Japanese Chin - Dog Breed Profile

Author: Dooziedog.com

Key Facts:

Size: Very small

Height: 18 cm (7 inches)

Weight: 1.8 - 3.2 kg (4 - 7 lb)

Life Span: 12 years

Grooming: Undemanding

Exercise: Undemanding

Feeding: Undemanding

Temperament: Cheerful & good-natured

Country of Origin: Japan

AKC Group: Toy

Other Names: Japanese Spaniel, Chin

Temperament:

The Japanese Chin is playful, affectionate, cheerful and independent. Japanese Chins like to be the centre of attention and close to their owner or family. They make excellent pets for the elderly, but are too small and dainty for young children. Japanese Chins get on well with other dogs and do not bark often. Their independent nature and ability to use their own initiative can make training more difficult, but they are usually house-trained quickly.

Grooming:

Fortunately the silky coat doesn't tangle easily and so these small dogs only need brushing twice a week. Japanese Chins do need washing from time to time to keep the white of the coat clean. The ear canals should be kept clean and the facial creases should be wiped with an acid-free petroleum jelly to prevent dark stains.

Exercise:

Japanese Chins don't demand a great deal of exercise and are quite happy scurrying around the garden or going for a walk to the local park. They are not fans of long country hikes and are perfectly happy in a flat.

History:

These dogs are also referred to as the Japanese Spaniel. It is fairly certain that this breed has some cross-breeding from the Pekingese lines. There are three theories on the origins of the Japanese Chin. The first is that they arrived with a Korean mission in 732 AD, where they became an immediate success as a lap dog with the Japanese women. The second theory is that they arrived with teachers preaching Zen Buddhism around 520 AD. And the third is that the Emperor of China gave a pair to the Emperor of Japan. One thing is for sure - Japanese Chins were originally restricted to Royal households, where they were favoured by women who carried them in their sleeves or in their hands.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Dainty, elegant and with a high-stepping gait. Color: Black/white or red/white.

Coat: Long, silky, soft and straight. The neck, thighs and tail are feathered.

Tail: Set high, plumed and carried over the back.

Ears: Set high, small, V-shaped and carried slightly forward.

Body: The body is square and compact with the belly tucked up. The back is straight and short with a broad and slightly rounded loin. The chest is broad and deep.

Additional Comments:

* The large eyes of the Japanese Chin tend to show the white in the inner corners, which gives them a permanent look of surprise.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/japanese_chin/