Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

[Pila]

I like the variety in the breed... how different lines have different 'looks'. I generally don't like breeds where all the dogs look like clones of each other.

[Charity]

Originally Posted by Pila

I like the variety in the breed... how different lines have different 'looks'. I generally don't like breeds where all the dogs look like clones of each other.

I agree! Besides asking for genetic trouble, It's a little creepy.

[Jenn]

Pila -
Are those both your doggies? It does amaze me - some of the HHL are hard to distinguish from puffs unless you look closely!

Twitch is a true HL and Colby is pretty darn close. Other than their fuzzy faces and a little stubble on Colby's bum - they need very little grooming otherwise! They are so good too - I have them so used to the face shaving that they stand so very still now for me. I don't know if I could keep up with a very HHL!

Jenn

[Pila]

My gal is a very HHL... but the pics aren't mine, I never let her grow out, lol!
I have to shave her every week though; her stubble grows pretty fast. I just use a regular electric leg shaver.

I actually prefer THL, because I like that they're more 'natural'. HHL are glamorous, but are more work, for sure.

[Charity]

Maybe it's because I have so MANY puppins here, but I don't find the VHHL to be that much different or more difficult than the HHL and more naked. Of course the THL and the Puffs are all in a class of their own (respectively) but the range of HHL isn't too much of a big deal for us. Then again, I'm a breeder and I'm doing this stuff in my sleep, lol! I'm also home all day every day. I can see how a VHHL would be tough for some.

With all that said, I try my best to "predict" as close as I can what these babies will be like as adults. I'm not always spot on, but I can give a pretty good ball park after a few weeks. That's when the hair patterns really start to show up well and you can start to tell what's going to stay stubble and what's going to get longer.

Sure wish I could tell which ones would have great furnishings early on though!

[julivna]

Hi all! im so excited about this thread.
My Ozzi just had puppies. 6 total.
I have never had a powderpuff before and a friend told me that some of them cant have erect ears at all. no much of a concern to me but i just wanted to see if that was the case. and at what point should i start taking the ears?
thanks so much!

[Charity]

When Mama stops licking and cleaning all the time, then you should start taping the ears. Shave both front and back CAREFULLY because the tape will stick to any left over hair, and that hurts!

Don't get discouraged---puppies will keep pulling the tape off for one another, just keep putting it back on. lol

Some ears stand sooner than others, some take just a few days, some take months--stay at it though if you really want those ears to stand. That hair is very heavy--so keep them shaved!

[zeke's mommy]

I got my puppy, Zeke, at 10 weeks old, he is a hairy hairless, with a fuzzy face and naked body with a slight mohawk along his spine. I just had his first hair cut done, and shaved his ears which are a little droopy still. My question is would taping them now still get them to stand? and for how long should I try taping, if I should? Thank you

[zeke's mommy]

I took Zeke for his first haircut today, although my groomer had never done a Crestie before, she is very willing to work together to get the best results. She is just an awesome groomer! Today she used a 15 and we still had fur, so she used a 10, and there is still a small amout of fuzz on Zeke. We are learning this pony cut thing together and welcome the ideas on how to get close to hairless as we can. We are only interested in the blades and shaving ideas, as we are against the nair ideas as well. We will try a 40 next time.
As for the razor and shaving cream, how safe is that? And I am very careful of Zeke's skin, what shaving cream and shampoo do you suggest?

[Charity]

Glad Zeke's groomer is being so careful and is so willing to work with you!

I don't personally use the razors and shaving cream, but I don't think there is anything wrong with it. Just be sure he's in a grooming noose and he can't move around too much or he might get cut. ANY cream for sensitive skin should work fine as long as he hasn't shown any signs of allergies to any of the ingredients. Safest bet though would be to use baby shampoo in a thick lather instead of shaving cream since most Cresties do just fine with human baby shampoo already.

I use the stock blade that came on my clippers, and honestly have no idea which one it is, lol. I don't really care if we've got some hair left, so perhaps someone else can give you a better idea there.

I'm VERY glad to see you don't use depilatory creams! Zeke's skin thanks you!

How about some pictures of your baby boy after his haircut?