How to Groom a Japeke

A Japeke is not a purebred dog. It is a mix between a Japanese Chin and a Pekinese, two dogs in the Toy group with very heavy, long coats that do take some work to maintain. Grooming a Japeke is made easier by getting into the habit of daily brushing and combing. Because there is no breed standard to groom to, having a professional groomer do a short "puppy cut" is also an option although the distinctive look is lost.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bristle brush
• Undercoat rake or comb
• Dog shampoo and conditioner
• Bow or topknot clip
• Doggie toothbrush
• Unpointed or blunt-ended scissors
• Ear cleaner
• Baby wipes

How to Groom a Japeke

1. Brush and comb your Japeke regularly, even if you also take him to the groomer for a professional "do." Their fine fur is easily tangled, and can start to get mats and knots within days. Making it part of your daily routine with a treat or playtime when your done will make it a nice bonding time with your dog. Use the undercoat rake gently to tease out tangles and finish up with the bristle brush to keep the coat shiny and silky.

2. Use a bow or hairclip to keep the fur up and away from the eyes. Both Pekinese and Chins have somewhat protuberant eyes which are easily susceptible to damage and irritation. He will be able to see much more easily with his fur in a topknot.

3. Bathe your Japeke about once a month, using high quality dog shampoo followed by a conditioner to help keep the luxurious fur tangle free. Overbathing can strip the fur of its natural oils, so resist the temptation to give him a weekly bath. Less is more when it comes to bathing dogs. Using the bristle brush regularly will help distribute the oils through his fur. Check pet stores for conditioning sprays that can be brushed through the coat in between baths if you want to keep him smelling sweet.

4. Get into the habit of brushing your Japeke's teeth regularly. Like many toy dogs, they are particularly susceptible to dental problems. Bad teeth and gums can compromise the overall health of your dog by bombarding the system with bacterial overload, so it's important. Pet stores carry doggie toothbrushes and toothpaste that can make it quite a pleasurable experience for your Japeke.

5. Keep the ears clean. This is especially important for floppy-eared dogs with long fur. Since air doesn't get into the ear canals easily, they are more prone than dogs with short fur and pricked ears to gunky ears, which can lead to infections. Use a baby wipe and gentle ear cleaning solution to clean only the visible part of the ears, using a baby wipe wrapped around your finger. Most dogs actually enjoy this, especially if they get lots of praise and a treat afterwards!

6. Use unpointed or blunt-ended grooming scissors to trim excess hair from inside the ears, around the "sanitary area" and from the face, if you don't take your Japeke to get routinely clipped by a groomer. Blend these areas to the rest of the coat length.

Tips & Warnings

• Omega 3 oils in the form of fish or salmon oil capsules can greatly improve the skin and coat of any dog, and is particularly important for dogs with thick, long coats.
• Ensure your Japeke has frequent access to dental chews and have his teeth checked every six months by a vet, even if you brush daily. Many toy breeds are notorious for poor dental health and regular dental care will keep his overall health in tip top condition.
• If you find stubborn tangles or mats in your Japeke's coat, it may be easier to scissor them out than try to comb through them.
• Never use cotton swabs to clean any dog's ears. Their ear canals are very different to a human's and it is easy to hurt them.