Have you ever heard of the term “Hairless Wonder?” Well, that’s another name for the charming and adorable breed known as the Chinese Crested Dog! What sets this dog breed apart from the others is not only its radiant, unique appearance but also its ‘nearly hairless’ feature! That’s right! The Chinese Crested dog breeds are famous for their less shedding demeanour. Less fur equals less shed, right? While that might seem logical, it’s safe to say the world of Chinese Crested dogs is much larger and more complex.
When you first lay your eyes on a Chinese Crested dog, you might probably think, “Well, it doesn’t have much hair to shed!” And you would be partly right. This breed is pretty much hairless for the majority of its body. However, there’s more to know about the shedding habits of these extraordinary canines.
One of the first things that might surprise you about this breed is that there are actually two different types of Chinese Crested: Hairless and Powderpuff. The Hairless variety, as you might guess from the name, is mostly hairless with patches of hair on the head (known as a crest), tail (known as a plume), and paws (referred to as socks). The Powderpuff variety is covered in a fine double coat. Here’s an interesting tidbit: both Hairless and Powderpuff varieties can be born in the same litter!
Now, let’s find out: Do Chinese Crested dogs shed a lot? To get the answer, allow us to dive a bit deeper into this enchanting breed.
When it comes to the Hairless variety of the Chinese Crested Dog, you might think its limited hair would result in no shedding. However, this is not entirely true. The hairless variety of Chinese Crested Dogs does shed, but only the hair on its head, tail, and paws, and the amount is minimal. They also have a thin layer of fuzz over their skin, which can shed lightly. But compared to most other breeds, the shedding is very sparse. This is mainly because they lack a full coat of hair to shed!
On the other hand, the Powderpuff Chinese Crested has a lovely, silky double coat, and like most other dogs with this type of coat, they do shed a moderate amount. But here’s the key point to remember that their hair tends to stick within the undercoat instead of falling out directly onto your floors or furniture. This leads us to the crucial understanding that while Powderpuff shed more than their Hairless siblings, it’s not typically noticed because the shed hair gets tangled up in the undercoat.
Though it might seem like the Powderpuff variety requires less grooming due to less visible shedding, it’s entirely the opposite! The Powderpuff’s double layer of hair and fur can easily get knotted or matted if not regularly groomed. This means you’ll need to brush their coat every day or at least several times a week to keep it healthy.
Meanwhile, just because the Hairless variety doesn’t have a mass of hair to groom does not mean it escapes the grooming regime. Its bare skin requires a good amount of care in terms of protection from the sun and keeping the skin clean.
As a piece of advice, you might want to consider investing in some doggy sunscreen for the Hairless Chinese Crested, particularly if you’ll be spending time outside. That’s one secret many owners of this breed tend to learn the hard way!
Now it’s clear the Chinese Crested dog, while not completely without its shedding woes, is a lower-shedding breed overall, making it a prime contender for those with allergies or those who simply aren’t fans of fur-filled couches and clothing.
In conclusion, the Chinese Crested dog’s shedding and grooming needs will depend on whether you have a Hairless or Powderpuff variety. Regardless of the type, these dogs are known for their docile and friendly nature, making them an excellent companion for families and individuals, and well worth the bit of extra grooming work!
So, are you ready to embrace the ‘naked truth’ about these less shedding fur-kids? Whether you choose a Chinese Crested Powderpuff or a Hairless, one thing’s certain – you’re in for a whole lot of love from a not-so-hairy buddy! And let’s not forget, less hair, fewer allergies, less grooming budget, more love, and certainly more time to enjoy the delightful company of these loving canines.
