up until their adult dog stage.
• Train your Chinese Crested at home. Training your dog at home takes a lot of time and patience. However, doing so saves you money instead of hiring a dog trainer. Watch videos to learn the basics, and do not forget to reward your pet with treats after each session. Plus, Chinese Crested puppies are easy to train, especially at that stage.

Here’s a quick video about how to train your Chinese Crested to help you get started:

Following the practical tips mentioned above will help you stay economical while enjoying the companionship of your Chinese Crested throughout its lifetime.

Final Thoughts

Chinese Cresteds cost more when acquired from reputable breeders since they are rare. Adopting from animal shelters or rescue groups will be significantly inexpensive.

Remember, it is very important that you do proper research so you do not end up purchasing or adopting from puppy mills, regardless if you intend on getting a puppy or an adult Chinese Crested.

Apart from the Chinese Crested price, preparing a budget for essentials, including food, core and optional booster shots, grooming services, and more, will ensure your dog’s life will be a happy and healthy one.

But regardless of the cost, you will earn an affectionate companion once you bring your furbaby home. If you have knowledge about the cost of owning a Chinese Crested, feel free to share in the comment section below!