Crustie

7-13 lbs
8-12"
Unknown
Chinese Crested
Yorkshire Terrier
Crested Yorkie

Loving and friendly, the Crustie is one of the best hybrid breeds created for families. The Crustie was developed from the Chinese Crested Dog and the Yorkshire Terrier, both eager-to-please breeds. While the exact origins are unknown, it is believed the Crustie was developed when breeders desired to create a new breed with minimal health concerns. The Crustie weighs an average of 7 to 13 pounds and stands between 8 and 12 inches tall. His main purpose has been to provide companionship but he has been known to provide excellent herding services. He is an intelligent breed that is able to be trained quickly. His high energy levels will require intense play sessions to keep him happy.

purpose Purpose
Companion, Herding
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Chinese Crested, Yorkshire Terrier

Crustie Health

Average Size
Male Crustie size stats
Height: 8-12 inches Weight: 7-13 lbs
Female Crustie size stats
Height: 8-12 inches Weight: 7-13 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
  • Collapsed Trachea
Minor Concerns
  • None
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Patellar Luxation
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Physical Examination
  • Ultrasound

Crustie Breed History

The Crustie's history is not well-documented and it is suspected that the hybrid breed was developed in response to the designer dog trend of the last two decades. In the 19th century, it is believed that Scottish workers, moving because of the Industrial Revolution, brought a Paisley Terrier to England and he was used to catch rats and mice. In 1861, the first Yorkshire Terrier was developed and in 1872, the first Yorkshire Terrier Club was formed in England. In the same year, it is thought that the first Yorkshire Terrier was imported to the United States. Fans of the Yorkshire Terrier loved their knack for successfully hunting small animals and their clever spirit. The Chinese Crested Dog is a misnomer as the breed did not come from China. The breed is believed to have been developed in either Mexico or Africa. However, the modern Chinese Crested Dog was modified in China and shrunk in size. This breed was incredibly popular among all people of the population, including both emperors and common people. Additionally, Chinese sailors are believed to have kept them on ships for companionship and to help hunt vermin. In the 1700s, the Chinese Crested Dog is said to have made its way into Europe. The Chinese Crested Club was created in 1974. While this breed is considered rare in China now, it was favored as an alert and happy dog. His love for people and desire to cuddle allowed others to see his kindred spirit. His intelligence can be interpreted as less than intelligent due to his well-documented stubborn streak when it comes to being trained.

Crustie Breed Appearance

The Crustie does not have a breed standard and can resemble either the Chinese Crested Dog or the Yorkshire Terrier. He weighs an average of 7 to 13 pounds and stands at 8 to 12 inches tall. His erect, flappy ears are more likely to resemble the Yorkshire Terrier. His coat can vary drastically – it can either take on the hairless gene or have straight, fine, and silky coat. His expression remains on alert at all times. His small build is slightly muscular and well-built. His tail is generally of full coat and is held parallel to his body. 

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Crustie eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Crustie nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
brown Crustie coat
Brown
black Crustie coat
Black
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Crustie straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Crustie Breed Maintenance

The Crustie is not considered a hypoallergenic breed and will shed moderately. Daily brushing for 15 minutes with a firm bristle brush and a greyhound comb will eliminate any dead hairs. The Crustie may inherit sensitive skin due to the Chinese Crested Dog genes. In this case, it is recommended to use hypoallergenic shampoo to prevent irritants. This breed is not known to drool or contain any significant odors. His nails should be kept trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks and the ears should checked weekly for redness, mites or earwax buildup. Teeth should be brushed regularly to prevent tartar development. Some grooming maintenance may be required if he develops a scruffy appearance. Grooming with scissors should be done every 4 to 6 weeks for upkeep.

Brushes for Crustie
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Scissors
Scissors
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Crustie requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Crustie Temperament

The Crustie is known to be happy, cheerful, playful, and full of energy. His liveliness makes him an excellent choice for families who want an engaging breed. The Crustie would prefer to be able to cuddle with you and ensure you are giving him all of your attention. Don't spoil him with too much attention or he will become demanding and expect good things all the time! The Crustie is known to be a barker and will require early training to halt nuisance barking. This lively canine is excellent with other dogs but may need extra instruction on how to treat small animals. Due to his protective nature, your lovable dog will need early socialization in order to be completely accepting of strangers. While he is sensitive and does not like to be left alone for long periods of time, your Crustie will learn to become accustomed to your schedule if he is provided with positive reinforcement when you leave and when you return. 

Crustie Activity Requirements

The Crustie has high energy levels which will be at his best with 45 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. About 2 walks per day are recommended to maintain his healthy weight and health, and in addition to his walk he'll have fun running around or playing a game of fetch. The ideal environment for your Crustie will be an average size urban home with a fenced-in yard in a warm climate. Apartment living is acceptable as long as he is provided with the necessary outlets for expending his energy. He'll love to go wherever you do, just be sure to make certain that his is dressed warmly when it is cold outside and that he has plenty of fresh water when exercising on a warm day.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
8 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Crustie Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$20.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Crustie Owner Experiences

Coco
13 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Coco is honestly a very odd dog lol. She is afraid of everything, especially plastic bags and wind, but she is ready to attack the trash truck and school buses. She is obsessed with footballs and tries to catch them, even though she is not much bigger than the ball. She is extremely loyal and never leaves my side, but doesn’t really like being petted. The only trick she can do is “sit” but in real life situations, when I say “come” or “stay” she obeys immediately, when it really counts. She is extremely healthy and even the vet says that if it wasn’t for her gray hair she would never believe she is 13. She is very submissive and allows my other small dog to do everything first, like eating.
2 years, 6 months ago
Luca
9 Weeks
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is a very new family member. Time will tell.
2 years, 9 months ago
Oscar Loyal
7 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Oscar is very loving to his family members but suspicious of others. He will jump on their lap and cuddle but can mouth at them if they make a wrong move. He is a barker, especially toward the window cleaner. His companion is our Chihuahua Poppy who domineers him but he doesn’t seem to mind. They play and wrestle together happily, never a fight. Oscar as a puppy never chewed and toilet trained like a dream. He could also do basic commands as a tiny puppy. A fussy eater, not fond of meat but prefers soft dry food. He’s not greedy and has no food aggression. A beautiful coat however it tangled and matts constantly so I have his hair shaved short twice a year. His nails are naturally thick and long so he requires walking on hard ground to keep them trimmed. He walks well and took to the harness very young. I’d advice never to use a leash and collar for walking as Crusties have delicate necks. Overall he’s a territorial but sweet little chap, who’s antics and quirks cause me and my family lots of laughs. Oscar is a character indeed who just wants to be held and petted all day long when he’s not on his walks.
6 years, 7 months ago
Magnolia Mae
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very loving and loves to play!!! She has a few poop accidents still as if you don’t recognize her need to go out she will have an accident. She eats well and has no food aggression with people but does not like other dogs trying to get to her food. She is full blonde now but was black and brown as a pup and is unrecognizable if you see her puppy pictures. She’s a chewer and loves her toys but has chewed 3 beds so far when left alone but is getting much better! She is a doll and we love her so much!!
3 years, 10 months ago
Mario
2 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We love our 5 lb Crustie, Mario! He is affectionate and loving. He wants to please us all of the time. He is as cute as can be. He gets a little aggressive on his leash, but when at the dog park, off his leash, he loves to play with the other dogs.
3 years, 5 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd