Chinese Crested Care

DIATAMACEOUS EARTH

Bellissima Farms incorporates all form of disease prevention into the foundation breeding program. 

While necessary chemical products; i.e., innoculations, worming, etc., are mandatory as standard operating procedures, supplements are used whenever and wherever possible to enhance health.

Specially formulated diatamaceous earth is used both in and around the pups iin lieu of  spray/granular pesticides. 

DE, a pulverized fossil shell, acts as a mechanical kills as opposed to toxic sprays, which can be absorbed orally or by the skin. 

Microscopic shards of nature are dusted around the porch/patio/yard and sprinkled in dry kibble.  As DE enters the body, completely harmless to the host animals system, it turns deadly to any insect/worm/parasite minus  an exoskeleton. 

Daily applications of DE, in conjunction w/ standard commercial wormers, contribute to our health guarantee, implementing both nature and science in order to preserve our promise of a healthy, happy pup.

IMPORTANT:  Only use DE formulated WITHOUT additives - as most additives are toxic to pets.  Approved formulas are primarily found in ranch/feed stores.

 

GARLIC

Garlic has been used thru the ages as a natural antibiotic that assists in detoxifing the body against harmful agents.

While promoting friendly bacteria in the intestinal tract, it also provides sulphur and MSM to the diet, thus stimulating antibacterial, anitfungal, antiviral and antiparasitic properties.

While giving your puppy/horse a bad case of "pizza breath", garlic provides a constant natural shield that repels fleas, ticks, mosquitos, etc.

Flea/tick collars, while effective, often times deliver collateral damage because of the animals' chemical sensitivity. 

Garlic use promotes healthy blood and smooth skin - the National Cancer Institute has found garlic to be an effective inhibitor of  cancer cells.

IMPORTANT:  Not all garlic formulations are safe for your pet.  Be sure to use a tested commercial brand that does not contain additives or has not be altered by heat or other forms of processing.

 

FLY SPRAYS

Summer heat brings an onslaught of flying/biting insects, but here, in Arizona, where winters are often times too mild and short-lived to destroy larvae, flies are a year 'round concern.  They are filthy, dirty carriers of bacteria & disease, who rest in horse manure then land in the dogs' dish, stopping for a snack.

Bellissima Farms uses fresh citronella and eucalyptus oil, combined w/ cider vinegar and water for use as a homeopathic spray to repel insects.

The citronella emits a fresh lemon scent much enjoyed by all.

Cider vinegar, a staple in the horse world, used primarily to dissolve stones, acidifies the environment, making it unpleasant for insects to remain.

Chinese Crested reading material is not an easy thing to come by, and alas, alot of the information is somewhat dated. 

Many times, people will repeat things they have read, with no true personal experience to base it upon. 

This often times perpetrates focus of particular conditions, enhancing their importance and puts unremarkable concerns in the forefront, clouding your learning.

Keep your eyes peeled for updated material - as new books are coming out daily.  Some current manuals are deliciously well informed and ever so helpful. 

First and foremost, the Chinese Crested is a dog.  There are no big secrets to making a happy home with them - allergies, bad skin, etc., may be possible, but are not necessarily probable.  Breeders have widened the gene pool and are doing a much better job of breeding the best to the best.

All breeds have pesky problems. Large breeds, in particular, have a shortened life span.  This concern, however, has not decreased our love for the boxer, mastiff or dane.   

For the most part, the Crested is one of the easiest and cleanest of all choices.

There is no way to positively rule out an entire roster of potential health concerns. 

Examine the  "job description" for your new pet.  If you want him to pull the plow, a Crested probably won't fit the bill.  However, if you are looking for the perfect, adoring companion - go no further.

"Blah, blah skin."

"Chinese Crested - skin, blah, blah, skin."

"I heard they have skin problems."

"I read where they have blackheads."

"I understand they are allergic to wool....blah, blah, blah...."

"I heard lanolin is a big irritant and should be avoided at all costs...so what do I use to mositurize the skin?"

Yes and no.  To everything.

A dog is a dog, and like people, some have skin problems, hearing defects, allergies or early arthritis.  There is no perfect breed and no perfect health record.

Use common sense.

A knowledgable breeder recognizes a single stud cannot enhance the entire breeding menu for every dam.  And, regardless of precautions, pups are born imperfect. 

Simply because the dog has the equipment to reproduce does not mean they should.   Male or female.  (As should be w/ humans.....)

Blatant genetic flaws should be bred out - sick or poorly conformed dogs should be eliminated from the program and only the healthiest, most perfect specimans should be used to repeat the Chinese Cresteds profile.

Yet still, nature has a hand in things and "stuff happens".

It happens in people - and it happens in dogs.

The monsterous skin problems of yesterday are somewhat reduced, due to prudent breeding by caring breeders. 

Yes, there are cases of blackened pores and even boils.  Most times, off-the-shelf acne shampoo, oatmeal or tea tree washes, loofah scrubs and salt baths help dramatically. 

Dots of skin drying lotion, drawing salves or acne meds can be used on larger bumps. 

Each dog is different.  Use common sense.

Some tend to have a  more oily skin, thus requiring more frequent baths, which are no big deal.

Dry skin can be massaged, post bath,  w/ any gentle moisturerizer.  If you notice redness/irritation - it is not "that darn old allergic skin problem of the Crested" - it is your dogs' sensitivity to the mositurizer formulation.  Choose another.

The sun can both help or hurt the skin - just as with humans.  Sunlight provides vitamins but also has burning UV rays.  Take the good and shun the bad. Limit your pups time in the sun, protect skin w/ sun screen or adequate cotton clothing.  Avoid exposure hours between 10 and 4. Watch for redness on ears, nose and knuckles.

While sunscreen provides protection, some owners found certain brands are more of an allergic irritant than a protective screen.  Dogs are like us.  What bothers one may not bother another. If your dog develops rash/irritation/redness to a sunscreen, even one for children, ....don't be surprised.  Just switch protectants or use clothing instead.

It is not "the Chinese Crested being an allergy problem" - it is a dog who is sensitive to a particular product.

There is no great secret to skin protection - only common sense.

Dog shampoos are not necessary.  Many human shampoos do the trick, some combining conditioner w/ shampoo - a big plus in time management and cost.

Spray in detanglers are fabulous!  The make the crest soft & silky and the tangles simply fall out.  Another bonus - a soft, sweet smell - making snuggling all the more pleasurable.

Watch your dogs skin and hair.  If you like what you see, then whatever you are using - works! It is not necessary to drop the bank on dog grooming supplies.  Most of what we need is in our shower stall right now.

Don't waste time being overly concerned w/ Crested skin.  Yes, it is a concern, but no, it is not such a prominent problem that it should interfere w/ your breed selection.

In talking w/ past dog owners  (boxer, mastiff, retriever, bassett hound, etc.) , they relay problems w/ diet allergies and boiling white chicken meat for every meal, skin sores that erupted w/o noticable stimuli, early blindness, arthritic hips, training stubborness, nervousness w/ storms, etc.

There is no perfect dog.  There is no perfect owner.

Don't become focused on a "non-issue". 

Chinese Cresteds are the full package:  brains, beauty, attitude, temperament -- don't over-think what you've heard or read about skin problems. 

Of course, buyer beware,...........

But, on the other hand - don't rob yourself of the finest healing balm for the soul - the adoring love of a Crested.

In event of an emergency, ranch personnel:

• Keep the pup warm
• Dispense sugars

Aside from injury, warmth & sugar are good "band-aids"  until professional assistance is rendered.

Bellissima Farms is not puppy mill, nor a back yard breeder.

