Chinook Japanese Chin Grooming

Chinook-Japanese Chin grooming needs will usually be moderate overall. These hybrids' coats can be like that of the Chinook's (short to medium in length and double-layered) or the Chin's (medium to long, silky)--or most often, somewhere in between: medium-length, soft, and double-layered. The coats usually shed moderately (and if double-layered, heavily during the spring and fall shedding seasons), so consistent brushing will be necessary to help collect dead hairs and avoid the development of tangles.

Chinook-Japanese Chin brushing will need to happen about twice per week (and daily during shedding season). For shorter coats, use a bristle brush or grooming glove; for longer ones, a pin brush is best. To brush: first wet the coat with water mist from a spray bottle, then go through the coat section by section with the brush or glove, moving in the direction of hair growth. If you run across a tangle, try separating it with either your fingers or the end teeth of a greyhound comb.

Chinook-Chin baths are usually needed every 2-3 months--unless, of course, the dog gets especially dirty or stinky and an "emergency bath" is called for. When bathing a Chinook-Japanese Chin, be sure to use shampoo (and conditioner, if desired) that's made for dogs, as the human kind can irritate the dog's skin. Also take the time to rinse the shampoo directly from the coat; leftover soap residue can cause further skin irritation.

And in short, no Chinook-Japanese Chin haircuts are necessary. Though owners can conceivably have these hybrids' coats clipped short, doing so is not recommended.

While it's possible for owners to learn how to perform all aspects of Chinook-Japanese Chin grooming themselves, it's a good idea to take the dog to a professional groomer at least once. The groomer can give the dog a nice makeover, and provide tips on how to groom a Chinook-Japanese Chin at home.

Your Chinook-Japanese Chin will also need its paws maintained regularly.

• Nails: If Chin-Chinook nails click when the dog walks or runs on hard surfaces, it's time for a trim. Use standard clippers to cut the nails as close to the toes as possible--but take care not to cut them too short! Doing so can cut into the nail's quick (the blood vessel running through it), which will make the nail bleed and be painful.
• Toe Hair: If the hair between your Chinook-Chin's toes gets too long, it'll get extremely dirty, and can even get infected. Use scissors to trim the hair short if needed.
• Paw Pads: These hybrids' paw pads can become dry, cracked, and tender, especially if the dog walks or runs a lot on hot asphalt or snow and ice. Apply canine paw pad moisturizer (available at pet stores or online) to the dog's pads weekly to keep them soft, moist, and healthy.

In addition to its coat and paws, your Chinook-Japanese Chin will need maintenance in other areas.

• Teeth: Just like a human's, Chinook-Japanese Chin teeth need regular brushing to reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar, and to minimize bad breath. Use a regular toothbrush to brush the dog's teeth 2-3 times per week--but be sure to use toothpaste made for dogs, as the human kind can make dogs sick if they swallow it.
• Ears: If these hybrids' ears aren't cleaned periodically, they'll collect dirt, grass, and other debris, and even get infected--which could lead to hearing loss. Clean the dog's ears monthly using canine ear cleaning solution (available at pet stores or online). Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and always use cotton balls (never Q-Tips!) to wipe out any excess solution.