Japanese Chin Grooming Tips

As their name suggests, Japanese Chin originated in ancient Japan. Bred for companionship, a Japanese Chin enjoys cuddling in its master's lap. It is playful and friendly and usually welcoming of strangers. Grooming your Japanese Chin will keep it looking healthy and clean, and will give you time to bond. It is also a good way to watch out for developing health problems, as regular grooming can help you spot lumps, growths or other changes in your dog's physical appearance.

  1. Brushing

    • Japanese Chin have long fur that is usually black and white. It can tangle, and needs to be brushed at least twice a week, according to the Japanese Chin Club of America. You can use a regular soft-bristle dog brush (no rakes needed for this small breed) and comb to brush your Japanese Chin. Brush your dog while it is in the standing position so that you can reach its haunches and belly. Gently run the brush and comb through your dog's fur to remove any tangles. If your dog is shedding, consider brushing it more often to remove excess fur.

    Bathing

    • Bathe your Japanese Chin whenever you feel it is needed. A coat that feels greasy to the touch or looks dirty should be washed. You can bathe this small dog in your bathtub or even your sink. Use lukewarm water so that you don't freeze or scald your dog. Use a dog formula shampoo. Rinse it thoroughly to eliminate any residue that may cause skin irritation. Use a conditioner or cream rinse on your Japanese Chin to keep the coat moist and shiny as well as reduce tangles. Blow dry your Japanese Chin's fur on low heat after bathing.

    Toenails

    • A small breed, the Japanese Chin may spend more time indoors than its larger cousins. Carpet and linoleum won't grind your dog's nails down as much as cement, so you will need to trim them. If your Japanese Chin's toenails get too long, they can make walking painful or difficult. If your dog's toenail's make clicking sounds on the floor when it walks, they are long enough to be trimmed. Use a nail trimmer made for small breeds. If your dog's nails are white, trim them just below the dark spot inside the nail. This is the quick, which will bleed if cut. If your Japanese Chin has black toenails, trim from the very tip and work your way upward until you see a circle pattern in the middle of the nail. This circle indicates that you are getting close to the quick and can stop trimming.

    Ears and Eyes

    • Japanese Chin have long, floppy ears that can trap moisture. This can lead to itchiness and ear infections. Each time you bathe your Japanese Chin, wash inside its ears with a damp cloth. Use a dry towel to dry the inside of your Japanese Chin's ears whenever it gets wet. Your Japanese Chin's eyes can also be subject to infection if they get too dirty. When your dog's eyes appear runny or dirty, gently wipe the area with a damp wash cloth or paper towel.