The Chinese Crested, a breed renowned for its unique appearance, comes in two varieties: Hairless and Powderpuff. While the Hairless variety has hair only on its head, tail, and feet, the Powderpuff is covered with a soft double coat. Both types require specific grooming attention. Here are seven essential tips for grooming your Chinese Crested.
1. Regular Bathing
Both types of Chinese Crested dogs require regular bathing due to their tendency to develop acne or skin irritation. A gentle dog-approved shampoo is necessary. The Hairless variety may require more frequent baths than the Powderpuff due to direct skin exposure.
2. Skin Care for Hairless Variety
The skin of the Hairless Chinese Crested is prone to sunburn and dryness. Apply dog-safe sunscreen when outdoors and moisturize the skin regularly with a vet-approved lotion.
3. Regular Brushing for Powderpuff Variety
The Powderpuff’s double coat needs regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Brush them several times a week with a slicker brush and comb.
4. Dental Care
The Chinese Crested breed is prone to dental issues. Daily tooth brushing is ideal using dog-friendly toothpaste.
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5. Eye Cleaning
Both varieties can develop tear stains. Clean around their eyes gently with a damp cloth and use a vet-approved eye cleaner if necessary.
6. Nail Trimming
The Chinese Crested has fast-growing nails. Regular trimming, ideally every 2-3 weeks, will prevent overgrowth and associated discomfort.
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7. Regular Professional Grooming
The Powderpuff variety benefits from regular professional grooming to keep their coat trim and neat. Hairless Cresteds also gain from professional skincare and nail trimming.
Now, let’s address seven frequently asked questions about grooming a Chinese Crested for the first time.
Q1: How often should I bathe my Chinese Crested? A1: This depends on the variety. The Hairless type may need weekly baths, while the Powderpuff variety can typically go 2-3 weeks between baths.
Q2: Do I need to use sunscreen on my Hairless Chinese Crested? A2: Yes. The skin of the Hairless Chinese Crested is susceptible to sunburn. Always apply dog-safe sunscreen before going outside.
Q3: How can I prevent matting in my Powderpuff’s coat? A3: Regular brushing several times a week with a slicker brush and comb will help prevent matting.
Q4: What can I do about tear stains on my Chinese Crested’s face? A4: Cleaning around their eyes daily with a damp cloth can help prevent staining. Use a vet-approved eye cleaner if necessary.
Q5: How often should I trim my Chinese Crested nails? A5: The Chinese Crested’s nails grow quickly, so plan to trim them every 2-3 weeks.
Q6: How can I maintain my Hairless Chinese Crested skin? A6: Regular bathing, moisturizing with a vet-approved lotion, and using sunscreen can help keep your Hairless Chinese Crested skin healthy.
Q7: How often should my Powderpuff Chinese Crested visit a professional groomer? A7: This depends on the dog’s coat and your ability to groom at home. Generally, a professional grooming session every 6-8 weeks can keep their coat in top condition.
In conclusion, whether you have a Hairless or Powderpuff Chinese Crested, grooming plays a vital role in your overall health and well-being. Following these tips and seeking answers to common questions will help you keep your Chinese Crested looking and feeling their best.
Toledo, United States.
