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JAPANESE CHIN BREED INFORMATION

Family	companion
Life Span	12-14 years
Avg Size of Male:	Height: 8-11 inches, Weight: 4-7 pounds
Avg Size of Female:	Height: 8-11 inches, Weight: 4-7 pounds
Original Function:	lap dog
Overall Rating (out of 5)	The Japanese Chin enjoys climbing, likes to curl up in your lap, will wash its face with its paws, and even has a fierce independent streak – qualities that liken it to a feline friend. In fact, “Chin” means “cat-like.” The breed is intelligent, playful, and devoted to its owner. It likes to be the center of attention and has been known to make up tricks as entertainment..

In Japan, there are Inu (dogs) and there are Chin. The Japanese Chin (also known as the Japanese Spaniel) is the dog of Japanese Royalty. A lap dog and companion dog, this breed of toy dog is one with a distinctive heritage.

Japanese Chins stand about 20 to 27 cm (8 to 11 in) in height at the withers and weigh 2 to 7 kg (4 to 15 lb). They have straight, silky, profuse long hair that is most often black and white or red and white, or less often black and white with tan points. They have feathered tails that curl up over their backs. Their faces have an "oriental" appearance, with a short, upturned muzzle and large, wide-set eyes that have white visible in the inner corners, creating an astonished expression.

These dogs commonly have a white spot or blaze in the middle of their foreheads known as Buddha's Thumbprint. This designation can be attributed to the Buddhist Emperor Ming of Han China, who owned many of these dogs.

Temperament

This breed is considered one of the most cat-like of the dog breeds in attitude: it is alert, intelligent, and often independent, and it uses its paws to wash its face. A companion dog, it is loving and loyal to its owner, but is distrustful of new people. Chins prefer familiar surroundings, and are very uncomfortable in unfamiliar areas and with new situations. They are a quiet breed, with a much deeper bark than the high-pitched yap commonly associated with many of the toy breeds and are naturally clean.

Care

The Japanese Chin requires daily brushing to keep the coat clean and free of tangles. Lift the hair as you brush to leave it standing slightly. Dry shampoo as needed rather than bathe it. The breed is an average shedder that looses hair year-round. Keep its eyes and ears clean to prevent infection. The Chin’s oversized eyes tend to collect moisture and cause fungal infections if not kept in check. Clean between the folds of skin with a cotton swab. The breed has little to no odor. Be sure to feed it plenty of fiber or it may develop digestive problems. This little toy requires a minimal amount of exercise. It will enjoy a short walk or a game each day. The Japanese Chin is a lively little breed perfect for apartment life. It cannot live outdoors due to its sensitivity to temperature extremes.

Health

This breed's flattened face contributes to some dogs suffering from breathing and heart problems, as is common with such breeds. Luxating patellas (knees) and heart murmurs are other genetically predisposed conditions. The oversized eyes are easily scratched and corneal scratches or more serious ulcerations can result. Mild scratches benefit from topical canine antibacterial ointment specifically for eye application; more serious injury or ulcerations require urgent medical care. The Chin also has a risk of hypoglycemia under the age of 6 months.

History

There is some debate as to the origins of this breed. Some say that the ancestors of these dogs first appeared in Japan around the year 732, as gifts from the rulers of Korea. Others attribute the ancestors of the Chin to breeds of Chinese origin.

Portuguese sailors introduced the breed to Europe in the 1600s by presenting some to Catherine of Braganza, Queen Consort to King Charles II of England.

An American naval officer, Commodore Perry, helped make this dog famous in England in 1853 when he presented a breeding pair to Queen Victoria after returning from Japan. This was the first canine gift given to the royal family. He is also credited with this breed's appearance in America when he later gave a pair to the President of the United States.