Chinese Crested vs Harrier
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
Harrier
Hound 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.
Harrier Overview
Harriers are medium-sized hounds with a muscular build and classic hunting dog appearance. Their short, dense coat comes in a variety of colors including tricolor and red and white. Distinguished by their long, dropped ears, broad muzzle, and powerful legs, Harriers possess remarkable stamina and agility. Their friendly expression and well-proportioned frame reflect their dual heritage as both pack hunters and family companions.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Chinese Cresteds are less energetic than Harriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Chinese Cresteds require less grooming attention compared to Harriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chinese Cresteds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Harriers.
- Trainability: Harriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Harrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chinese Cresteds adapt better to apartment living, while Harriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Chinese Crested and Harrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-18 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 11-13 inches 28-33 cm | 19-21 inches 48-53 cm |
| Weight | 8-12 lbs 4-5 kg | 45-60 lbs 20-27 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Alert, Lively | Friendly, Outgoing, People-Oriented |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Harrier Temperament
The Harrier is characterized by being friendly, outgoing, people-oriented, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Chinese Crested and Harrier, 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
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
Harrier
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
Harrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
Harrier
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.
Harrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Harriers 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, Harriers 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
Harrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Eye Problems
- Hypothyroidism
- Bloat
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
Harrier
Pros
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Athletic and energetic
- Social and friendly
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise requirements
- Strong hunting instincts
- Can be vocal
- Needs secure fencing
- Not apartment suitable
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Chinese Crested and Harrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.