We pride ourselves in being a landmark ranch, located in the heart of north Scottsdale, dedicated to polished animal husbandry, doing the very best to produce healthy, balanced and strong stock.

Our program carries a health guarantee fortified by a long standing reputation of above average standards.

Our focus:

• foundation stock - lineage
• nutrition
• vet care
• exercise
• physical, emotional, mental stimuli/growth - especially imprinting at birth
• routine innoculations/worming
• regular bathing/shaving, dental/nail care
• socialization w/ other animals/humans

In addition to living quarters consisting of a 2 bd/2 ba home boasting: a full kitchen (carved cabinets, all amenities), heat, A/C, heating pads in each bed, commercial mist system on patios, grassy exercise arena, etc. - this lifestyle gives new meaning to "lucky dog"!

During seasons of aggressive coyote visits, our Cresteds exercise hours per day in an indoor/outdoor play area, constructed to allow fresh air exchange - yet enclosed - including ceiling/roof top - to deter both walking & flying predators from harming the pups. Our ranch is located in the Southwest. We choose to live in peace w/ the desert environment and God's creature - big and small - however, predatory animals sometimes become desperate, hungry and bold.

The enclosed area is also appointed w/ a commercial water mist system - reducing temps by approx. 20 degrees, mature shade trees, beds w/ fresh pillows and giant knuckle bones to chew. Regardless of usual heat limitations, the dogs can continue to frolic, muscle up and socialize At Bellissima Farms, it truly is "A Dogs' Life"............

To top it off, our lucky babes have 2 full-time nannies who devote their entire employment to cleanliness, training, nutrition and care.

The Nannies fill their days w/ herbal/oatmeal or berry scented baths, dental/nail care, shaving/clipping and food preparation.

Both caregivers were raised on a ranch & have a history of animal care - in addition, both are proud Chinese Crested owners.

Our team works together to help Bellissima Farms produce the finest, most emotionally stable pups -- healthy, happy and full of joy.

Our pups begin life by being hand birthed, imprinted and subsequently, raised underfoot. Babies & moms are held, massaged, well exercised and consistently handled, following methods employed by horse enthusiasts.

With exaggerated socialization, our pups tend to be inquisitive, rather than fearful - bold, rather than aggressive - and self-assurred in their own importance.

Sanitation is an on-going routine - pups are never left in a soiled environment. Potty training/use of newspapers & doggie doors is introduced early, providing a solid platform for future house-breaking. While bowel/bladder control comes w/ maturity, our pups are most comfortable in a clean environment - thus contributing to a quicker mind set w/ house training.

Kenneled behavior, such as self-stimuli, tail chasing or fecal consumption are not normal in our off-spring as excess energy/stress is burned off w/ exercise.

Historically, there has been a predisposition to hypoglycemia in almost every toy breed.

Normally, during digestion, fats & carbs are changed to glucose in the liver, converting calories to energy for growth - which is the greatest energy need in a young pup.

Any failure in this chain results in reduced blood sugar - a sure killer of little dogs.

Organs and tissues starve rapidly without sugar.

Body temp falls, the pup becomes limp & lethargic, fails to respond to stimuli and becomes incapable of movement. Seizures occur and the pup quickly withers away.

Emergency intervention is necessary to restore body sugars to a level where the pup can survive.

Honey, corn syrup, maple syrup, STAT, Nutrical and careful syringes of electrolyte drinks, such as gatorade or pedialyte, assist in restoring sugar levels necessary to allow the pup to go back to "normal".

During a hypoglycemic attack, swallowing is impaired - force feedings of liquid/thickened material can result in aspiration into the lungs. Force feedings should be done SLOWLY and CAREFULLY.

In the early days of a pups life,an increased number of daily feedings are necessary to keep sugar at adequate survival levels.

Older dogs seem to metabolize their feedings more evenly, thus the dog "grows out" of hypoglycemia.

