Breed Comparison: Chinese Crested Versus Lowchen

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Chinese Crested Versus Lowchen: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Chinese Crested and for the Lowchen. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Chinese Crested or the Lowchen.

Chinese Crested versus Lowchen

Chinese Crested versus Lowchen: Overview

A very important difference between the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Chinese Crested is a small-sized dog while the Lowchen is a tiny-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen are Companion Dogs. This means both the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Chinese Crested versus Lowchen: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Chinese Crested to the Lowchen based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen

Factor Chinese Crested Lowchen
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 13 to 15 years
Height 11 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 3/5
Intelligence 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
General Health 5/5 5/5
Weight Up to 12 pounds 9 to 18 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 14.0 years
Average Price $1430 $2870
Price Range $1000 – $1600 $1642 – $4500
Temperament Score 76.5 percent 75.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination- Yearly Exams Recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia/Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • RCD3-PRA DNA Test
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 75 163

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Chinese Crested in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Lowchen. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Chinese Crested is 87 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Lowchen is 85 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Chinese Crested is a better pet than the Lowchen. So, you should get the Chinese Crested!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen

    Below is a list of where the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen are most different:

  • Chinese Cresteds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Lowchens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • The Similarities Between the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen

    The Chinese Crested and the Lowchen are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen are most similar:

  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen are very easy to train.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Chinese Crested versus Lowchen

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen.

    Chinese Cresteds weigh Up to 12 pounds when fully grown. Chinese Cresteds are 11 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Lowchens weigh 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Lowchens are 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Chinese Crested versus Lowchen

    The lifespan of Chinese Cresteds is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Chinese Cresteds is 12.0 years.

    The lifespan of Lowchens is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lowchens is 14.0 years.

    Lowchens live longer than Chinese Cresteds.

    Temperament of the Lowchen Versus the Chinese Crested

    The Chinese Crested has a better temperament than the Lowchen.

    This is because the temperament score for the Chinese Crested is 76.5 percent while the temperament score for the Lowchen is 75.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 76.5 percent, the Chinese Crested has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 75.0 percent, the Lowchen has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen by measuring the temperaments of 34 Chinese Cresteds and 12 Lowchens.

    Price of Chinese Crested versus Price of Lowchen

    The average price of the Chinese Crested puppy is $1430. The price of the Chinese Crested typically ranges from $1000 – $1600. However, the price of a Chinese Crested can be as low as $500 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 157 Chinese Crested puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Lowchen puppy is $2870. The price of the Lowchen typically ranges from $1642 – $4500. However, the price of the Lowchen can be as low as $300 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 7 Lowchen puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Lowchen is more expensive than the Chinese Crested.

    Chinese Crested Lowchen
    Average Price $1430 $2870
    Price Range $1000 to $1600 $1642 to $4500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Chinese Crested and Lowchen. For different price points, the charts show how many Chinese Crested puppies or how many Lowchen puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chinese Cresteds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chinese Cresteds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens

    A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Chinese Crested puppy or the Lowchen puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    The Popularity of Chinese Crested versus Popularity of Lowchen

    Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).

    The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Chinese Crested is more popular with dog owners than the Lowchen. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Chinese Crested is 75 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Lowchen is 163 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Chinese Crested

    Popularity of Chinese Crested

    Popularity of Lowchen

    Popularity of Lowchen

    Year Chinese Crested Popularity Rank Lowchen Popularity Rank
    2013 68 154
    2014 65 165
    2015 75 161
    2016 77 171
    2017 79 169
    2018 79 168
    2019 80 158
    2020 79 161

    Health Problems of Chinese Crested versus Health Problems of Lowchen

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Chinese Crested is prone to more genetic health problems than the Lowchen.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Chinese Crested than for the Lowchen.

    8 health tests are recommended for Chinese Crested while 3 tests are recommended for the Lowchen.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Chinese Cresteds and in Lowchens.

    Chinese Crested Health Problems

    Chinese Cresteds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Chinese Crested puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Chinese Crested puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Chinese Crested breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Chinese Cresteds for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination- Yearly Exams Recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia/Legg-Calve-Perthes
  • Patellar Luxation
  • prcd-PRA DNA Test
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • RCD3-PRA DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Chinese Cresteds here.

    Lowchen Health Problems

    Lowchens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lowchen puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Lowchen puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lowchen breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Lowchens for:

  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lowchens here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Chinese Cresteds and Lowchens

    Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Chinese Crested Breed is Primary Lens Luxation problems.

    This is because the Chinese Crested ranks 7 out of 17 dog breeds for Primary Lens Luxation problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1982 Chinese Cresteds, 23 of them had Primary Lens Luxation problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Chinese Cresteds, and how common these diseases are in Chinese Cresteds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Primary Lens Luxation problems: Rank 7 out of 17 Dog Breeds
  • Baer Hearing Test problems: Rank 12 out of 21 Dog Breeds
  • Patella problems: Rank 53 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 54 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 147 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Lowchen Breed is Patella problems.

