Crested Apso
Hybrid Breed Description
The Crested Apso is a cross between the Chinese Crested and the Lhasa Apso. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Crested Apso. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Chinese Crested
The Chinese Crested is a small toy breed standing between nine and thirteen inches tall at the shoulder and weighing only five to twelve pounds. These dogs possess an elegant, graceful appearance with fine bone structure and delicate features. The breed comes in two distinct varieties that can be born in the same litter: the hairless variety featuring smooth, soft skin with tufts of silky hair only on the head (called a crest), tail (called a plume), and feet from the toes to the pasterns and hocks (called socks), and the powderpuff variety that is completely covered with a soft, straight double coat. The hairless trait is caused by an incomplete dominant gene, meaning offspring need inherit it from only one parent to express the characteristic. The Chinese Crested has a slightly rounded, elongated skull with cleanly chiseled cheeks and a narrow, tapering muzzle that is neither too pointed nor too snipey. Large, erect, triangular ears are set low on the head, with the highest point level with the outside corner of the eye. The eyes are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and set wide apart, typically appearing very dark or black with little white showing. The breed displays a long, lean neck that slopes gracefully into narrow, well-laid-back shoulders. Their body is slightly longer than tall, with a level topline and an oval-shaped rib cage when viewed from the front. The tail is long and slender, tapering into a curve, and should be long enough to reach the dog's hock. Both varieties can display a wide range of coat colors including apricot, black, chocolate, white, silver, pink, red, blue, and gray, often with spots or white markings present on both skin and fur. The hairless variety's exposed skin should be soft and smooth to the touch. Distinctive physical features include the breed's poodle-like face with pointed muzzle, long narrow feet that are close-toed, and fluid, graceful movements. Chinese Cresteds are known for their alert, intense expression and their tendency to perch in high places, displaying feline-like behaviors. The overall impression is one of a dainty, elegant companion dog with a unique and distinctive appearance.
Key Characteristics
The Chinese Crested is a gentle, affectionate, and devoted companion dog known for forming incredibly strong bonds with their owners and family members. These dogs are highly social and crave attention, cuddling, and physical closeness, often preferring to spend time underneath blankets curled up beside their favorite people. They are empathetic and intuitive, seeming to sense their owner's emotions and moods, and will often seek to comfort when their humans are upset or sad. Chinese Cresteds are lively and playful despite their small size, possessing an infectious positive energy that makes them entertaining family members. However, their attachment to their owners can lead to clinginess, and they may suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Intelligent and alert, Chinese Cresteds are quick learners who enjoy training and teaching tricks, though their sensitive nature requires gentle, patient, positive training methods rather than harsh corrections. They respond poorly to negative training techniques or punishment, which can damage the bond with their owner. These dogs are naturally watchful and will alert their families to unusual activities with their bark, though they are not typically excessive barkers. While friendly and loving with their families, Chinese Cresteds can be reserved or wary around strangers, requiring proper socialization from puppyhood to develop confidence with unfamiliar people. They generally get along well with children who are taught to handle them gently, though their small size and delicate build make them vulnerable to rough play. Despite being moderately active, Chinese Cresteds do not require extensive exercise and can satisfy their physical needs with short walks and indoor play sessions. They are well-suited to apartment living due to their small size and relatively calm indoor demeanor. However, they are athletic dogs capable of surprising feats such as jumping tall fences and competing successfully in dog sports like agility. Chinese Cresteds are not naturally aggressive or prone to anger, making them good choices for families, though they benefit from early and consistent socialization. Their playful, adaptable nature combined with their devotion to their families makes them excellent companion animals for owners who can provide the attention and affection these dogs require.
Chinese Cresteds are generally healthy dogs with a typical lifespan ranging from thirteen to eighteen years, which is quite long for a dog breed and allows for extended companionship with their families. However, the breed is predisposed to several specific health conditions that potential owners should be aware of. Eye diseases are particularly common in Chinese Cresteds, including progressive retinal atrophy (a degenerative condition leading to blindness), lens luxation (where the lens becomes detached from the rest of the eye), glaucoma (damaged optic nerves causing increased eye pressure and pain), keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye (insufficient tear production), and cataracts (protein breakdown in the lens causing cloudy vision). Regular veterinary eye examinations are important for early detection and treatment of these conditions. Dental problems are frequent in this breed due to the genetic connection between hairlessness and dentition. Many hairless Chinese Cresteds have missing teeth, pointed canine teeth that slant forward, or other dental abnormalities. Some individuals may have only a few functional teeth, while powderpuffs typically have normal dentition. Regular dental care including brushing and professional cleanings is essential to prevent periodontal disease. The exposed skin of hairless Chinese Cresteds requires special attention, as it is vulnerable to sunburn, skin irritations, allergies, blackheads, and acne. Proper skin care including moisturizing, protection from extreme temperatures, and use of dog-safe sunscreen is necessary for hairless individuals. Other health concerns include patellar luxation (dislocated kneecaps common in small breeds), sebaceous adenitis (an inflammatory skin condition affecting sebaceous glands), and allergies to various environmental factors or foods. Chinese Cresteds may be prone to weight gain despite their small size, requiring careful monitoring of food intake and regular exercise. The breed can also be sensitive to certain medications and may have allergies to wool. Temperature regulation is a concern for hairless Chinese Cresteds, who need sweaters or protective clothing in cold weather and protection from heat in warm weather. Regular veterinary check-ups, preventive care, and attention to the breed's specific needs contribute to maintaining the health and longevity of Chinese Crested dogs.
Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso is a small but sturdy dog standing approximately nine to eleven inches tall at the shoulder, with males typically reaching ten to eleven inches and females being slightly smaller at nine to ten inches. Despite their diminutive size, these dogs possess a surprisingly robust build, weighing between twelve and eighteen pounds with a well-balanced, substantial appearance. The breed is characterized as being longer than tall, with the body length exceeding the height at the withers, creating a rectangular profile when viewed from the side. The head appears rounded when covered with the breed's abundant coat, with a slightly shortened muzzle that may lead to an undershot bite, distinguishing them from longer-muzzled breeds. The Lhasa Apso's most distinctive feature is its long, flowing, heavy, and dense double coat that drapes elegantly to the floor when allowed to grow to full length. The coat texture is straight or slightly wavy, with a soft undercoat shorter than the longer overlay, which is opposite to most double-coated breeds. This unique coat structure makes the hair prone to matting quickly without regular maintenance. On the face, long hair falls forward creating a natural veil that may cover the eyes, while a long beard adorns the muzzle. The ears hang down in graceful folds, heavily furnished with long hair. A signature characteristic is the hair part that runs down the center of the back from head to tail, creating a lion-like mane appearance that befits their Tibetan name meaning "bark lion sentinel dog." Coat colors are quite varied and virtually all colors are acceptable in the breed standard, though the most popular are leonine shades including wheaten, honey, or golden with black tipping on the ears, tail, and beard hair. Other common colors include black, brown, cream, white, tan, red, blue, gray, and silver, often appearing in combination. The tail is high-set and carried well over the back in a graceful curve, heavily feathered with long flowing hair. The Lhasa Apso possesses dark eyes that can be partially hidden by the facial hair, a prominent black or dark nose, and strong, straight legs that are heavily furnished with hair. Their feet are round and cat-like with good padding, also covered in feathering.
Key Characteristics
The Lhasa Apso possesses a bold, confident, and independent personality that belies its small stature, often described as having the heart of a lion trapped in a small dog's body. Originally bred as monastery watchdogs in Tibet, these dogs retain their alert, vigilant nature and take their guardian responsibilities seriously despite their companion size. They are intelligent and strong-willed, sometimes displaying stubborn or independent behaviors that require patient, consistent training from owners who understand the breed's unique character. Lhasa Apsos form deep, loyal bonds with their families and are particularly devoted to their primary caregiver, though they tend to be reserved or aloof with strangers, maintaining the wariness bred into them for centuries as sentinel dogs. These dogs are naturally protective of their home and family, making them excellent watchdogs who will alert enthusiastically to unusual sounds or visitors with their sharp, loud bark. While not typically aggressive, Lhasa Apsos will not hesitate to announce their presence and may be territorial about their space and belongings. Early and thorough socialization is essential to ensure they develop appropriate behaviors around unfamiliar people and situations. With proper socialization, they can be affectionate and playful family companions, though they generally do best in homes with older children who understand how to interact respectfully with small dogs. The breed's independent nature means they tolerate being alone better than many companion breeds, though they still prefer the company of their family. Despite their regal bearing and watchdog tendencies, Lhasa Apsos have a playful, sometimes clownish side that emerges with family members they trust. They enjoy interactive games and activities that provide both mental and physical stimulation, though their exercise requirements are moderate and can be met with daily short walks and play sessions. The breed is intelligent and capable of learning commands and tricks, but their stubborn streak means training requires patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency. Lhasa Apsos often form strong preferences for particular family members and may become possessive of toys, food, or favorite sleeping spots. Their combination of loyalty, courage, alertness, and affectionate nature makes them devoted companions for owners who appreciate their spirited, independent character.
Lhasa Apsos are notably long-lived dogs with lifespans typically ranging from twelve to fifteen years, though many individuals live well into their late teens or even early twenties, making them one of the longest-lived purebred dog breeds. This exceptional longevity is partly attributed to their small size and generally robust constitution, though it also requires a long-term commitment from potential owners. The breed champion record holder lived to an astounding twenty-nine years of age. However, like all breeds, Lhasa Apsos are predisposed to certain health conditions that prospective owners should understand and monitor throughout the dog's life. Eye problems are among the most common health concerns in Lhasa Apsos, including progressive retinal atrophy (a degenerative condition that can lead to blindness), cataracts (clouding of the eye lens that may require surgical removal), glaucoma (painful increased pressure within the eye that can cause blindness if untreated), and cherry eye (prolapse of the third eyelid gland). Regular veterinary eye examinations are recommended to catch these conditions early. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, commonly known as dry eye, occurs when insufficient tear production leads to eye surface irritation and potential ulceration. The breed's brachycephalic facial structure, with its shortened muzzle, can contribute to breathing difficulties and makes them more susceptible to overheating in hot weather. Other health concerns include sebaceous adenitis, a genetic skin condition where the sebaceous glands become inflamed, leading to hair loss and skin problems. Atopic dermatitis and various allergies are also relatively common, causing itching, skin irritation, and secondary infections. Dental disease is particularly prevalent in Lhasa Apsos due to their small jaw size, requiring regular dental care including daily brushing and professional cleanings. Some individuals may experience intervertebral disc disease affecting the spine, kidney problems including familial renal dysplasia, and hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in small breeds. Weight management is important as the breed has a tendency toward obesity, which can be easily managed through proper diet and regular exercise. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care help maintain the Lhasa Apso's health throughout their long lifespan.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Crested Apso may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Chinese Crested and Lhasa Apso to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.