Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

What Is Japanese Style Dog Grooming? Canine Hairstyle Facts & FAQ

Share

a pet groomer with a white Maltipoo dog on a table

With Japanese-style dog grooming, the goal is to make dogs look stunningly cute, so traditional ideas about haircuts and trims are thrown out the window, and creativity is allowed to flow.

Dogs that have been treated to one of these grooming sessions resemble teddy bears or sport haircuts that give them a stylish look. Groomers aim to create a hairstyle that reflects the dog’s individuality and highlights their unique personality traits.

divider dog faces oct 2024

How Does It Work?

Much of the process is the same as when dogs receive regular haircuts. Japanese-style groomers can provide packages that include nail clipping, facials, ear cleaning, tooth brushing, and trims.

Dogs are bathed and their coats dried before the trimming begins. Blow dryers are sometimes used to add volume to dogs’ coats, and the process takes a few hours to complete. Many consider Japanese haircuts to be works of art.

person using a guillotine dog nail clipper when grooming dog
Image Credit: ThamKC, Shutterstock

What Are a Few Different Types of Dog Grooming?

There are several dog grooming services that pet parents can choose from, including traditional and creative. Traditional choices are tried-and-true options like puppy and teddy bear cuts. Some styles are associated with certain breeds.

Creative grooming takes a different approach and focuses on individuality and artistry. Dogs’ fur is sometimes dyed, and accessories like bows are added to create complete looks. Designs developed by creative groomers can require lots of preparation and planning to get just right.

There are several grooming styles that are considered creative, and there’s not much uniformity when it comes to how the styles and trends are described.

Where Is It Used?

While groomers working with the principles are easy to find in Japan, the technique has become popular around the world, and groomers can be found in places as far-flung as Los Angeles.

Traditional cuts are the mainstay of dog shows, but Japanese-style grooming is generally popular among dog lovers. You can find images and videos of groomers working their grooming magic on various social media channels, including YouTube.

bichon frise dog in grooming salon
Image Credit: Nejron Photo, Shutterstock

Advantages of Japanese-Style Dog Grooming

Japanese-style dog grooming is a creative discipline that gives dogs unique haircuts. The results are adorable and can be easily adapted since the groomers don’t follow a script that determines how the dogs ultimately should look.

Disadvantages of Japanese Style Dog Grooming

Japanese trims grow out just like regular doggie haircuts, so they require regular maintenance to stay looking good. Styles that include accessories require more attention to stay neat, tidy, and appealing.

Most Japanese-style dog grooming focuses on creating attractive cuts and generally doesn’t involve the use of dye. There’s controversy surrounding some of the practices involved in creative grooming, including requiring dogs to sit for long sessions and coloring their fur.

bichon frise dog groomed in a salon
Image Credit: jonnomarshall, Shutterstock

divider dog faces oct 2024

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are Japanese-Style Trims Good for Mixed-Breed Dogs?

Since they’re not limited by traditional notions of what trims need to be, Japanese-style haircuts can bring out the best in dogs with mixed heritage.

How Often Do Dogs Need to Be Given Baths?

It depends on several factors, including their breed, coat type, and the time of year. Activity levels can also impact how often dogs need to be bathed. Generally, most dogs can go 6 weeks without a bath, but those with skin conditions or other health issues may need them more often.

If you are looking for the perfect, pet-friendly shampoo and conditioner combo, we highly recommend the products by Hepper. With a soothing oatmeal shampoo, free of soaps and other harsh chemicals, and a cucumber and aloe scented conditioner, your pet's skin and coat will be smooth, hydrated, and irritation-free. 

Image Product Details
Hepper Oatmeal Pet Shampoo Hepper Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
  • Safe for Dogs & Cats
  • Lightly Scented
  • Soothing Oatmeal
  • Hepper Pet Conditioner Hepper Pet Conditioner
  • Detangles and reduces friction
  • Nourishing, coconut-based formula
  • pH balanced
  • At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool pet company!

    Do Dogs Need Regular Grooming in Addition to Heading to the Salon?

    Dogs benefit from regularly 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.

    groomer-blowing-dry-the-hair-of-a-papillon-dog
    Image Credit: Reshetnikov art, Shutterstock

    divider dog faces oct 2024

    Conclusion

    Japanese-style grooming focuses on creating unique hairstyles for dogs. There’s lots of creativity involved, and the ultimate goal is to create attractive styles that celebrate each dog’s individuality.

    It’s ideal for mixed-breed canines because it’s more flexible than traditional grooming and doesn’t conform to strict standards. Japanese-style grooming doesn’t replace at-home maintenance, though, and your dog will still need their coat and teeth brushed regularly.


    Featured Image Credit: Olena Yakobchuk, Shutterstock

    Want content like this delivered to you?

    Sign Up For Our Newsletter

    News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

    * By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Join the conversation

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


    Talk With A Vet Online

    Peace of mind,
    anywhere, anytime

    Affordable vet advice

    Saying Yes When It Matters Most: Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue

    In the world of animal rescue, some organizations focus on one species, one type of care, or one specific mission. Coco’s Heart Dog...

    Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: Funniest Sleeping Position (April 30, 2026)

    Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

    The Right Way to Train a Skittish Dog, Approved by Vets

    Training a skittish dog is one of the more humbling experiences in pet ownership. You try to comfort them, and they seem more...

    Pawternity Leave: Is Paid Time Off for Pet Care a Reasonable Request or OTT?

    You might have seen some news making the rounds recently about a wonderful policy in Italy that allows pet owners to take up...

    More related

    Astrology Alert: What Are Libras Like as Dog Lovers?

    By now, Dogster readers know that I’m big on astrology. I’ll notify you when Mercury, the travel and communication planet goes retrograde, because...

    4health Puppy Food Review 2026: Pros, Cons & Recalls

    Review Summary 4health has several recipes of pet food available for dogs and cats. There are three dry puppy foods and one canned...

    Is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Hypoallergenic? Breed Facts & FAQ

    With their sweet faces and constantly wagging tails, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are generally considered one of the all-around best-tempered dog breeds. These...

    China’s Cutest (Corgi) Police Officer: Back in Hot Water!

    Earlier this year, we all fell in love with Fuzai, the world’s first Police Corgi, who had surpassed his training expectations, only to...

    Keep reading

    Can Dogs Eat Mackerel? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts

    Mackerel is a term that applies to various species of swift-moving fish that are mainly part of the Scombridae family. These oily fish are rich in nutrients, provide an excellent source of protein, and are loaded with omega fatty acids.1...

    Can Dogs Eat Mackerel

    Can Dogs Eat Cashews? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts

    Cashews are a much-loved snack and have great health benefits. The delicious nuts can be eaten all on their own or added to various dishes for a nutty flavor. But what about dogs? Your dog may adore cashews and other...

    Can Dogs Eat Cashews

    Can Dogs Eat Acorns? Vet-Verified Facts & Safety Guide

    Dogs love exploring their surroundings and trying new things. So, it’s not uncommon for them to become curious about natural snacks like acorns and the nuts of oak trees (Quercus species). But as pet owners, it’s important to understand the...

    Can Dogs Eat Acorns

    11 Best Canned & Wet Dog Food For Pitbulls in 2026: Reviews & Top Picks

    As the person responsible for your dog’s well-being and health, you likely take your pet’s nutrition very seriously. Canned and wet dog foods are great options for many pet owners as they are easy to use, and pit bulls generally...

    pitbull puppy eating from plate

    Scrumbles Dog Food Review 2026: An Expert’s Breakdown

    * Save 15% With Subscribe & Save Searching for the perfect dog food can be a challenge. Sometimes you think you’ve got it, and a suddenly fussy dog turns his nose up at dinner, and you’re back to square one....

    DOG_SAPR_Scrumbles Dog Food

    SquarePet Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Review Summary SquarePet dog food is produced and sold by a small, family-owned American company. The recipes are all manufactured exclusively at the company’s plant in Minnesota. SquarePet is known for its focus on simple recipes and developing non-prescription specialty...

    Dogster_SquarePet Dog Food Review

    Can Dogs Eat Chicken Nuggets? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

    We’ve all run by our favorite drive-thru on a busy day to grab food we shouldn’t be eating. There are even times we buy frozen foods at the grocery store so we don’t have to cook when we’re tired. One...

    Can Dogs Eat Chicken Nuggets

    Good Friends Dog Food Review 2026: Pros, Cons & Verdict

    When it comes to our dog’s nutrition, more and more research is developing. We now know that many of the trusted food sources we’ve picked throughout the years might not be the healthiest after all. The industry is changing and...

    Good Friends Dog Food Review

    Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

    Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




    Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter