Pet grooming is not only about bathing dogs, but also involves the use of grooming products, trimming techniques, and coloring to enhance their beauty. The origin of pet grooming techniques can be traced back to the Poodle. Originally, Poodles were used as bird hunting dogs and had to navigate through thickets and low tree branches. Their dense curly coats would easily get caught on branches, causing inconvenience. To address these issues, owners started to trim their coats short, gradually developing various interesting styles.
Origin Theory 1:
Pet grooming originated in Europe in the 19th century. It is believed that the early signs of pet grooming were observed in oil paintings of noblewomen from the 18th century. They showcased the unique characteristics and charm of different dog breeds, creating standard styles that emphasized beauty.
Origin Theory 2:
The popularity of pet grooming began in 18th-century France. The earliest recorded grooming salon was established in 1820. It was most popular among the noblewomen to trim their dogs’ fur, spray them with perfume, and adorn them with dazzling necklaces.
At that time, in Versailles Square, there was a small house that initially employed grooming experts from Portugal and Spain. From all around, it was clear to see noblewomen using horse-drawn carriages to transport their beloved dogs to the grooming salon. The luxury and beauty of this scene were truly enviable.
Shortly after, this group of grooming experts settled in France and started their own businesses, marking the era of dog bathing. The grooming style at that time was similar to the current European style, where the front half of the body had upright hair, while the back half, including the hindquarters, was trimmed short. It is unknown whether this style was accidental or intentional, but the Poodles that underwent such grooming resembled lions. In England, they were called “lion cuts.” However, this style underwent several modifications and differed significantly from the original rounded style.
These groomed Poodles not only represented the image of dogs but also exuded a sense of beauty and elegance derived from styling, similar to the charm of living dolls. They won the affection of many people, sparked an interest in pet keeping, and thus became the origin of pet grooming.