Did You Know That Ancient Times Had Specialized Pet Care Centers?

It’s well known that the domestication of dogs spans thousands of years. Their loyalty and devotion seem to be ingrained in their very nature, always faithfully accompanying their owners, who in turn willingly care for them, whether by grooming or taking them for walks. In ancient times, people also took special care of their dogs, and some even established dedicated facilities for their pets.

In the history of dog ownership, the royal families played a significant role. The Tang Dynasty, for example, was especially fond of dogs, and both the capital cities of Chang'an (in the west) and Luoyang (in the east) had “dog marketplaces” specifically for the care of the imperial dogs. During the Zhou Dynasty, the court established a special official position to manage the royal dogs, known as the “dog officer,” or "quǎn rén" (犬人) in ancient texts such as the Zhou Li (周礼), which recorded their duties. One can imagine how these dogs were meticulously groomed and cared for in the royal courts, with their coats being brushed and their health maintained, offering a form of luxurious pet grooming. In modern times, dogs enjoy the grooming and care of their "poop scoopers," who use pet brushes to maintain their pets’ cleanliness and well-being. They also serve as loyal guards, keeping watch over their owners’ homes. However, in ancient times, dogs had more than just the role of companions; they played important functions beyond being mere pets. During the Qin and Han Dynasties, the court established the “dog supervisor” to oversee the royal hunting dogs, which helped with hunting. In the prosperous Song Dynasty, dogs became part of a growing pet economy, with businesses offering pet grooming services, dog food, and care, very much like modern pet stores today. During the Yuan Dynasty, the practice of dog ownership became even more popular, and the imperial horse stables, in addition to caring for horses, also had to take care of dogs using tools like pet brushes. Thus, regardless of the reason for owning a dog, the tradition of pet care and cooperation between dogs and their owners has a long history. Even today, British aristocrats enjoy keeping Corgis as beloved pets, not to mention the dogs that inherit enormous fortunes from their owners. So, if you’re a dog owner, why not start grooming your dog with a pet brush and make your pet’s life more comfortable and enjoyable?