Japanese Chin

Charming, amusing, and tiny with long and beautiful hair, the Japanese Chin is a calm and affectionate dog breed. However, what sets them apart from other dog breeds is their feline-like temperament.

So, if you’re struggling to decide between a dog and a cat, the Japanese Chin might just be the perfect compromise.

Find out more about this elegant and exotic lap dog here!

Description

The Japanese Chin, also referred to as Chin or the Japanese Spaniel, is a trendy breed of dog. It belongs to the Toy breed family which is adored for their diminutive size and charming expression.

And while its name suggests that the breed originated from Japan, most experts believe that they originated from China.

Experts suggest that they came to Japan as gifts from the Chinese emperor. They were originally bred to be companion dogs, first for Chinese royalty, and then later on for Japanese royalty.

Japanese Chins were held in high regards back in the day. They were basically treated as kings and queens, being fed delicacies, warmed in silk-pillowed beds, and were carried in the sleeves of women’s kimonos.

They were small enough to be carried in women’s kimonos and even kept in bird cages. This is because the Japanese believe that the smaller the dog breed is, the better.

The Japanese even stunt the Japanese Chin’s growth by making it drink Sake or Japanese rice wine.

Today, Japanese Chins are still able to maintain their regal status in their respective households. Their silky coat is usually white with some colored patches and the markings are often red, black, lemon, sable, orange, brindle, or black and white with a few tan points.

Height and Weight

Both the male and female members of the Japanese Chin breed normally stand a height of 7 to 11 in at the withers, and weigh 4 to 15 lbs.

Temperament

Chins, in general, are happy, charming, and lively lapdogs. The breed has also been identified to be affectionate, loving, and very devoted to their family owners.

They are also known to be pleasant, and intelligent.

And while Chins love everyone in their family, they can be quite aloof with strangers as well as in unfamiliar situations.

Furthermore, Chins rarely bark, are mild-mannered, sensitive, and clean – which is why they are often described as cat-like.

Owners have to socialize the breed well, at the same time teach their children to be nice and gentle with the Chin pet.

Handlers, in addition, have to be firm yet gentle in disciplining them because they need a leader who is self-assured and consistent with rules.

With the right training and socialization, the breed gets along well with other canines and animals.

And thanks to their regal history, they have a mind of their own, and generally love to have the spotlight.

The breed is also known to be graceful yet playful, and agile. They usually make good watchdogs, and can be easily taught to perform some tricks.

Grooming

Japanese Chins are easy to groom. In fact, brushing their silky coat twice a month would already be enough to maintain its luster at the same time keep their hair from matting.

Trimming their bottom hairs, however, is necessary to keep them clean and protect them from allergies. And because the Chins tend to shed all throughout the year, vacuuming may become a way of life.

Health Concerns

Some of the common health complications associated with the Japanese Chin breed are skin allergies, heart murmurs, corneal abrasions, luxating patella, epilepsy, and hypoglycemia.

Nevertheless, with proper attention, diet, and exercise, Chins can live for as long as 12 to 14 years.

Best Environment

Japanese Chins are generally intolerant with extreme temperatures. Heaters and air-conditioning units have to be available at home to keep the pet comfortable.

Additionally, Chins are suitable for apartment-living. They tend to be fairly active indoors, and may do just fine living in areas with no yard. The breed has minimal exercise requirements. Short walks and a few indoor games will already suffice their exercise needs.