Dog breeds / Small breeds

What a Chinese Crested really costs

The Chinese Crested trades haircuts for skin care: the Hairless variety needs sunscreen, moisturizer and acne treatment, while the Powderpuff needs daily brushing or a regular trim. OFA data shows few knee and hip problems, but over a quarter of DNA-tested Cresteds carry the gene for primary lens luxation, a painful eye condition.

Size: Small, 8–12 lb
Life expectancy: 13–18 years
Grooming: Moderate
Insurance risk: Below average
Puppy price: $2,000–$3,200
Food a day: About 350 calories

Where the money goes each year

A typical adult year for a Chinese Crested with mainstream food, a groomer, no insurance, in an average-cost area. That's $740 less than the median breed.

Illness and injury (average)$451
Dental cleanings$425
Heartworm, flea and tick prevention$404
Checkups, vaccines and tests$330
Grooming$219
Food$180
Toys, beds and everyday supplies$180
Treats and chews$36
License$20
Typical year$2,250

Most years land between $1,750 (budget food, home grooming, lower-cost area) and $3,100 (premium food, groomer, insurance, big city). Dogs over about 8 add about $180 a year for senior checkups.

The first year

Buying a puppy front-loads the bill: the price, gear, puppy shots and spay or neuter.

Bringing a puppy home

Breeder price$2,600
Crate, bed, leash, bowls and gear$400
Spay or neuter$490
Microchip$50
Puppy or basic obedience class$149
Upfront$3,690

Running costs in year one

Food$180
Treats and chews$36
Puppy vaccines and checkups$738
Heartworm, flea and tick prevention$404
Grooming$219
License$20
Illness and injury (average)$451
Year-one running costs$2,050

First-year total: $5,740. Adopting instead brings it to about $2,670.

Health costs to plan for

No breed premium data was found; the Crested has low OFA abnormal rates for knees and hips and a long lifespan, so expected claims are below average apart from eye disease risk.

Condition	How it affects Chinese Cresteds	Typical treatment	Cost
Patellar luxation	OFA lists 3.3% of 1,052 screened Chinese Cresteds as abnormal, and the AKC says it affects Cresteds as it does most small breeds. Source	Surgical correction by a board-certified surgeon, per knee	$1,500–$3,000
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease	The AKC notes Legg-Calve-Perthes occurs in the breed and has no DNA test, so it cannot be fully screened out. Source	Femoral head ostectomy (FHO), per hip	$1,200–$3,000
Dental disease	Like other toy breeds, Cresteds need routine professional cleanings; PetMD's veterinary dentist recommends yearly cleanings for small dogs. Source	Professional cleaning under anesthesia ($350–$500 routine), rising to $1,500+ with extractions	$350–$1,500

The yearly estimate already includes an average allowance of $451 for illness and injury. A single surgery can cost several times that, which is the case for an emergency fund or insurance.

What drives the cost of a Chinese Crested

Hairless Cresteds need dog-safe sunscreen, skin lotion and sometimes acne products; budget for clothing in cold or very sunny climates too.
Powderpuffs mat quickly; plan on daily brushing or a groomer trim every couple of months.
Ask for the parents' DNA test for primary lens luxation (PLL): OFA found 27.8% of 2,141 tested Cresteds were carriers and 1.1% affected.
A long lifespan (up to 18 years) spreads purchase cost thin but adds more years of senior care.
Low shedding makes the breed workable for many allergy-sensitive households.

Breeder or rescue

Reputable breeder: $2,000–$3,200
Rescue or shelter: $350–$600
Lifetime, from a breeder: $40,400
Lifetime, adopted: $37,400

Good Dog's buyer's guide range is $2,000–$3,200 (median about $2,430). Tender Loving Crested Rescue charges $600 for dogs 1 and under, $450 for ages 2–7 and $350 for 8 and older, plus at least $250 for transport.

Adopting vs buying: the full cost comparison

Similar-size breeds by yearly cost

Italian Greyhound$2,170 a year
Jack Russell Terrier$2,190 a year
Rat Terrier$2,210 a year
Papillon$2,260 a year
Border Terrier$2,280 a year
Basenji$2,290 a year
Compare all breeds

Common questions

How much does a Chinese Crested puppy cost?

A Chinese Crested puppy from a reputable US breeder typically costs $2,000–$3,200. Adopting one through a rescue usually costs $350–$600.

How much does a Chinese Crested cost per year?

After the first year, a Chinese Crested costs about $2,250 a year, or $187 a month, for food, vet care, preventives, grooming, supplies and average illness costs. Depending on food, grooming, insurance and where you live, a typical year ranges from about $1,750 to $3,100.

How much does a Chinese Crested cost over its lifetime?

About $40,400 over a 16-year life when bought from a breeder, or $37,400 if adopted, in 2026 dollars.

Sources

Prices are averages from the sources above and the cost baselines on our methodology page, in 2026 US dollars. Your vet, groomer and city will differ. Updated October 14, 2026.