The Chinese Crested also had nails so long it had difficulty walking, matted fur, inflamed ears and malnutrition.

When owner Kerry Newdick, 55, was asked when Bonsai had last seen a vet, he replied: "Can't remember the last time."

Newdick pleaded guilty in the ACT Magistrates Court to neglect and failing to seek veterinary treatment.

Court documents said Newdick had been warned by RSPCA inspectors about his care of the dog – particularly the extreme matting of its coat – in 2013.

But RSPCA inspectors were again called to his Richardson home in December after receiving a complaint about the condition of the 14-year-old female.

Inspectors reported Bonsai had severely matted and dirty fur, excessively long nails, inflamed ears, and a very thin body condition.

Newdick said he had last groomed Bonsai 10 months earlier.

When asked about the previous caution and the dog's weight and condition, he said: "I have no excuses, I've just been lazy. She has always been thin, she eats a lot, she has bad teeth."

The RSPCA seized Bonsai and removed her teeth to manage her severe dental disease.

The dog was also groomed, clipped, and placed on an appropriate diet.

The vet reported that Bonsai's thin condition had been caused by her dental disease.

The court on Wednesday heard Newdick felt ashamed of the offences and had been shocked by the veterinary report on Bonsai's health issues.

Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker banned Newdick from owning or possessing a pet for the next five years.

Ms Walker also sentenced the offender to a one-year good behaviour order, and ordered he complete 120 hours of community service.

The chief magistrate classified the offences as mid-level, but said she accepted Newdick's remorse.

A reparation order, sought by the RSPCA to cover the costs of veterinary treatment and care, will be heard on April 30.