Japanese Chin

Born into nobility, the Japanese Chin is a dog that comes from China and has been cherished in Japan for many centuries. A small touch of white at the inner corners of their eyes adds a lively and inquisitive look to their face. They move with a cheerful, light step, and their fur is smooth, shiny, and elegant.

Quick Info

Size
Small
Colours
Black and white or red and white, including all shades of red from sable to lemon. Tricolor is not permitted, nor is white flecking within the colored markings
Lifespan
10 to 12 years
Height
8 to 11 inches
Type
Toy
Hypoallergenic
no
Weight
7 to 11 pounds
Family
Oriental

Personality

Loyal, gentle, and enthusiastic, the Japanese Chin is a perfect pet that enjoys being by its owner's side, whether on a stroll or snuggled up on the sofa. They are friendly with everyone, playful in a soft way, and affectionate. With a personality similar to that of a cat, they exhibit some feline traits, like climbing, leaping, and cleaning their faces with their paws.

History

The Japanese Chin is actually an old breed from China, not Japan, and is closely linked to the Pekingese. These dogs were popular among Chinese nobles and were often given as gifts to important guests. They may have come to Japan with Zen Buddhist monks around 520 A.D., or possibly through a Korean prince around 732 A.D. The Japanese Imperial family held them in great esteem.

Ideal Owner

Japanese Chins are gentle, affectionate, and have a cat-like nature. They do best in calm households where their owners are often present. These dogs love spending time with their owners, following them around the house, and learning entertaining tricks. While they aren’t hyperactive, they are smart and enjoy performing for their humans.

Exercise Needs

Keeping the smart Chin content requires regular exercise, training, and activities that challenge their mind.

Space Requirements

The Japanese Chin is a cheerful breed as long as their owners are around. They adapt well to smaller living areas, but it's important to have a safe, fenced yard that is inspected often for any openings. These dogs can squeeze through tiny spaces and are known for their impressive jumping ability.

Training

The Japanese Chin breed is fast at picking up new skills and loves to learn. They respond well to training and enjoy mastering tricks. The most effective way to train them is through positive reinforcement, using treats, toys, and chances to show off their abilities as rewards.

Grooming

The coat of the Japanese Chin is quite long, so it's essential to brush it often to prevent knots. You should also take care of its eyes, paws, and ears regularly.

Suitability for Family Life

Gentle, shy, and soft, the Chin thrives in homes with older kids or where there are no kids at all. They are loyal pets and prefer not to be by themselves.

Did You know?

The Japanese Chin is frequently seen as a mix between a cat and a dog in both appearance and character. The word “Chin” translates to cat-like in Chinese. These dogs display cat-like traits, including being calm, climbing, jumping, and cleaning their faces with their front paws.

Similar Breeds

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chihuahua
Papillon
Pekingese

Need to Know

Dog suitable for non-experienced owners
Basic training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys gentle walks
Small dog
Some drool
Requires frequent grooming
Quiet dog