Yorkshire 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.
Yorkshire Terrier
Toy Group
Chinese Crested
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Yorkshire Terrier Overview
Yorkshire Terriers showcase a compact, elegant frame with a distinctive blue and tan silky coat that flows to the ground. Their erect ears, bright eyes, and confident posture reflect their spirited personality. Standing 7-8 inches tall and weighing around 7 pounds, these diminutive dogs possess a bold demeanor that far exceeds their size. Their fine-boned structure is complemented by a high-set tail and a small, well-proportioned head.
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: Yorkshire Terriers are less energetic than Chinese Cresteds, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Yorkshire Terriers require more grooming attention compared to Chinese Cresteds.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Yorkshire Terriers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Chinese Cresteds.
- Trainability: Yorkshire Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Yorkshire Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Chinese Cresteds adapt better to apartment living, while Yorkshire Terriers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Yorkshire Terrier and Chinese Crested, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 11-15 years | 13-18 years |
| Country of Origin | England | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 7-8 inches 18-20 cm | 11-13 inches 28-33 cm |
| Weight | 7-7 lbs 3-3 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 | Yorkshire Terrier | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Sprightly, Tomboyish | Affectionate, Alert, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Yorkshire Terrier | Chinese Crested |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Yorkshire Terrier Temperament
The Yorkshire Terrier is known for being affectionate, sprightly, tomboyish, making them excellent family dogs. 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 Yorkshire 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
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Yorkshire Terrier
Rating: 5/5
Chinese Crested
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Yorkshire Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Yorkshire 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, Yorkshire 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
Yorkshire Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Tracheal Collapse
- Dental Issues
- Retinal Dysplasia
Chinese Crested Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Patellar Luxation
- Primary Lens Luxation
- Glaucoma
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
Pros & Cons
Yorkshire Terrier
Pros
- Portable size
- Minimal shedding
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Long lifespan
- Affectionate with family
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Can be yappy
- Delicate physique
- Stubborn streak
- Difficult to housebreak
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 Yorkshire Terrier and Chinese Crested, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.