The Japanese chin was developed in Japan, but the dog actually originated in China 1,500 years ago. One of its relatives is the Pekingese. Known as Imperial chins, the dogs were cherished companions of the imperial court of China. The breed was subsequently developed in Japan, where it was highly prized by nobility, and it made its way to Europe during the early 1700s. In 1888, the American Kennel Club recognized the Japanese chin as a member of the toy group.
The Japanese Chin is a small dog with square proportions. It has a long, furry, yet silky coat, which needs to be brushed several times a week. This dog also sheds heavily. They cannot tolerate heat.
Personality
The Japanese Chin is a sweet-natured, gentle little dog breed. It is affectionate and devoted and is good with gentle children. It needs moderate exercise on a daily basis, which can be satisfied with short walks or indoor play. It’s friendly towards other dogs and strangers.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Spaniel |
| Function: | Companion |
| Origin: | Japan |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Toy |
| Life Span: | 12-14 Years |
| Nicknames: | Japanese Spaniel, Chin |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Japanese Chin Build Information
The Japanese chin is a toy breed, standing 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing four to nine pounds. The muzzle is short, and the face is brachycephalic, meaning that the nose appears pushed in. The coat is long and silky, with feathering on the tail, the ears and the backs of the legs. The coat is white with patches that may be black, lemon, red, sable, orange or brindle. The coat can also be a tricolored combination of white, black and tan. The large, round eyes protrude, the small ears hang downward and the fluffy tail curves upward to rest on either side of the dog’s back. The Japanese Chin is a small dog with square proportions. It has a long, furry, yet silky coat, which needs to be brushed several times a week. This dog also sheds heavily. They cannot tolerate heat.
| Size: | Toy |
| Length (Male): | 8-12 in. |
| Length (Female): | 8-10 in. |
| Weight: | < 14 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 1 – 3 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
The Japanese chin is an affectionate, devoted and charming companion. The little dog is a mischievous clown that will delight families with its silly antics. Japanese chins are active and playful. They get along well with other pets and with children that are gentle and calm. They are reserved toward strangers and make good watchdogs. The Japanese chin can thrive in an apartment setting as long as it is provided with opportunities to expend its energy and playfulness. Some Japanese chins love to climb so that they can survey all household activities. The Japanese Chin is a sweet-natured, gentle little dog breed. It is affectionate and devoted and is good with gentle children. It needs moderate exercise on a daily basis, which can be satisfied with short walks or indoor play. It’s friendly towards other dogs and strangers.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Quiet |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Submissive |
| Energy Level: | Moderately Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Moderate Friendly |
Appearance
The long, silky coat of a Japanese chin is deceptively easy to care for. Combing the coat once or twice a week will remove dead hairs and prevent tangles on the fringes of the ears. Toy breeds are particularly at risk for developing periodontal disease. Be proactive at preventing this condition by brushing a Japanese chin’s teeth each day, which will reduce the accumulation of plaque.
| Colors: | Black, Lemon, Orange, Red, Red-Black Brindle, Sable, Tan, Tan Brindle, White |
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Medium Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Feathered |
Japanese Chin Common Health Conditions
The average life expectancy for the Japanese chin is 12 to 14 years. A few health conditions that have been noted in the Japanese chin include patellar luxation, heart murmurs, entropion, cataracts, keratoconjunctivitis sicca and progressive retinal atrophy.
Japanese Chin Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
For a playful and devoted companion, consider the Japanese chin to entertain you with its mischievous feats and to warm your lap on chilly evenings. The Japanese chin originated in China. The Japanese chin is also known as a Japanese spaniel or a chin. The Japanese chin is an affectionate and adaptable companion. The Japanese chin stands 8 to 11 inches tall and weighs 4 to 9 pounds. Japanese chins have moderate energy levels. Japanese chins require minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a Japanese chin is 12 to 14 years.
| Training: | Moderately easy to train |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | No |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
