Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Chinese Crested
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Terrier Group
Chinese Crested
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Dandie Dinmont Terriers are less energetic than Chinese Cresteds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Dandie Dinmont Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Chinese Cresteds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Dandie Dinmont Terriers tend to be more reserved with strangers than Chinese Cresteds.
- 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 Dandie Dinmont Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Chinese Crested, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Dandie Dinmont Terrier | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 13-18 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Terrier Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Dandie Dinmont Terrier | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 8-11 inches 20-28 cm | 11-13 inches 28-33 cm |
| Weight | 18-24 lbs 8-11 kg | 8-12 lbs 4-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Infrequent |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Dandie Dinmont Terrier | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Independent, Smart, Proud | Affectionate, Alert, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Dandie Dinmont Terrier | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Temperament
The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is known for being independent, smart, proud, 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.
Chinese Crested Temperament
The Chinese Crested is characterized by being affectionate, alert, lively, 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 Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Chinese Crested, 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
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 2/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Dandie Dinmont Terriers 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, Dandie Dinmont Terriers require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Chinese Crested Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Chinese Cresteds 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, Chinese Cresteds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Dandie Dinmont Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Glaucoma
- Disc Disease
- Hip Issues
- Eye Problems
- Cushings
Chinese Crested Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Patellar Luxation
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Glaucoma
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
Pros & Cons
Dandie Dinmont Terrier
Pros
- Loyal companion
- Good with families
- Adaptable
- Low shedding
Cons
- Independent nature
- Grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- Limited exercise tolerance
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Chinese Crested, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.