The Japanese Chin: A Japanese Spaniel

The Japanese Chin Dog Breed in Brief:

Origin: China

Height: 8-11 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 4-15 pounds when fully grown

Exercise Needs: Low

Grooming Needs: Moderate

Life Expectancy: 10-12 years

Good With Kids: Yes

Trainability: Easy

Known as the Japanese Spaniel until 1977, the Japanese Chin was originally bred strictly as a lap-warmer and companion animal for the Chinese aristocracy. Originally introduced to the Western world as a gift to Queen Victoria, the Chin has had a rocky route to travel throughout his past. Today, however, they are recognized as an incredible companion breed and continue to gain popularity throughout the world.

The History of the Japanese Chin

His name may cause a bit of confusion but the Japanese Chin is not, however, from Japan. In fact his origins, as well as his developing and the refinement of the breed, all take place in China. It’s believed that the first Chins to appear in Japan were actually given as a royal gift - kept by nobles, the Japanese Chin was commonly gifted to other members of the aristocracy, or they would be given to foreigners who had aided the country. To receive a Chin was a great honor indeed.

Commodore Perry was the first person to introduce the Japanese Chin to Europe in 1853. A pair would then be given to Queen Victoria and, as the years passed, they would eventually make their way into America. The American development of the breed was threatened during World War I, however, when not only would access to Japanese Chins be limited to the dogs already in America, but Japanese breeders also suffered great losses due to earthquakes in their native country. Fortunately, due to the various Chin located throughout Europe, the bloodlines were preserved.

The Japanese Chin Appearance

The Japanese Spaniel, or Chin, is a very boxy, square-looking little dog, averaging 8-11 inches at the highest part of the shoulder. The length of this beautiful little animal should be the same as his height, from sternum to buttock, hence his unique geometric shape. The coat is long, straight and silky and he bears a proudly plumed tail which is carried up over the back and curled to one side.

This curious little dog displays what is commonly known as an “Oriental expression,” meaning that he possesses a broad head and wide-set eyes, not unlike a Pekingese or many of the other popular Asian breeds, a short and wide muzzle and evenly-matched facial markings. The eyes are large and luminous, with just a hint of white to be shown in the inner corners of the eye. This gives the Japanese Chin their signature surprised appearance. These adorable little dogs can be found in black and white, red and white, or the black and white with tan point varieties.

The Japanese Chin Temperament

The Japanese Chin are wonderfully intelligent little dogs and very devoted to their families. They can, however, be very suspicious and wary of strangers and, if startled, may be prone to nip. On the whole, however, these adorable little dogs do very well in homes with seniors or in loving family homes with children who are old enough to know better than to pull hair or gouge eyes.

Many claim that the Japanese Chin has a very cat-like personality and this is often quite true in some individuals; some Japanese Chin are not only fiercely independent, but often resorts to cat-like behaviorisms, such as climbing, licking their paws and then washing their faces, or rubbing their faces on the furniture and floors. One can never say that these beautiful little Japanese spaniels aren’t adorable.

The Japanese Chin Exercise Needs

While the Japanese Chin is an alert and active little dog, his exercise needs are relatively low. Happy with a couple of short walks per day, he is content to get most of his exercise from chasing balls and entertaining his beloved family. Due to their low exercise requirements and gentle natures, the Japanese Chin is an excellent pet choice for the elderly.

Japanese Chin Grooming Requirements

The Japanese Chin is surprisingly easy to groom. Their coat is a single layer, which is silky and straight, and is not prone to matting like many other long-haired breeds. Brushing once or twice a week and the occasional bath, as needed, will help to keep your Chin looking dandy! In addition to shampoo, providing a pet-safe cream rinse will provide extra luster and softness to his coat, as well as helping to prevent tangles. After baths, be sure to blow dry your Japanese Chin to keep him from catching cold, but always be sure to dry him on the cool setting - their skin is very sensitive and the heat can burn him, no matter how careful you try to be.

Training Your Japanese Chin

Despite his almost cat-like tendencies, the Japanese Chin does not share their independence, nor is he difficult to train. In fact, these adorable little dogs of the Orient are quite willing to learn tricks to bring a smile to their owners’ faces. For the best results, however, be sure to sign your new Japanese Chin puppy up for an obedience course - there are even kindergarten courses for young puppies to start off with their right paw forward.

Japanese Chin Health Concerns

Like any breed of dog, the Japanese Chin is subject to a variety of health concerns, though most of them are general dog health problems, rather than breed-specific. Your best bet is, when deciding to choose a new Japanese Spaniel puppy, check around with several breeders and ask about the various health issues that can affect these loving little dogs. A reputable breeder should be well-versed in the health concerns and should be able to give you more details, as well as showing you both of the parents of your potential puppy.

Some of the health problems that can affect Japanese chin include:

1. Heart Murmurs
2. Luxating patellas
3. Mitral valve disease
4. Cataracts

Is the Japanese Chin the Right Breed For You?

The Japanese Chin is a very warm and wonderful little companion; bred specifically as a lap dog, centuries ago, today’s Chin is much like the Chins of old. While they possess sometimes catlike tendencies, they are very affectionate and quite fond of their owners, although this can, sometimes, pose a bit of a problem - the Japanese Chin may actually become territorial and possessive, getting snippy with those he doesn’t know. Additionally, due to their small size, it’s recommended that families with small children refrain. Toy breeds are at risk from small children, due to the fact that being dropped or fallen upon can break bones and badly injure the puppy. New Chin owners should also watch their new puppies around established pets as well. Doing so, will allow you to retain a happy and healthy relationship with your puppy for years to come.

Shawna L. Krautheim

2007