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Breed Characteristics
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Japanese Chin
| Other Names | Japanese Spaniel |
| Nicknames | Chin |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Weight | 4 - 15 lbs. (2 - 7 kg) There are two classes of Japanese Chins: under 7 pounds, and over 7 pounds. |
| Height (at withers) | 7 - 11 in. (18 - 28 cm) |
| Coat | The coat of the healthy Japanese Chin is plentiful and straight. The hairs are single formed and they are silky to the touch. When properly brushed the coat has a tendency to stand out from the body, especially on the neck, shoulders, and chest, where the hair forms a thick mane or ruff. |
| Colour | The Japanese Chin can be of several colour variants. These include black and white, red and white, or black and white with tan points. The term "tan points" means tan or red spots over each eye, inside the ears, or on both cheeks. The colour variations of this breed make it one of the most unique and colourful of the toy breeds. For show purposes there are special requirements that the dog must meet. You can learn more about these special show requirements by visiting any of the websites that are currently devoted to this breed. |
| Litter Size | 1 - 3 puppies |
| Life Span | 10 - 12 years |
| Origin & History | While most believe that the source breed for the Japanese Chin originated in China, the route by which the Chin arrived in Japan is a widely debated topic. One story claims that the dogs were given to the Japanese royalty in 732 AD as gifts from the rulers of Korea. Others maintain that they were given as gifts to the Empress of Japan as early as the middle of the sixth century or by the seventh century. Still others claim that the Chin first arrived in Japan around the year 1000 AD. In Japan, dogs are usually viewed as working or helper animals. The Japanese Chin is unique in that they are owned strictly for companionship. Their distinct appearance and personality eventually captured the hearts of Japanese royalty and resulted in ownership being restricted to those of royal and noble blood. Each noble house bred to their own standards. Because of this, there are many variations of the Japanese Chin including size, coat density, eye set, personality, and body type. Once introduced to the West, a strong desire for Japanese Chin that were ten lbs. or less led to this weight becoming the standard of various kennel clubs around the world. Professor Ludwig von Schulmuth studied canine origins by looking at the skeletal remains of dogs found in human settlements as early as the 8th millennium BC. The professor created a genealogical tree of Tibetan dogs that shows the "Gobi Desert Kitchen Midden Dog", a scavenger, which evolved into the "Small Soft-Coated Drop-Eared Hunting Dog". From this evolved the Tibetan Spaniel, Pekingese, and the Japanese Chin. Another branch coming down from the "Kitchen Midden Dog" gave rise to the Papillon and long-haired Chihuahua and yet another "Kitchen Midden Dog" branch to the pug and Shih Tzu. Though there is some documentation that indicates Portuguese sailors introduced the breed to Europe in the 17th century by presenting them to Catherine of Braganza, Queen Consort to King Charles II of England, there is more credible evidence that the first Japanese Chin were given as gifts by the Emperor of Japan to an American naval officer, Matthew Calbraith Perry, when Perry visited the Orient in 1853 to open trade with the East. Perry was given a total of seven Japanese Chin, but only two survived the passage back to the USA. It is disputed whether Perry gave the two to Franklin Pierce, President of the United States, or to James Stirling, Rear admiral of the Royal Navy, to take to Queen Victoria or his daughter, Caroline Slidell, after returning from Japan. |
| Personality | The Japanese Chin is a charming, lively, and happy animal. It is pleasant, loving, intelligent, affectionate and extremely devoted to its master. This breed loves everyone it is familiar with, but is known to be reserved around strangers and in unfamiliar situations; socialize this dog well. If you do have small children, teach them to be nice and gentle with the dog. The Chin is good with other dogs and pets. The Japanese Chin has a mind of its own and likes to be the center of attention. This breed is not a barker. It is mild mannered, graceful, yet playful. Sensitive, agile, dainty and clean. So long as you set rules the dog needs to follow, limits to what he is allowed to do, providing consistent leadership, the Chin will be obedient. Chins also make good watchdogs. The Japanese Chin can be taught to perform tricks. Be sure to be this dog's pack leader. Do not allow the dog to develop Small Dog Syndrome, human induced behaviors where the dogs believe they are pack leaders to humans. Chins who are allowed to be pack leaders to humans will develop all types of varying degrees of behavior problems, including, but not limited to, separation anxiety, snapping, growling and guarding, and will not be trusted with children. |
Care Requirements
| Health | The Japanese Chin will have many of the same problems that all short-faced breeds will have. The Japanese Chin tends to wheeze and snore. Generally speaking, this is normal and should not cause alarm. If it progresses, however, it should be taken to the vet for exam. The Japanese Chin may be prone to luxating patella which is also known as slipping kneecaps. This ailment can usually be caught early on during Routine exams. The Chin are also prone to Cataracts in the eyes. This is one reason it is important to have its eyes checked during every exam. The Chin is also prone to eye and respiratory problems and heat prostration if it is left in hot areas such as inside the car during the summer months. Some Chin lines can be prone to distemper. Your veterinarian may choose to adjust the immunization schedule if this is a issue with your animal. Owners of the Chin should be aware of the incidence of endocardiosis that affects this breed. It is estimated that 35% of all dogs over the age of 12, and about 5% of dogs in middle age may encounter this ailment. The Japanese Chin are particularly at risk for increasing prevalence of early-onset endocardiosis if careful Breeding practices are not followed. You can ask about this before purchasing your animal. It is also advisable to have your vet check for this during routine exams. The Japanese Chin is very sensitive to oral examination and this can present a problem during oral hygiene. |
| Grooming | A few minutes each day will keep the coat looking beautiful. Comb out tangles and brush lightly, lifting the hair to leave it standing out a little. Clean the eyes every day and check the ears regularly for any signs of infection. Dry shampoo occasionally and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder. |
| Exercise | Chins do not require a great deal of exercise, however they do need to be taken on a daily walk. They will enjoy the opportunity to play in an open yard. |
| Other Considerations | The Japanese Chin is a good dog for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed is somewhat sensitive to temperature extremes. |
