When it comes to keeping a Chinese Crested looking good and their skin in top condition, it does take a little bit of time and care. The reason being that their skin can get a bit dry at times and this could lead to sores developing. The hair on their heads, legs and tails only needs to be tidied up using a soft slicker brush and being careful not to scratch a dog's skin in the process.
Powder Puffs need a little more in the way of grooming to keep their coats looking good and tangle free. This means a daily brush is essential using a soft slicker brush and again it's important to do this gently to avoid scratching a dog's skin.
The Chinese Crested is a lively little dog which means they need to be given a minimum of 30 minutes exercise every day. They also like to run around a garden as often as they can, but this needs to be a secure area because these little dogs are highly skilled diggers and will think nothing of climbing over a low garden fence if the mood takes them. They also feel the cold and are at risk of being sunburnt when the weather is hot which is why it's important for them to wear coats during the winter and not to be left out in a garden during the summer months. It's also a good idea to use a dog specific sun block on a Chinese Crested when the weather is hot.
If you get a Chinese Crested puppy from a breeder, they would give you a feeding schedule for your new pet and it's important to stick to the same routine, feeding the same type of puppy food to avoid any tummy upsets. You can change a puppy's diet, but this needs to be done very gradually always making sure they don't develop any digestive upset and if they do, it's best to put them back on their original diet and to discuss things with the vet before attempting to change their diet again.
Older dogs are not known to be fussy or finicky eaters, but this does not mean you can feed them a lower quality diet. It's best to feed an adult Chinese Crested twice a day, once in the morning and then again in the evening, making sure it's good quality food that meets all their nutritional requirements. It's also important that dogs be given the right amount of exercise so they burn off any excess calories which is important or they might start to gain too much weight.
