Chinese Crested Dog

• Always bathe Chinese Cresteds with warm water and an exfoliating shampoo. For coated areas (socks, head, and tail), use a whitening shampoo to brighten the hair.

• Use a loofah glove to gently exfoliate the skin, helping to remove dirt, oils, and blackheads without causing irritation. Moisturising the skin after bathing is critical to prevent dryness and cracking

• Dremel the nails after trimming to remove sharp edges, preventing the dog from scratching itself. Clean the nails thoroughly at the base to avoid bacterial infections, especially in hairless breeds.

• Be careful to trim only the hair inside the paw pads without cutting the sock hair to maintain a natural look.

• When shaving, use a clipper with a #30 or #40 blade for the hairless parts, followed by a razor for a smooth finish. Stretch the skin while shaving to ensure even coverage and avoid cuts.

• Optional ear grooming includes shaving them completely or leaving them fluffy. Chinese Cresteds can be shown with either shaved or fluffy ears depending on the owner’s preference.

• After grooming, apply a hydrating butter or specific dog moisturiser to the skin to maintain softness and prevent flakiness. Regular moisturising should be done weekly at a minimum.

• Always use sunscreen on exposed skin when the dog is outdoors, and consider using a shirt to protect the dog from sunburn.

Weekly moisturising and sun protection are essential for Chinese Cresteds. Regular nail trims and coat conditioning should be part of the routine. For show dogs, no scissoring should be done on the mane, ears, feet, or tail, keeping them as natural as possible.