Chinese Crested vs Portuguese Podengo
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
Portuguese Podengo
Miscellaneous Class
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.
Portuguese Podengo Overview
Portuguese Podengos are elegant sighthounds characterized by their wedge-shaped heads, erect triangular ears, and lean, muscular builds. Available in three sizes, they showcase either smooth or wire coats in various shades. Their alert expression and graceful movement reflect their heritage as skilled hunters, while their intelligent eyes convey their sharp, observant nature.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Chinese Cresteds are less energetic than Portuguese Podengos, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Chinese Cresteds require less grooming attention compared to Portuguese Podengos.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Chinese Cresteds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Portuguese Podengos.
- Trainability: Portuguese Podengos may be slightly easier to train due to their Portuguese Podengo's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chinese Cresteds adapt better to apartment living, while Portuguese Podengos typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Chinese Crested and Portuguese Podengo, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Portuguese Podengo |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 13-18 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Miscellaneous Class |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Portuguese Podengo |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 11-13 inches 28-33 cm | 16-28 inches 41-71 cm |
| Weight | 8-12 lbs 4-5 kg | 35-66 lbs 16-30 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Portuguese Podengo |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Alert, Lively | Independent, Alert, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Chinese Crested | Portuguese Podengo |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Portuguese Podengo Temperament
The Portuguese Podengo is characterized by being independent, alert, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. 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 Portuguese Podengo, 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
Portuguese Podengo
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Podengo
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
Portuguese Podengo
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
Portuguese Podengo
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
Portuguese Podengo
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.
Portuguese Podengo Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Portuguese Podengos 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, Portuguese Podengos 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
Portuguese Podengo Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Patellar Luxation
- Dental Issues
- Allergies
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
Portuguese Podengo
Pros
- Highly adaptable
- Low grooming needs
- Athletic and agile
- Good watchdog
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Can be stubborn
- Needs secure fencing
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Chinese Crested and Portuguese Podengo, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.