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Equipment for the Hairless


An overview of some of the equipment I use for my hairless. There are many preferences, why not ask those will well groomed dogs to find out what they prefer.
pin brushes are the main instrument to work a long and soft coat. Look for a soft, metal-pin brush on a rubber-cushioned base, one in which the pins will give and not break the hair. The main requirement for this type of brushes is the same as for combs: The pins should be blunt. Check this by touching pins with the back side of hand: pins must not scratch the skin.

When you decide what brush to purchase, make sure that the pins sit tight on the head - they should not be loose. For the hairless I have a pocket size pin brush to use on the furnishings.

Soft Brittle Brush:
A soft natural bristle brush is perfect for a Crested's furnishings. My favorite is the "MASON AND PEARSON". The smallest size is sufficient.

Slicker brushes are effective, but also causes hair breakage. I never use them on my dogs.

I rarely use combs on my hairless. If you so prefer combs the general rule is that the tips of teeth should be blunt, otherwise you run the risk of injuring the dog's skin.

Scissors:
A pair of straight edge scissors made for dogs or human hair cutting is a good basic scissor, althernatively thinning Shears with jagged edges on one or both sides. I use it for trimming the hair on the feet, as well as the ear fringes for a bit neater appearance.

Clipper:
My absolute favorite is the Wella Contura. This little clipper doesn't vibrate, is practically noiseless and the blade does not get warm. It is perfect for training puppies to get their face shaved. It is somewhat expensive though.

Other shavers woth mentioning are teh Ermila Bella, Wella Xpert and the Oster Mark1.

Shaver:
A good razor for the finishing touches.
Or a foil type electric shaver also gives baby smooth finish without any stubbles.

Shampoo/Conditioner:
Choice of shampoos and conditioners is very important in grooming a Crested.

Some brands that we know many prefer for their Cresteds includes;
- Petsilk
- Chris Christensen
- Bio Groom
- Plush Puppy
- Little Champs

Cleansing products:
For best care of the skin of the hairless you should use products for skin, rather than a shampoo.
Using a good a cleansing lotion, or a scrub regularly helps keep the skin clear and smooth.

Lotion:
Use a good lotion regularly to keep the skin soft.

Aloe gel is also great to have handy. Aloe gel greatly speeds the healing of many skin injuries, it also has antibiotic and astringent properties.

I also frequently use Jojoba oil- both on the skin and furnishings of my Cresteds. Jojoba "oil" is actually a liquid wax that closely resembles the skin's own sebum. It nourishes and softens the skin, balances both oily and dry skin and helps the skin and hair hold moisture.

Nail clipper:
There are two types of nail clippers at sale: of guillotine style and with sickle blades. Sometimes guillotine nail clippers fail to work properly on hard nail so I prefer the second type. My personal favorite is Millers Forge 749, it is just as sharp after 10 years!

For dogs (or owners!) that don't enjoy the clipping of nails, Dremel’s cordless groomer, a quiet, battery-powered rotary tool that gently grinds down your dogs’s nails without cutting is an alternative.

Toothbrush:
Teeth should be cleaned with a toothpaste for dogs. Use a small toothbrush that has soft bristles.



Annika Farstad ©2005-2006
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