JAPANESE CHIN
APPEARANCE
The Japanese Chin is a small, cute, and compact dog, with a very sweet face. They have straight, silky, profuse long hair that is most often black and white, or white and black. They have heavily feathered tails that curl up over their backs with the long hair cascading down one side, often reaching the floor; the chest, neck and shoulder area is also heavily coated, with the hair springing away from the body creating the appearance of a thick ruff. These dogs reach around 8-11 inches in height, and weigh in at around 7 pounds.
PERSONALITY
This breed is considered one of the most cat-like of the dog breeds in attitude: it is alert, intelligent, and independent, and it uses its paws to wash its face. A companion dog, it is loving and loyal to its owner and typically happy to see other people. Chin prefer familiar surroundings, but do quite well in new situations and are often used as therapy dogs because of this trait and their love of people. The Japanese Chin loves to be cuddled and enjoys his creature comforts. This is not the right breed for those that do not have the time to commit to a pet, as the Japanese Chin thrives on attention and love from his owner.
TRAINING
The Japanese Chin is much more obedient that most of the other toy breeds. They are eager to please, so training is done quite easily. This breed excels at learning and performing tricks. Although some Japanese Chins can be difficult to housebreak, obedience training should not prove too much of a problem using positive methods.
EXERCISE
Due to low exercise requirements, the Chin makes a perfect condominium or apartment pet. They enjoy a short walk or play session daily.
SOCIALIZATION
Very early socialization of Chin puppies leads to a more emotionally well-balanced Chin that is more accepting of different situations and people. They will make great pets for a family with no children, or much older children as they do not like to be man handled or roughhoused with. The Japanese Chin gets along well with other dogs and smaller family pets.
LIVING CONDITIONS
The Japanese Chin is a little sensitive to extreme temperature. They would do well living in an apartment because they are moderately active indoors and will get by fine even without a yard.
GROOMING
The Chin’s coat requires nothing more than brushing or combing once every day or two to maintain its appearance, with special attention being given to the area under the ears and legs and to the skirt; they have no coat odor and do not require frequent bathing. The face should be occasionally wiped with a damp cloth and the folds cleaned with a cotton swab. He is a constant shedder, and sheds more heavily on a seasonal basis, so he is not the ideal choice for those with allergies.
HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Japanese Chin is around 12-14 years. Diet is an important factor in the health and condition of the Chin, with many Chin being very sensitive or allergic to corn. They are sensitive to chemicals and drugs, susceptible to heatstroke and respiratory problems due to his short muzzle, luxating patella, seizures, cataracts, and PRA.
HISTORY
The Japanese Chin originated in Japan and was bred to be a companion dog. This little dog was given as gifts to royalty and was thought to have become quite popular in the mid 1800’s when two were given as a present to Queen Victoria. Originally the Japanese Chin was called the Japanese Spaniel and was inducted into the AKC in 1977.
