Dogs 101 - JAPANESE CHIN - Top Dog Facts About the JAPANESE CHIN

Dogs 101 - JAPANESE CHIN
Top Dog Facts About the JAPANESE CHIN

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The Japanese Chin is a toy breed of dog that is actually of ancient Chinese origin. The breed was known to be very popular with the Chinese aristocracy, who would gift these dogs to visiting dignitaries. The breed might have been taken to Japan by monks, or by rulers of Korea, or as a direct gift from a Chinese emperor. What is certain is that by 1000 AD the Chin was well established as a popular companion dog among the Japanese nobility. The first Chins were probably brought to Europe by Portuguese traders in the 16th and 17th centuries, but the first official record of the breed in the West is of the few specimens gifted to Commodore Matthew Perry of the US Navy in 1853. Perry gifted his dogs to Queen Victoria, who was responsible for popularizing several breeds in the West. This was followed by traders importing more Chins to the US and Europe. These early dogs were slightly larger than the modern Japanese Chin, and some of them might have been crossed with local toy spaniels to obtain the smaller size. The breed was known as Japanese Spaniel till 1977, when the current name was adopted.

Time for some Ruff Trivia:
The Japanese Chin shares its development history with which other Chinese breed?
o A: Pekingese
o B: Shar Pei
o C: Chinese Crested Dog
What do you think, give it your best guess in the comments below before we get to the answer! Hang on tight and we’ll get back to this Ruff Trivia Question toward the end of the video.

An adult Japanese Chin has a height between 8 and 11 inches, and weight between 4 and 7 pounds. It has a profuse, straight, soft and silky coat. The hair forms a thick mane on the chest. The hairy plumed tail carries over the back, curving to either side. Colors seen are black and white, red and white or black and white with tan points. Ears are hanging, small, V-shaped and are set wide apart, as are its large round eyes. The muzzle is short and broad. The jaw is wide and has a slight underbite. A notable feature is its inquisitive expression.

Grooming: Weekly brushing and an occasional bath should keep the coat of the Japanese Chin clean. There is slight folding around the nose, which can trap moisture and cause fungal infection. This can be prevented by occasionally wiping the face with a damp cloth. Many Chins can be allergic to corn, so care should be taken to keep their diet corn-free. Nail trimming, ear cleaning and teeth brushing have to be regular.

Environment: The Japanese Chin is often described as being cat-like in nature. It is alert and independent, fastidious in cleanliness, likes to perch on high surfaces and has a good sense of balance. It is very friendly, is very good with kids and other animals, and makes for an excellent family pet. Unlike many small dogs, it is not particularly noisy – another feline feature.

Training: The Chin’s royal background means that it can be fairly stubborn and, despite its intelligence, can require patience to train. Having been bred for entertainment, many Chins can be taught a number of tricks very easily. Its small size means that its physical exercise needs can be fulfilled with a short walk or a game in the yard.

Health: The life expectancy of the Japanese Chin is 10 to 12 years, with some dogs living slightly longer. There are no major illnesses seen in the breed, though common minor issues can be kneecap dislocation, cataracts and heart murmurs. Some dogs can suffer from hypoglycemia, when young, or from seasonal allergies.

A bright and loving breed, the Japanese Chin is perfect for apartment living. Accord it with the royal treatment that it truly deserves, and you will be rewarded with a loyal friend.
Find out if the Japanese Chin would be a good addition to your home. Now you can visit Brooklyn’s Corner.com to take our quiz and find out which dog would be the best match for you.


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