Small Dogs, Big Presence: Exploring Dog Culture in Japan and Korea
Traveling through Japan and South Korea over the last couple of years was an eye-opener on dog culture. Beyond the food and the sights, we found ourselves fascinated by the local dog culture. As dog owners back home in Canada, it was interesting to see how pet ownership adapts when you swap sprawling suburbs for urban, high-density cities.
The Rise of the Small Dog Breed
When we traveled to Japan, we had the chance to spend time with friends and their dog. They took us to all of their pup’s favorite spots, from boutique pet shops to cozy cafés and even dog-friendly restaurants. It felt like we were being introduced to a whole new side of the city.
As we moved from place to place, a pattern started to emerge. Everywhere we went, we were surrounded by small dogs, in stores, tucked into strollers at cafés, or sitting neatly beside their owners at restaurants. Even the shops themselves seemed designed with them in mind, with rows of tiny outfits, petite accessories, and treats and toys perfectly sized for smaller breeds. We noticed the same thing during a previous trip to Korea. The presence of small dogs was just as strong, woven into everyday city life in a very similar way.
Curious, we asked our friends why small dogs seemed to dominate the scene. One of them pointed to a nearby high-rise apartment building and explained that this is how most people live in dense Japanese cities, in compact apartments and condos with limited space. The same is true in Korea, where high-rise living and smaller homes are the norm, especially in major cities.
With that kind of living environment, we started to realize why choosing a smaller pet makes sense for them. They are easier to care for in tighter quarters, more adaptable to indoor living, and often better suited for buildings with size or noise restrictions. This practical reality has shaped a culture where small dogs are not just common, but preferred. In both Japan and Korea, it has helped fuel a distinct small dog culture, where these tiny companions have an outsized presence in everyday life.
Japanese Etiquette & Dog Ownership
Who knew we would encounter surprise after surprise. While exploring Yokohama with our friends, we got a glimpse of what dog ownership looks like in Japan. When it comes to public cleanliness, Japanese dog owners make a clear effort to keep their surroundings clean. When our friend’s dog peed on a pole, she immediately rinsed the area using a water bottle with a shower-style spout.
At first, we wondered if she was simply being extra careful, but she explained that this is a common practice in Japan (along with picking up your dog's poop). Dog owners often dilute urine out of respect for public spaces and the community. When I mentioned that this is not the norm in Canada, she seemed genuinely surprised. It is a small gesture, but it reflects a much larger cultural value placed on cleanliness and consideration for others.
Example of what these water nozzles look like.
Strollers For Dogs Are Common Place
In Canada, dogs in strollers usually get a lot of “aww”s and “ohh”s, along with the occasional “oh, that’s not a baby.” In Seoul or Tokyo, the reaction is often quite different. It’s so common that dogs in strollers are simply part of everyday urban life. While it might look a bit extra the first time you see it, stroller use is actually highly practical in dense Asian cities. They provide shade during hot weather, serve as a portable resting spot in dog-friendly cafés, and allow small dogs to comfortably accompany their owners on long outings without becoming overexerted. In a crowded city, the stroller is less of a luxury and more of a functional everyday tool.
Dogs as Part of Everyday Urban Life in Japan and Korea
The most notable takeaway was how integrated dogs are into daily life. We visited a restaurant with our friend where dogs weren't just tolerated, they had their own dedicated menu!
Generally, as long as a dog is in a carrier or a stroller, they are welcome in a surprising number of shops and malls. There’s a large number of pet-centric businesses and cafes that make it easy to keep your dog by your side all day.
Left Wanting More
Seeing how seamlessly dogs fit into the hustle and bustle of Japan and Korea makes us wish for a bit more of that flexibility back home. We hope that in the near future, there will be more options for pet owners in Canada. More places where dogs are genuinely welcome, including cafés and restaurants that allow us to bring our furry friends along. We only spend a fraction of our lives with our dogs, so whenever we can, we hope there will be more experiences we can share with them.
