Alternatively called the Japanese Spaniel, the Japanese Chin is a sophisticated, stylish toy breed with a cute appearance and gentle demeanor, perfectly excelling as a companion as well as a lap dog. Besides a well-balanced, small body, other distinctive physical features of this breed include a square built, big, broad head round in shape, short muzzle, large, wide-set, round eyes bearing an intelligent and alert expression, small, hanging, V-shaped ears, patterned markings on its face and a high set arched tail.
Pronunciation |
jap-uh-NEEZ chin |
Other names | Japanese Spaniel |
Nicknames | Chin |
Coat | Abundant, long, full, single, straight, silky |
Color | Black and white, lemon and white, sable and white, white and black, black, white and tan |
Breed type | Purebred |
Group | Companion, Toy, Spaniel |
Average lifespan | 10 to 12 years |
Size (How big do they get) | Small |
Height | 8 to 11 inches |
Weight | 7 to 12 pounds |
Litter size | Approximately 5 puppies |
Behavioral traits | Loving, noble, elegant, charming, loyal, intelligent |
Good with children | Yes though the older ones |
Barking tendency | Moderately low |
Shedding (Do they shed) | Average |
Hypoallergenic | No |
Competitive Registration Qualification/Information | FCI, AKNC, CKC, AKC, NZKC, UKC, KC (UK), KCGB, DRA, APRI, ACR |
Country | Japan |
There have been a lot of contradictions about the origin of the Japanese Chin as some speculate it to develop in China and Korea. According to certain stories, Korean rulers had gifted these dogs to the royal members of Japan in AD 732. On the other hand, another source mentions that the Empress of Japan received these cute, cuddly dogs in form of presents in the 6th or 7th century A.D. However, it has been unanimously agreed upon that the Japanese nobles played a significant role in developing these dogs and each of the royal households set their personal standards which therefore resulted in varieties in the Japanese Chin when it came to size, eyes, coat density and temperament. This breed was unknown to other parts of the world till 1854 as it was only at this time that Japan had been finally opened to trade after a long span of 200 years. They were said to be introduced in the United States through a naval officer named Matthew Calbraith Perry who had received seven Chins as gifts from the Japanese Emperor, on his visit to the country for trade. By the time he had returned only two had survived, which was speculated to have been given to Franklin Pierce, the then president of the United States and James Stirling.
Presently it has been recognized by all the prominent kennel clubs and organizations. The Japanese Chin Club has been set up in both the United Kingdom and the United States for the wellbeing of these dogs.
Friendly and affectionate, the Chin displays a lot of cat-like features when it comes to its fine balancing capacity, urge to recline on high surfaces, the tendency of using its paws while wiping or washing its face as well as the habit of hiding in places where one would least expect it to be.
It is smart and intelligent, often taking its master for a ride if he is not experienced enough.
However, it is lovable and loyal, and according to some breeders, if one has lived with a Chin before, he would perhaps never want to live without it again. In fact, their loving nature and capacity of adjusting to new environments make them good therapy dogs. They are so adaptive in nature that they would shape their personalities in accordance with their homes they go to as a quiet peaceful household would see a subdued Chin while in an energetic family it would be its playful self.
Behind their calm and composed nature lies a defensive dog who would bark at the moment they see an intruder in their territory or sense any unusual activity.
They do well with children, though older ones are better suited than the younger kids as the latter could knock these small dogs down through their rough handling or in pursuit of play.
The Japanese Spaniel can emerge as perfect entertainers and would often amuse you by moving in a circular motion what can be called a “Chin Spin”. Some owners have even mentioned of their dog’s ability to sing that could sound like a soft trill or a shrill operatic noise.
They do not have too much of a trouble in interacting with other canines especially when brought up with them, though keep it at a distance from the bigger dogs who could easily overpower or attack them. They also have a friendly equation with cats, though you need to ensure that the felines do not pounce on them with their sharp claws.
Though friendly and loving, they can be stubborn to the core and also a little difficult to train. Hence first-timers would not be a good option for them, rather they would need an experienced master who could be firm and at the same time introduce positive reinforcements to make the session an interesting one.
Before teaching any trick it is essential to train it on commands so that it is easily able to grasp what is being taught.
Your Japanese Chin would need one-fourth to half a cup of dry dog food on a daily basis to remain healthy and fit. Take care to give them foods which are rich in fiber as deficiency of it may result in impacted anal glands, a condition where fluid could build up in case the anal gland does not get empty. You need to regularize their eating habits as they are fussy when it comes to food. Hence go for small-sized kibble that is easy to chew, also helping in improving digestion and lessening risks of stomach problems.
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