Japanese Dog Grooming 101: Everything You Need to Know

Japanese dog grooming is a centuries-old tradition that's as much about aesthetics as it is about health. The Japanese believe that a well-groomed dog is a reflection of good character.

Japanese dog grooming involves regular bathing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning, with a focus on maintaining a dog's natural coat. This approach is based on the idea that a dog's coat is a reflection of its overall health.

In Japan, dog owners often take their pets to professional groomers, known as "pet groomers", for regular grooming sessions. These sessions typically last around 30 minutes to an hour and include a thorough brushing, nail trimming, and bathing.

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The Japanese Chin's coat should be light, airy, and shiny with no loose hair.

Spending extra time on the comb out is crucial, especially on the chest and rear areas where the coat tends to be thick. This will ensure the comb can easily glide through the coat.

A bath and blow out is necessary to keep shedding and matting under control, and keeping the skin and coat clean is key to keeping your Japanese Chin in top condition.

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Dogs benefit from regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles. They also need to have their teeth brushed at least a few times a week, but every day is best.

Regular brushing can make a big difference in keeping your dog's coat looking its best. It's also a great way to bond with your pet and make grooming a positive experience.

A bath and blow out is necessary to keep shedding and matting under control. Keeping the skin and coat clean is the key to keeping your dog in top condition.

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Japanese dog grooming is all about making dogs look as adorable as possible. It's a far cry from traditional, breed-standard grooming.

With extreme attention to detail, Japanese dog groomers focus on a pup's best attributes. They carefully consider what will make each dog look its cutest.

Forget uniform looks - Japanese dog grooming is all about getting creative. This approach allows groomers to think outside the box and come up with unique, artful styles.

Japanese dog grooming is not just a haircut, but a work of art. This is evident in the before-and-after photos that showcase the transformation of dogs going from cute to cutest.

Grooming sessions can be a significant investment, with prices ranging from ¥16,500 JPY ($119 USD) for a basic package to higher costs for more extensive treatments.

A basic grooming package typically includes a shampoo session, a haircut, and a final shampoo session, as seen in Gali's experience at Doggie-Do in Azabu. The time and treatment involved in these services contribute to the overall cost.

For dogs requiring regular grooming, owners should brush their coats regularly to prevent mats and tangles. Regular brushing can also help maintain the health and appearance of the coat.

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Grooming visits can be a significant investment, but they're essential for keeping your furry friend clean and well-groomed.

A typical grooming visit can last around 3 hours, depending on the package chosen.

The cost of a grooming visit can range from ¥16,500 JPY ($119 USD) for a basic package, which includes a shampoo session, a haircut, and a final shampoo session.

A more expensive package will include additional treatments, such as conditioning treatments, face masks, and massages, which increase the price due to the time and effort involved.

Some groomers may even provide a personalized touch, like a photo card with your dog's picture, along with service details like the date, treatment type, and your dog's weight.

Finishing the Dog is all about achieving a light, airy, and shiny coat with no loose hair.

Spending extra time on the comb out is a good idea to ensure the comb can easily glide through the coat.

The chest and rear areas tend to be thick, so pay particular attention to those spots.

For the Japanese Chin breed, it's best to aim for a more "natural state" and avoid a sculpted look.

Thinning shears will give a more natural look, and the only trimming needed is for the pads, hocks, bottom of ears, and straightening up any scraggly hair.

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Groomers enjoy working on dogs because of the transformation they see after a grooming session. A groomer shares that they get to see the different characters of every dog and get to know them.

A groomer's top priority is the dog's comfort and safety. They'll refuse a style of grooming if it doesn't agree with the coat and condition of the dog.

If a dog needs extra care, a groomer will recommend it. For example, Gali received extra shaving on his face and paws to keep him clean, which cost an extra ¥800 JPY ($5 USD).

A good groomer will always consider the dog's condition and state of the scalp before making any decisions.

To become a groomer, you can attend a school like Aoyama Kennel School, which Saya Shimai attended on weekends starting in 2018 and graduated in 2020.

The selection process is relatively easy, with no difficulty in being selected to enter the school, as long as you're willing to share your interest in becoming a groomer and attending school.

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Saya Shimai was drawn to the school because of her love for dogs, and she now grooms her own dog, as well as two miniature dachshunds.

At Aoyama Kennel School, students learn by taking care of at least one dog per session, which includes shampooing, brushing, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and a full body cut.

Each session can last around 4-5 hours, with a teacher intervening periodically to teach skills.

To achieve a certificate, students must log a certain number of hours and care for a specific number of dogs, with the lowest license being a 'C' after 47 hours and 12 dogs logged.

A 'B' license requires 155 hours and 33 dogs logged, while an 'A' license requires 132 hours and 32 dogs logged, specifically for cutting and drying a Toy Poodle's hair.

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