HAIR & SKIN
"Blah, blah skin"
"Chinese Cresteds - skin, blah, blah, blah..."
"I heard they have skin problems.."
"I understand they are allergic to wool..."
"I heard lanolin is a big irritant & should be avoid at all costs - so what do I use to moisturize?"
Yes and No - to everything.
A dog is a dog - and like people - some have skin problems, hearing defects, bladder weakness, short life span or early arthritis. There is no perfect breed w/ a perfect health record.
Use common sense.
A knowledgable breeder knows a single stud cannot enhance the entire breeding menu for every dam - regardless of precautions, pups are born imperfect. Like people....
Blatant genetic flaws should be bred out - poorly conformed dogs or those w/ unpleasant, reoccuring skin conditions should be eliminated from the program - only the healthiest, most perfect specimans should be included in a breeding program
The prominant skin problems of yesterday's CC's are somewhat reduced, due to prudent breeding by consciencious Breeders.
Yet still, nature has a BIG hand in things - and "stuff happens".
Yes, there remain cases of dark pores & occasionally, even minor infections. Most times, off the shelf acne shampoos, oatmeal or tea tree washes, loofah scrubs & salt baths help immensely. Such imperfections are more noticable on a hairless dog.
Dots of skin drying lotions, drawing salves/acne meds can be used along w/ antibiotics.
Each pup is different - each condition has a unique origin - use common sense.
Some pups tend to have oily skin, thus requiring more bathing to stay fresh - no big deal. Some of us prefer to cuddle w/ the fresh scent of shampoo - so, needed or not - our kids are going to experience more frequent bathing. Some pups are pig pens - dirt magnets - they will see the wash tub more often than another.
Dry skin can be massaged, post bath, w/ any gentle moisturizer. If there is noted irritation/redness - it is not "that darn old allergic skin of the CC" - it is the dog's sensitivity to moisturizer formulation. Try another.
Sun exposure can help/hurt the pup's skin - as with humans. Sunlight provides vitamins, but also produces burning rays - take the good, shun the bad. Limit pups time in sun, protect skin w/ sunscreen lotion & adequate cotton clothing. Avoid exposure hours between 10 AM-4PM. Watch for redness on ears, nose & knuckles. You should be following the same advice yourself.
Some owners complain lotion sunscreens are more of an irritant than protective screen. Dogs are like people - what bothers one may not bother another. If your dog develops rash/irritation to lotions - even those advertisied for children - don't be surprised - just switch brands or use cotton clothing instead.
It's not the Chinese Crested breed - it's the particular dog's sensitivity to a particular product.
Use common sense.
There is no great secret to sun protection.
Dog shampoos are not a must - many human formulations do the trick - some combining shampoo & condition - a big plus for time management/cost.
Spray detanglers are great! They make the crest soft & silky, with tangles falling out Another bonus: soft, sweet smelling coat -makes snuggling all the more pleasurable.
Watch the skin & hair - if it looks good - the groceries are balanced & exterior products are the correct recipe. It's not necessary to drop bank on dog products - most of what we use is in your shower stall right now - & smells better than dog formulas.
Don't waste time on worrying about a non-issue: CC skin. Yes, it's a concern, but no, not such a prominent problem that it should interfere w/ your breed choice.
In talking w/ other breed owners (boxer, mastiff, retriever, basset hound, lab, etc.) they relay issues w/ diet allergies, skin problems, early blindness, bladder weakness, stubborness, arthritic hips, nervousness, etc.
There is no perfect breed - only perfect dogs - like yours & mine.
CC's are the full package - hypo-allergenic, brains, beauty, attitude, temperament - don't over think the superficial rumors.
If only you could find a life partner w/ such perfection..................
Don't rob yourself of the finest healing balm for the soul - the adoring love of a Chinese Crested.