    This is because the Lowchen ranks 19 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 149 Lowchens, 9 of them had Patella problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Lowchens, and how common these diseases are in Lowchens relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Patella problems: Rank 19 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 42 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 163 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • The table below lists the common health problems in Chinese Crested and in Lowchen and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen:

    Disease Chinese Crested Rank Lowchen Rank
    Primary Lens Luxation problems 7 out of 17 dog breeds Not Common
    Baer Hearing Test problems 12 out of 21 dog breeds Not Common
    Patella problems 53 out of 145 dog breeds 19 out of 145 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems 54 out of 159 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 147 out of 182 dog breeds 42 out of 182 dog breeds
    Hips problems Not Common 163 out of 198 dog breeds

    *To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.

    Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Chinese Crested versus Lowchen

    Chinese Cresteds do not like to be left alone.

    Lowchens do not like to be left alone.

    Do Chinese Cresteds shed more than Lowchens?

    Chinese Cresteds do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Lowchens shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Chinese Crested or the Lowchen

    Chinese Cresteds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Chinese Crested or the Lowchen?

    Chinese Cresteds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Chinese Crested Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Lowchen?

    Chinese Cresteds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Lowchens have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Chinese Cresteds Bark and Howl? What about Lowchens?

    Chinese Cresteds bark and howl, but not very much.

    Lowchens are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Chinese Cresteds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Chinese Cresteds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Chinese Crested vs. Lowchen

    Chinese Cresteds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Lowchens have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Chinese Cresteds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Chinese Cresteds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Lowchens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Chinese Crested or the Lowchen?

    Chinese Cresteds get along very well with other dogs.

    Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Chinese Cresteds good family dogs? What about Lowchens?

    Chinese Cresteds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Lowchens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Chinese Cresteds and Lowchens?

    Chinese Cresteds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Lowchens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Chinese Crested Easier to Train than the Lowchen?

    Chinese Cresteds are very easy to train.

    Lowchens are very easy to train.

    Is the Chinese Crested Better for Apartment Owners than the Lowchen?

    Chinese Cresteds adapt very well to apartment living.

    Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Chinese Crested or the Lowchen?

    Chinese Cresteds are OK for new dog owners.

    Lowchens are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Chinese Crested

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Chinese Crested that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Chinese Crested:

  • Bolognese (75 percent match with Chinese Crested). Here is our comparison of the Lowchen vs Bolognese.
  • Japanese Chin (75 percent match with Chinese Crested). Here is our comparison of the Lowchen vs Japanese Chin.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Lowchen that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Lowchen:

  • English Cocker Spaniel (79 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Chinese Crested vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (80 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Chinese Crested vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Chinese Crested and how the Lowchen compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Chinese Crested and of the Lowchen to other breeds:

    Chinese Crested Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Chinese Crested versus American Bulldog     Chinese Crested versus Chorkie     Chinese Crested versus Akita     Chinese Crested versus Black Mouth Cur     Chinese Crested versus Newfoundland     Chinese Crested versus Tibetan Mastiff     Chinese Crested versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Standard Schnauzer     Chinese Crested versus Plott     Chinese Crested versus Hovawart     Chinese Crested versus Collie     Chinese Crested versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Pomsky     Chinese Crested versus Gordon Setter     Chinese Crested versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Chinese Crested versus Fila Brasileiro     Chinese Crested versus Rottweiler     Chinese Crested versus Belgian Tervuren     Chinese Crested versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Chinese Crested versus Cesky Terrier     Chinese Crested versus French Bulldog     Chinese Crested versus Bullmastiff     Chinese Crested versus Samoyed     Chinese Crested versus Great Dane     Chinese Crested versus Swedish Vallhund     

    Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lowchen versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Lowchen versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Lowchen versus Miniature Pinscher     Lowchen versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Lowchen versus Boxerdoodle     Lowchen versus Samoyed     Lowchen versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Lowchen versus Chinook     Lowchen versus Shih Tzu     Lowchen versus Kishu Ken     Lowchen versus Sealyham Terrier     Lowchen versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Lowchen versus Cairn Terrier     Lowchen versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Lowchen versus Stabyhoun     Lowchen versus Cavapoo     Lowchen versus Belgian Malinois     Lowchen versus Gordon Setter     Lowchen versus Norwegian Lundehund     Lowchen versus Lhasa Apso     Lowchen versus Yorkshire Terrier     Lowchen versus Valley Bulldog     Lowchen versus Doberman Pinscher     Lowchen versus Pointer     Lowchen versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     

    Conclusion: Chinese Crested versus Lowchen. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Chinese Crested and the Lowchen better suits you and your family.