Toy breed pups have tiny stomach vessels- able to hold only a small amount of sugar-producing food - therefore, frequent meals are the easiest way to satisfy this requirement.

Depending on the type of food, a dog can digest his meal in as little as 4 hours or as many as 12.

Moist diets are eliminated quickly, while a dry diet takes longer. Dry food allows a more stable digestion over a longer period of time, thus dispersing sugars in a more regulated manner.

Calories and nutrients are absorbed during digestion. In a cyclical arrangement, the body stores some of these goodies and makes withdrawals as needed.

Adding fats (sour cream, cottage cheese) during lactation/weaning seems to keep the sugar levels better regulated.

Yogurt, which aids in digestion, is also a part of the blend.

A careful and labored combination of these nutrients, plus garlic, has routinely kept Bellissima Farms pups at the finest level of health.

Furthermore, AM/PM doses of STAT contributes to a regulated sugar dispersment.

Tiny Chinese Crested pups, maturing at less than 5 lbs. have successfully been bred at Bellissima Farms, no doubt, due to special attention to nutritional needs.

Look for our itty bitty "pocket pals" - when available - on the Sales page.

Ear Health

With both the HL and PP, it is a good idea to keep a close watch on hair growing inwards and down the canal.  The matt irritates, collects wax and bacteria and causes inflammation. 

Some owners prefer to pluck errant hairs, while some shave a minor path at the base of the ear, encouraging the hair to grow outward or down. 

Ears are to be protected from water during bath, and cleaners should be used regularly.  Of course, do not insert cotton swabs in the canal - leave invasive measures to the vet.

Watch for head shaking or foul odors - almost a sure indicationof infection, irritation or allergy.

Ear Carriage

With Chinese Cresteds there exists a preference for erect ears.

Erect ears with fringe frame the delicate soft features and dark eyes, making the face nothing less than moving art.

While most breeders incorporate this asset during breeding selection, some of the most perfectly-earred parents produce a floppy eared little tyke.

Ear carriage is influenced by a number of factors: heredity, placement, thickness, length, growth rate, diet, calcium, zinc, teething stage, etc.

Rough puppy play can damage cartilage leaving it forever prone to a downward flop.

Articifical support are used by some in order to encourage erect ears. Tape, glue, splints, etc. - are all part of the uncomfortable stage of encouraging an upright stance.

Tape allergies, sores, odor, bleeding and even tissue death are a result of non-vigilent tapings. Shaving is necessary to allow adhesive to adhere properly but also detracts from the sexy fringe that makes the Crested so remarkable.

Consistent taping yields better results when started at a young age. A young dog better tolerates the procedure and early invention encourages the cartilage "memory". Manual manipulation also helps.

Dogs go thru stages when an erect ear set suddenly fails, then without notice, resurrects.

Watch for creasing during taping. Switching methods may sometime be necessary.

Some dogs never maintain that perfect ear carriage, and in the wide scope of things, there are worse things in the world.

Is taping right for you? It is a personal preference.

What is the best method? Talk to your vet and discuss options - it's always nice to have a bag of tricks in case the initial choice fails to produce desired results.

A dog "tastes" new experiences by mouthing and biting, using its' teeth as if they were fingers.

Young pups should not be encouraged to nibble at fingers or anything that would be considered obnoxious at a larger size or older age.

Yes, the Chinese Crested has unusual teeth.

Not bad, not good - simply unusual.

Some baby teeth fail to loosen and the mouth will exhibit eight tiny teeth across the front line, necessitating vet intervention.

Occasionaly, the canines will form irregularly, similar to a tusk. Should they cause problems, once again, it's time to visit the doggie dentist.

It is theorized the same mutant gene that causes hairlessness causes the adult teeth to fall out at an early age - evidenced by several hundred years of documentation. Many times, the dog maintains its' weight nicely and the tooth loss is not noticed right away.

