A quick sniff with top-dog Jonathan David.

by Shann Carr

If you’ve been watching the new reality series, Groomer Has It, on Animal Planet, you know that “every dog has his day,” and contestant Jonathan David’s day has come. Not only has the canine coiffeur never been in the bottom two in any of the series’ many competitions, but now he’s one of three groomers left standing. Before the fur really starts flying June 28 on Animal Planet during the season finale, we pinned David down for some quick Q-and-A action.

What was the path that led you to your adventure on Groomer Has It?

I started as a kid, showing Chinese Cresteds and Australian Shepherds. Then I moved to Manhattan, where I graduated from the Nash Academy of Grooming. Now I own a successful mobile grooming company, and I just released a whole collection of style products called NYCanine.

Style products? Do you mean like tank tops and nipple rings?

No, this is serious stuff. My products are made from the South African herbal tea, Rooibos, which has 25 times more antioxidants than green tea. NYCanine makes a sensitive-skin soother, an anti-static spray and a doggie fragrance.

We know you have a long list of famous clients. Which popular pooches come to mind first?

There’s Jack, the not-so-creatively named Jack Russell Terrier owned by Mariah Carey, and Ralph Lauren’s wife’s Yorkie named Bikini.

Do you have a boyfriend?

Yes, I’ve been with Sebastian for a year and a half, and I still think he is super hot.

Which of your traits shine through in both your personality as a boyfriend and as a dog owner?

I’m loving, caring and maybe a bit domineering.

Do your boyfriends get told what to do a lot?

Well, they get suggestions!

Is there something you look for in both men and dogs?

Yeah, sanity. Especially since you can’t very well put a man in a crate and get away with it!

Are you a purebred diva when it comes to dogs?

Not at all. When I was a kid my family had a Lab mix who inspired the way that I feel about dogs today. He was the perfect friend, perfect protector, playmate, everything. Now, I have two toy poodles, Penny and Piper, who are well loved but not freaky-spoiled.

Do you buy your dogs eccentric things?

Once, I bought one of my dogs an alligator leash and collar set for $700. But nothing compared to a client who used to buy a seat for each of his four Scotties when he flew on the Concord.

Three of the 12 groomers on your show are gay. Did Animal Planet express any issues about the mo-factor?

In fact, they’re happy. The network couldn’t help notice that there was a gay fan base phenomenon happening. And the fans have been great. I wondered if I might suffer a drive-by insult like, “Dog-grooming bitch!” But the response has been all good.

Do you think you are seen as the token, reality-show, bitchy-queen?

No, I’m just a New Yorker. That’s how we are, gay or straight. I’m confident because I’ve been grooming for 15 years and I know I have the skills that some of the others don’t.

What is your most important pointer for dog owners?

Brush your dog regularly. Don’t say that your dog won’t let you brush him. Don’t let him win that argument. He needs to be brushed.

What has been the best part of doing this show for you?

Speaking engagements and endorsements have already come from doing the show and that is wonderful. Our biggest challenge is ahead on the season finale, which airs on June 28 on Animal Planet. But the most moving experience of the series was the challenge at the Lange Foundation, a no-kill animal shelter. We each got to groom an animal suffering from neglect so serious that it left the pet unadoptable. We actually got to save those dogs’ lives.

What do you think about letting a dog kiss you on the mouth?

I’m afraid I’ve kissed mouths that have been in worse places.

Watch Jonathan battle it out on the season finale of Groomer Has It, airing on June 28 on Animal Planet. For more infomation, go to tinyurl.com/6mkwoo.