Chinese Crested vs Australian Kelpie
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Chinese Crested
Toy Group
Australian Kelpie
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Chinese Crested Overview
Graceful and elegant, the Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: the hairless with silky hair on head, tail, and feet, and the Powderpuff with a full soft coat. Their fine-boned, slender body carries them with a light, flowing gait. Distinguished by their alert expression and vivacious personality, these dogs combine exotic looks with a warm, affectionate nature.
Australian Kelpie Overview
Australian Kelpies are medium-sized herding dogs with distinctive athletic builds and remarkable agility. Their double coat features a short, dense undercoat and weather-resistant outer coat, typically in black, red, or chocolate colors. Alert ears, keen eyes, and muscular bodies reflect their working heritage, while their intelligent expression and nimble movement showcase their herding instincts.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Chinese Cresteds are less energetic than Australian Kelpies, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Chinese Cresteds require less grooming attention compared to Australian Kelpies.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chinese Cresteds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Australian Kelpies.
- Trainability: Chinese Cresteds may be slightly easier to train due to their Chinese Crested's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chinese Cresteds adapt better to apartment living, while Australian Kelpies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Chinese Crested and Australian Kelpie, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Australian Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-18 years | 10-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Australian Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 11-13 inches 28-33 cm | 17-20 inches 43-51 cm |
| Weight | 8-12 lbs 4-5 kg | Unknown Unknown |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Australian Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Alert, Lively | Loyal, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Australian Kelpie |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Chinese Crested Temperament
The Chinese Crested is known for being affectionate, alert, lively, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Australian Kelpie Temperament
The Australian Kelpie is characterized by being loyal, alert, intelligent, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Chinese Crested and Australian Kelpie, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
Australian Kelpie
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Chinese Crested Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chinese Cresteds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Chinese Cresteds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Australian Kelpie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Australian Kelpies need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Australian Kelpies require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Chinese Crested Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Patellar Luxation
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Glaucoma
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
Australian Kelpie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- CEA
- Cryptorchidism
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
Pros & Cons
Chinese Crested
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Minimal shedding
- Good for apartment living
- Affectionate with family
Cons
- Requires skin care (hairless variety)
- Sensitive to extreme temperatures
- Can be yappy
- May be difficult to housebreak
Australian Kelpie
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent work ethic
- Low maintenance coat
- Exceptional agility
- Strong herding instincts
Cons
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be too intense for novice owners
- May herd children and pets
- Needs constant mental stimulation
- Can be stubborn if not properly trained
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Chinese Crested and Australian Kelpie, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.