Contrary to belief, breeding coated dogs to hairless dogs will not necessarily improve the overall quality of dentition. Dogs exhibiting good dentition are still documented as transmitting and perpetuating poor dentition, due to ancestry. Unfortunately, this may actually mask the problem by covering the possibility of transmission to future generations.

It is prudent to select for improved dentition but does not translate to a perfect process.

Put prioriities in perspective - excellent dentition by ways of sacrificing on temperament is foolish.

Definition of a "hairless" mouth:

• Varies from primitive incisors
• Failure to form pre-molars
• Thin enamel
• Shallow roots.

Assymetrical patterns and fused teeth are not unusual.

Regardless of the breed, dental hygiene is a must for prolonging what teeth nature has permitted the dog to retain.

Wonderful dog toothpaste is sold in flavors - giving your pup that "fresh, minty breath". Human toothpaste is not advised.

Brushes or gauze can be used to removed buildup - finger cots are also effective. Giant femurs or knuckle bones provide gum stimuli and stave off boredom.

Puppy proof your house from an inquisitive youngster - electrical & computer cords, plants, leather, etc.   String, yarn and the like can be swallowed creating serious problems, as an "oral stage" is expected and normal.

A puppy does not discriminate - old bones, new couture shoes - it's all fair game.

Teach them "right" from the beginning - use oral gels if teething appears painful.

Early tooth-loss, while sometimes unattractive, usually does not contributes to ill-health. Tongues may protrude but weight loss is rarely a problem.

Approx. rules of teeth development:

• Puppy teeth protrude around 4 weeks of age, or as late as 7
• Teething stabilizes around 4-6 months of age
• Some pups fret, while others exhibit no signs of mouth pain

Hygiene is your best ally during teething stages - it teaches the dog to accept dental cleaning as part of the weekly routine. Furthermore it alerts the owner to possible reasons for behavioral changes.

Not all males are feisty and all females "ladylike".

Temperament varies regardless of gender or spay/neutering.

Some horse/dog breeders believe the dams' personality is dominant, while others believe the female is simply a "purse".

The saying goes, "If you put gold into a purse, you pull gold out of a purse" -- meaning the stud carries the golden dominant traits and the female offers nothing but an incubator/belly for the embryos to develop.

We have found the personalities are as varied as our human families.

Some pups are excitable and prove to be silly characters past the age of 18 months.

Others are serene and mature from birth on - wise beyond their years.

Temperaments vary widely in a single litter.

One thing for sure, a Cresteds heart is full of love and belongs in the house and among the family. They are not yard dogs - they require much love and attention - and reciprocate as well.

It's a love like you've never known.

Chinese Cresteds are late weaners.

At Bellissima Farms, we allow the process to occur naturally, with the mom and babies deciding when enough is enough.

Pups do not go to a new home until they have completed their natural weaning process, as nursing is not only a nutritional concern, but also a maturity/emotional/social concern.

Each litter is different.

Many times, an otherwise tranquil Crested will exhibit their ability to climb a fence like a monkey. Using toes and paws, some are able to scale a chain link fence or block wall, amazing you with athletic ability.

Some are able to jump terrific heights, while others will dig to China.

It is impossible for a breeder to tell if your new family member is a digger or jumper as these traits usually develop in late adolescence.

Digging or jumping is not a "usual" CC trait, but it does happen.

Be aware and safeguard your pet, by having an identifying pet tag and/or micro chip in case of an escape.

As for swimming, Cresteds are not "natural swimmers", they must be taught. A human baby cannot be expected to automatically swim, simply because they were born into a house with a pool.

It is a good idea to expose your pet to water and should there be a pool, teach the dog to find its' way out - in case of accident.

Over the years, some of our Cresteds have avoided water, scratching and clawing when we attempt to introduce them to the pool. Others have jumped in, from several feet away, ears flying in the wind, circling the water, like a retriever.

Owning any dog is a responsibility. They should not be left alone in a new environment until one is sure no harm will come from their curious nature.