Is The Japanese Chin Right For You?
- 1The Japanese Chin dog is a gentle breed with cat-like tendencies such as wiping their face clean with their paws.
- 2Japanese Chins make great companion pets.
- 3Japanese Chin puppies tend to be aloof with strangers and benefit from early socialization.
- 4Also known as the Japanese Spaniel, they require minimal exercise and rarely bark, making them ideal apartment pets.
HISTORY
Despite their name, the Japanese Chin actually originates from Korea, where they were spread to China and Japan. They earned their name because of their popularity with the Japanese royalty. Thought to have originated from the Gobi Desert Kitchen Midden Dog (a scavenger dog from Tibet), the Japanese Chin was sought after because of their delicate appearance. Initially known as the Japanese Spaniel, the name was changed to Japanese Chin in 1977 by the AKC.
Quick Facts
Size
Toy/Small
Lifespan
10 - 12 years, up to 15 years
Hair Length
Medium
Male Height
7 inches - 11 inches
Male Weight
4 pounds - 15 pounds
Female Height
7 inches - 11 inches
Female Weight
4 pounds - 15 pounds
Litter Size
1 to 3 pups
Personality
The Japanese Chin is a playful, pleasant, and entirely devoted companion. They love their family but can be a bit wary of strangers or new places. They are creatures of habit and get nervous when things change. They love being the center of attention, and play well with kids, assuming the kids know how to properly treat a small dog. They are very capable of being trained, and make for a great watchdog. .
Color
The Japanese Chin is most commonly black and white, but can also be red and white, or black and white with tan points.
Health Concerns
Some of the health concerns associated with the Japanese Chin are:
- respiratory problems
- short muzzle
- eye problems
- heart murmurs
- luxating patellas
Appearance
A sure fit for the toy category, the Japanese Chin is a quite petite breed known for their elegant, silky, long coat. They have a distinctive head shape, with a large forehead and large, wide set eyes that are directly in line with their upturned nose. Their ears hang down alongside their head, looking like fluffy pigtails.
