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Chinese Crested grooming: brushing, bathing and shedding

A practical grooming routine for the Chinese Crested: coat care, baths, nails and ears.

For the Hairless, skin care replaces brushing. Bathe every one to two weeks with a mild dog shampoo to clear the oils that block pores, rinse thoroughly, and apply a light, non-greasy moisturizer if the skin looks dry. Brush the crest, socks and tail plume two or three times a week. Many hairless dogs grow stray body hair, and owners trim or shave it with clippers or a gentle trimmer to keep the outline clean.

Powderpuffs need brushing every other day with a pin brush and comb, working right down to the skin, because mats form fast behind the ears and in the armpits. Some owners shave the face for a tidy, easy look. For both types, brush teeth daily, clean the large upright ears weekly and trim nails every two weeks, since Cresteds often have long, narrow hare feet where overgrown nails show quickly.

Chinese Crested grooming in numbers

This is an illustrative schedule based on our editorial grooming score, not a breed-specific care protocol. Coat condition, skin problems and professional advice may call for a different routine.

TaskPlanning example
Brushing4 to 5 times a week
BathingEvery 3 to 6 weeks
SheddingMinimal
Nail trimEvery 3 to 4 weeks
Ear checkWeekly
TeethDaily brushing; introduce gently and ask your vet if the mouth seems painful

Coat

Hairless dogs have smooth, soft skin with silky hair on the head, tail and feet; Powderpuffs carry a long, soft, veil-like double coat.

Grooming needs

Shedding

Drooling

Grooming guides for similar-sized breeds