Grooming the Chinese Crested can be done in two different ways, depending of their coat type. The coat comes in two varietes: the Hairless and the Powderpuff. The Hairless has a crest of hair on its head, extending partway down the neck. There are socks covering its toes, as well as a plume on the tail. The rest of the body is hairless. The Powderpuff is covered entirely with long, soft hair (referred to as a “veil”).

However, the “variable expressivity” of the hairless gene can mean that a dog can have no hair at all, excess body hair or anything in between.

MAINTENANCE

The Hairless requires the frequent use of moisturizers to keep the skin in good condition. The Powderpuff requires regular brushing and combing. The teeth need cleaning regularly.

PROCEDURE

Equipment needed: A good-quality bristle soft brush and a safety razor (to shave the face) for the Hairless variety. A good-quality bristle brush, a wide-toothed comb and clippers for the Powderpuff coat.

Breed tip: The skin of the Hairless type is frequently oiled by massaging baby oil or Nivea face cream into the hairless parts. This helps to keep the skin smooth and nicely moisturized.

HAIRLESS

• This dog needs to be kept clean with frequent baths, using a good shampoo followed by a moisturizer. For example: baby oil or lotion.
• The crest, socks and plume should be blowdried and brushed with a good bristle brush.
• Due to the “variable expressivity” of the hairless gene, body hair can appear. If necessary, remove facial hair with a safety razor. This can also be used to carefully remove excess body hair. In the show ring, any large patches of body hair are classed as a fault. Be very careful when using a razor. If you are at all uncertain, ask a groomer or breed expert to show you.
• Towel-dry and finish with a blower on the crest, socks and plume, brushing very carefully with a bristle brush only on the long hair, never on the skin. Check nails, ears and teeth.

POWDERPUFF

• The Powderpuff coat requires frequent brushing with a bristle or pin brush. This is particularly necessary as the puppy coat changes to the adult coat, at which time daily grooming may be needed.
• Any felting or mats should be teased out with your thumb and forefinger. Once all knots have been removed, work through the coat with a bristle or pin brush.
• Particular attention should be paid to the area between the front legs and the inside of the elbows. This is easier if the dog has been taught to lie on its side while having the tangles removed.
• Regular bathing with a good-quality dog shampoo, followed by blow-drying, will keep the coat in good condition. There are several shampoos to choose from, together with a variety of grooming preparations that are sprayed onto the coat while brushing to detangle and condition the coat.
• The coat should be brushed in layers with the lie of the coat. If you are using a pin brush, care must be taken not to cause the dog discomfort.
• After bathing, grooming and blow-drying, the face should be shaved using clippers (10 mm blade), taking a line from the outer corner of the eye to the ear and in a gentle curve from the ear down to the “Adam’s apple,” similar to the face of a Poodle.
• It is important to check between the pads for any felting, which, if left, could cause discomfort to the dog when walking.
• After brushing and blow-drying is complete, finish off with a wide-toothed comb if desired. The comb will detect any remaining tangles in the coat and they should be teased out and brushed before proceeding with further combing of the veil.
• Check the dog’s nails, ears and teeth. Note: the nails should be moderately long.