Japanese Chin Labrador Retriever Grooming

For the unlikely Japanese Chin-Labrador Retriever mix, grooming needs are pretty moderate overall. Depending on the traits they inherit from their parent breeds, these hybrids can have medium to long, silky coats like the Chin--or shorter, thick, double-layered ones like the Lab. Most often, though, the Chin-Lab coat is somewhere in between: short to medium in length, soft, and double-layered. The coats usually shed regularly (and if double-layered, heavily during the spring and fall shedding seasons), so consistent brushing will be necessary.

Japanese Chin-Labrador Retriever brushing should happen twice per week (and daily during shedding season). Shorter coats will require the use of a bristle brush or grooming glove; for longer coats, a pin brush works 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.

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

And in short, no Japanese Chin-Labrador Retriever haircuts are necessary. While it's conceivably possible to clip longer Chin-Lab coats short, doing so is not recommended.

Though owners can learn to perform all aspects of Japanese Chin-Labrador Retriever 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 Japanese Chin-Labrador Retriever at home.

In addition to its coat, your Japanese Chin-Labrador Retriever mix will need regular maintenance in other areas:

• Teeth: Just like a human's, Japanese Chin-Labrador Retriever teeth need regular brushing to prevent 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 your Chin-Lab mix's 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.
• Nails: A Chin-Lab's nails will click on hard surfaces if they get too long, which means it's time for a trim. Use standard clippers to cut the dog's 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: The hair between the toes of fuller-coated Chin-Lab mixes can get pretty long--and if it does it'll get extremely dirty and even infected. Use scissors to trim the hair short if needed.
• Paw Pads: Your Chin-Lab's paw pads can get 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 (again, available at pet stores or online) to the pads weekly to keep them soft, moist, and healthy.