Crestoxie
Crested Doxie
The Crestoxie, commonly known as the Crested Doxie, is a small hybrid breed that emerges from the crossbreeding of the Chinese Crested dog—renowned for its skills in vermin hunting on ships—and the Dachshund, a breed originally bred for burrowing and hunting badgers. Crestoxies typically have elongated bodies, but their legs are generally longer than those of a standard Dachshund. These energetic and clever dogs are very sociable and often develop strong attachments to their human families. However, they can also display traits such as stubbornness, manipulative tendencies, and jealousy, which may create challenges in training. To encourage positive behaviors in your Crestoxie, it is crucial to focus on early socialization and training.
Breed Origin
The Crestoxie is a hybrid breed intentionally developed by crossing a Chinese Crested dog—historically a shipboard companion known for its ability to control pests—with a Dachshund, a small breed from Germany that has been used for badger hunting since the 1600s. The Dachshund was specifically bred to track and eliminate burrowing creatures, particularly badgers, necessitating a compact build to navigate tunnels, bravery to confront aggressive prey, and the stamina to complete the task. The late 1800s marked the establishment of the first Dachshund clubs, and by 1885, eleven of these tenacious dogs were registered with the American Kennel Club, which contributed to their rising popularity; by 1914, they had become one of the top ten breeds in the United States. On the other hand, the Chinese Crested dog boasts an even richer history. Contrary to what its name suggests, this breed did not originate in China. It received its name from Chinese traders who acquired these small dogs from far-off ports in the 1500s, using them as trade items with sailors to help control parasite-ridden vermin. The precise origins of these ports remain unclear, as the dogs quickly spread worldwide. They gained popularity in America during the 1900s and were first recognized in the miscellaneous class of the American Kennel Club in 1955, although they lost this classification just ten years later. It took another twenty years for the Chinese Crested to regain its status, and an additional six years for it to be categorized within the toy group. While they have yet to win a Best in Show title at the prestigious Westminster Dog Show in New York, both purebred and mixed Chinese Crested dogs have claimed victory in ten World’s Ugliest Dog competitions since they began in 2000.
Breed Appearance
The Crestoxie is a small dog, usually standing under a foot tall, and is notable for having a body that is longer than it is tall. This feature is especially prominent in those that take after the Dachshund's build. Crestoxies may inherit the long, slender legs of the Chinese Crested or the short, sturdy legs of the Dachshund, or they might display a mix of both traits, though shorter, elongated bodies are more frequently seen. Their heads tend to be narrower than average, showcasing a long, tapered muzzle and almond-shaped eyes. The ears are set high on the sides of the head and can either be erect and triangular or rounded and drooping. The gene that causes the hairless trait in the Chinese Crested is dominant but can be fatal during pregnancy if two copies are present. As a result, every living Chinese Crested carries one dominant hairless gene along with a recessive gene that leads to the Powderpuff variety, which has a full, thick, silky double coat. Consequently, the coat of a Crestoxie can vary widely, from completely hairless to having just a crest on the head, a plume on the tail, and "socks" on the legs. The texture of their coat can also differ, ranging from short to medium length, and may resemble the soft, shiny fur of smooth and long-haired Dachshunds, the silky coat of the Chinese Crested, or even the wiry fur of the Wire Haired Dachshund.
Care Routine
The grooming requirements for this particular hybrid are largely influenced by the type of coat it has. Crestoxies with mostly hairless coats will require more frequent baths, although the time spent brushing them is minimal. On the other hand, those with full coats typically need fewer baths but will require consistent combing and brushing to remove dead hair and avoid tangles and mats. The skin of the Chinese Crested dog is especially prone to irritation, particularly in the exposed areas of the hairless variety, a characteristic that may also be passed on to the Crested Schnauzer. Therefore, it’s essential to select a mild shampoo that won’t irritate your pet’s skin and to keep an eye out for any signs of rashes, acne, or swelling during bath time. If the outer coat resembles that of a Wire Haired Dachshund, hand stripping might be necessary to keep this wiry layer clean and healthy. Furthermore, these dogs may be at a greater risk for dental problems compared to other breeds, so regular dental care, including brushing their teeth and scheduling veterinary check-ups, is important for early detection and prevention of issues.
Behavior & Temperament
The Crestoxie is an energetic and clever hybrid that merges the bold spirit of the Dachshund with the vivacious character of the Chinese Crested. This breed flourishes when it is actively engaged in family activities, and due to the curious dispositions of both parent breeds, it needs regular mental challenges to stave off boredom and prevent mischievous behavior. Although they are intelligent, Crestoxies can exhibit a stubborn streak during training, which can make obedience sessions quite difficult. Moreover, both parent breeds are notorious for their challenges with house training. To effectively guide their behavior and keep their minds stimulated, ongoing training is crucial throughout their lives. While Crestoxies typically get along well with older, well-behaved children, they are not ideal pets for very young or overly energetic kids, as their size and elongated backs increase the risk of injury if handled roughly. Additionally, both the Chinese Crested and Dachshund breeds may nip when they feel jealous or possessive.
Play & Exercise
The Crestoxie has relatively simple exercise requirements, typically needing just twenty to forty minutes of vigorous activity each day. Dividing this exercise into shorter, more frequent sessions can greatly enhance their well-being. Many Crestoxies take pleasure in indoor games like fetch and scent-related activities, along with a few daily walks on a leash. Their lower exercise needs make them well-suited for living in smaller spaces. However, some may tend to bark excessively, particularly in social settings, which can create a noisy environment. As inquisitive and lively dogs, they require consistent mental engagement throughout the day to prevent the development of destructive behaviors. It’s important to supervise this hybrid during their growth stage, ensuring they avoid overly intense play or jumping from heights, as these actions could potentially harm their developing backs.
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
0.0 Cups
Daily Activity
0 Minutes
Average Lifespan
13 Years
Origin
Unknown
Type
Crossbreeds
Size
Not Set
Origin Country
Unknown
Brush Frequency
Daily
Coat Texture
Straight
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Height & Weight
Weight
18 lbs (8 kg)Male: 18 lbs (8 kg) , Female: 18 lbs (8 kg)
Height
11 inches (28 sm)Male: 11 inches (28 sm) , Female: 11 inches (28 sm)