The Japanese Chin Shop
Japanese Chin Breed Summary
Loving, Loyal, Happy, Affectionate and Adaptable
These dogs are very dainty in stature but boast a HUGE amount of presence. Additionally, they are known to be fairly cat-like in their behaviors. For example, washing their faces with their paws - how cute is that!
Their fragile appearances are nothing like their personalities. They are larger than life, possessing confident, bold and intelligent personalities! This has helped them to gain a huge fan base across the world.
Fun Fact: Former President, Franklin Pierce, owned Japanese Chins!
| Kennel Club Group | Toy |
| Lifespan | 10 - 12 Years |
| Height (at the withers) | Males and Females 8in - 11in |
| Weight | Males and Females 7lb - 11lb |
| Coat | The Coat is Very Soft and Long. It is also Straight and Silky to the Touch |
| Color | Black & White, Red & White, Sable & White, White & Black |
| Eye color | Dark |
| Common health issues | Congenital deafness, Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), Gangliosidosis GM2, Luxating patellas, Atlantoaxial subluxation of the cervical spine, Entropion (Eyelids Folding Inwards), Eye ulcerations, Atrioventricular Endocardiosis, Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, Skin allergies, Breathing difficulties, Heart murmurs, Cataracts |
| Other Names | Japanese Spaniel, Chin |
The Chins are known for their very happy outlook on life. They absolutely love everybody around them, whether that be children, their family, strangers, dogs, cats, the list goes on and on! They are also fairly intelligent dogs which paired with their love of everything and everyone, makes them perfect for first time owners. They form extremely strong bonds with their families, which means they don't like to be left by themselves for too long as it can result in them developing separation anxiety, leading to destructive behaviors being developed. For this reason, they will need someone to be around for most of the day. They are however very adaptable, and their small size means they are suitable for apartment living! It is however important not to pamper your dog too much, as these guys are prone to developing 'small dog syndrome' which makes them a lot more difficult to handle and live with. However, these sweet dogs make lovely family pets and have the ability to provide you with years of joy!
The origin of the Japanese Chin is essentially unknown by all, though we do think that they originally came from China and then somehow found their way to Japan! This may have occurred as an offering from the Empress of China to the Empress of Japan. However, one thing that nearly everyone can agree on is that they are one of the most ancient breeds in world, although they may have looked slightly different back then, than they do today. The breed were so highly prized that they were not allowed outside of the borders of Japan and because each palace within the country developed their own breed standard and no outcrossing was allowed, the breed started to develop health issues. They weren't known outside of Japan until 1853, when Portuguese traders came to the country. The dogs were offered as gifts to Catherine of Brazanga, the Queen Consort of King Charles the I and soon became popular across a lot of the world, particularly with nobles and royals! Even today, they remain an popular choice across a lot of the world, with many famous owners, including Ozzy Osbourne, Queen Victoria and President Franklin Pierce!