PRINT OR DOWNLOAD ARTICLE HERE
The Chihuahua is an ancient breed, which is believed to have its origins in the late Paleozoic period, (cannis raptor rodentis) with a number of variations to the story. Perhaps the most popular belief is that they were so named, having been found along the borders of Mexico and Arizona, particularly the City of Chihuahua, which was once the Capitol of Mexico (1864) surrounded on three sides by mountains, with mining and textiles industries. With this rich history, small size and outgoing temperament they have a strong presence in the show world.
A breed that has two coat varieties. The smooth with its soft texture, close and glossy coat. They can have a heavier coat with undercoat. Coat placed well over body and more scanty on head and ears. The Rough is long, soft texture (never coarse or harsh to touch) either flat or slightly wavy. Never tight and curly. Feathering on ears, feet and legs, pants on hindquarters, large ruff on neck desirable. Tail long and full as a plume. Both coat varieties come in any colours except merle.
Grooming the smooth-coated use as your base shampoo Plush Puppy All Purpose Shampoo at a ratio of 1:5 (1 part shampoo to 5 parts water). This shampoo is excellent for shine and will give the coat that required gloss due to its infusion of natural henna extracts. All Purpose Shampoo is primarily derived from organic sources and also features Alpine and Lichen herbs. It is wonderful to use on normal to slightly dehydrated coats.
For coats that are either dark, black or contain white use the Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening Shampoo at a ratio of 1:5 (1 part shampoo to 5 parts water). This Shampoo works brilliantly in reducing yellowing or warm tones in white coats or white area of the coat without bleaching or lightening. It is primarily derived from organic sources with Ginseng extracts, protein, and violet tone combined in a concentrated and rich formula.
To help achieve that soft, close glossy coat use Plush Puppy Silk Protein Conditioner diluted 1:10. Cover the dog and again sit for a few minutes before rinsing. It features an intensive formulation boosted with Silk Amino acids and plant extracts that bind keratin in the coat, strengthening whilst protecting against moisture loss. This conditioner will help produce the desired look and feel you wish to achieve.
The long-coated variety the coat should be of a soft texture, either flat or slightly wavy, with undercoat preferred. Ears – Fringed. Tail – Full and long (as a plume). Feathering on feet and legs, pants on hind legs and large ruff on the neck desired and preferred. The Plush Puppy All Purpose Shampoo will give the soft texture required. The same with using Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening on dark or white, again both at 1:5 breakdown. For those that may wish to make the coat softer try Plush Puppy Natural Conditioning Shampoo at 1:5. This will help reduce any added texture.
For conditioning again use the Plush Puppy Silk Protein Conditioner at 1:10. Cover the dog and again sit for a few minutes before rinsing.
For those that may need to add some “more” look to the longer parts try Plush Puppy Volumising Spray on these areas and then dry.
On both if they have white and extra attention is needed to brighten further use Plush Puppy Wonder Blok. It helps to maintain a white stain free coat. It is not a bleach and contains no harmful chemicals but high amounts of naturally sourced vegetable surfactants and glycerin This product is designed to remove gently unwanted warm/red tones to the coat. Best used on a damp or wet coat. Gently rub into the areas required allowing time (5-10 minutes) and rinse. For maximum effects repeat or allow a longer time for this amazing product to work. As with all products take care around eyes.
The head and their distinctive ears must be washed thoroughly on both coat types. Use Plush Puppy Let’s Face It. This is a hypoallergenic sulfate free low foaming shampoo designed just for faces. It’s no tear formula features the highest quality Blue Cypress Extracts, Panthenol with Pro Vitamin B and SugaNate. These special ingredients clean, soothe, add moisture, aid healing and have anti-inflammatory benefits. A small golf ball sized amounts directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. It can also be used in and around the ears with the same benefits. Its low foaming design allows ease of rinsing, yet complete cleaning.
In both coats keeping the coat hydrated is very important. In between shows use Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil to add shine, hydrate and condition to the coat. It is a truly beneficial blend of using extracts of Calendula oil, Wheat germ oil, and Evening Primrose.
Add 1 teaspoon to 2 Litres of water then either sponge on or sluice well through the coat and LEAVE IN. DO NOT RINSE. This is quite a unique product in that it is not greasy and totally water-soluble. It gives an outstanding healthy vigour to the skin and coat. Use the oil at this dilution rate after shampooing for a show. You will get a nice healthy sheen on the coat with this routine. Variations will occur with coats so you will need to adjust this dilution rate to suit.
Should the coat need to be flatter for example on the top line in the long-coated variety, then use Plush Puppy Blow Dry Cream. Mix 1 tablespoon to 1 cup of water and apply to the coat. It will instantly soften and flatten the area once dried.
For any coat that needs extra lift use Plush Puppy Volumising Spray. This is a ‘Ready to Use’ spray for quicker, easier and fuller coat results. Perfect either before blow drying or used to ‘fluff’ up the coat at the show. Apply a light even spray and brush in until dry or use a dryer. This is a hair thickener to add volume, not a hair stiffener and not easily detectable. It leaves the coat with a natural fuller look and feel.
The show day grooming spray I recommend is Plush Puppy OMG. OMG is the perfect product for this coat type. A light spray of OMG and brushing in allows this product to refresh the coat leaving it feeling wonderful. It separates the coat and leaves the most amazing finish. Use the concentrate form at 1:30/40 (1 part OMG to 30-40 parts water). The stronger the mix the stronger their effects.
Using OMG can be a one-off at shows or during the drying process after bathing. This is also an amazing product for regular brushing as it hydrates the coat reducing stress and coat loss. Its active ingredients smooth the cuticle and protect the coat. For this coat type where you still wish to retain texture, use at a higher breakdown. It will still allow you to brush the dog and refresh to coat without over softening. OMG never builds up and never goes stringy. A product that took years to develop using amazing technology for maximum effects. A true necessity for the tool kit.
The best brush for the smooth coat is the Plush Puppy Ultimate Pure Black Boar Bristle Brush. This brush consists of 100% pure black boar bristle from the chest of the boar, the highest quality bristle available. It is ergonomically designed to offer groomers and their dogs the ultimate brushing comfort. The finest quality aeroelastic flexible rubber base houses the boar bristles. This brush should last a lifetime. This can be used also for the long-coated variety or with the Plush Puppy Ultimate Pin Brush. This regular length pin is ideal for all breed grooming. Polished pins with specially rounded tops make this the ‘must have’ brush in every groomer’s kit. Ideal for blow drying and particularly necessary on short coated breeds.
Finish with a Plush Puppy Professional Grooming Comb, built for absolute ergonomic comfort in various sizes. The lightweight oval shaped spine combining fine and coarse pins made of hardened stainless steel with anodic oxide finish that reduces drag and static to the coat. Perfect for use on the long coat.
At times due to various reasons including the weather static electricity can create flyaways. If this occurs use Plush Puppy Anti-Static Coat Control. This is a lightweight spray using the latest technology is infused with organic extracts of Witch Hazel Leaf, Linden Flower, Birch Bark and Nettle. It also adds to the protection, include a UV filter to stop sun damage and protect against heat strength for the perfect finished look of the coat. This amazing product is idea for this breed both long and smooth and a must for your tack box.
This is a spunky show dog with attitude to burn. Show days a light spray of Plush Puppy Shine and Comb for the finbal touch and they are ready for action.
Plush Puppy Australia