Chinese Crested vs Dandie Dinmont Terrier
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
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Terrier Group
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.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Overview
Dandie Dinmont Terriers possess a distinctive appearance with their long body, short legs, and notable topknot of silky hair. Their large, expressive eyes and scimitar-shaped tail create an unmistakable profile. The breed's coat combines a soft, silky topcoat with a crisp undercoat, appearing in either mustard or pepper colors. Their proud carriage and dignified demeanor reflect their independent nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Chinese Cresteds are less energetic than Dandie Dinmont Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Chinese Cresteds require less grooming attention compared to Dandie Dinmont Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chinese Cresteds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Dandie Dinmont Terriers.
- Trainability: Dandie Dinmont Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Dandie Dinmont Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chinese Cresteds adapt better to apartment living, while Dandie Dinmont Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Chinese Crested and Dandie Dinmont Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Dandie Dinmont Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 13-18 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Dandie Dinmont Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 11-13 inches 28-33 cm | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm |
| Weight | 8-12 lbs 4-5 kg | 18-24 lbs 8-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Dandie Dinmont Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Alert, Lively | Independent, Smart, Proud |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Dandie Dinmont Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Temperament
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is characterized by being independent, smart, proud, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Chinese Crested and Dandie Dinmont Terrier, 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
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 5/5
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.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Dandie Dinmont Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Dandie Dinmont Terriers require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Chinese Crested Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Patellar Luxation
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Glaucoma
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Glaucoma
- Disc Disease
- Hip Issues
- Eye Problems
- Cushings
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
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Pros
- Loyal companion
- Good with families
- Adaptable
- Low shedding
Cons
- Independent nature
- Grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- Limited exercise tolerance
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Chinese Crested and Dandie Dinmont Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.