The Japanese Chin is actually a toy spaniel believed to have originated
in China or Korea before being introduced into Japan. In Japan, they were
only owned by nobility. They first came to the notice of the western world
when the emperor of Japan gave several to Commodore Perry in 1853. He gave
two to Queen Victoria of England and took the rest to the United States.
It is believed that their ancestry is probably similar to that of the Pug,
Pekinese and Tibetan Spaniel. The Japanese Chin Club of America was founded
in 1912. They were introduced to Canada at about that same time.
The Japanese Chin is a sensitive, bright, alert toy dog. He adapts well
to almost any indoor lifestyle. Although fond of children, he does not like
rough treatment.
The head of the Japanese chin is large for the size of dog with a broad
skull that is rounded in front. The eyes are large, prominent, dark and
set wide apart. The ears are small and v-shaped, set wide and high on the
head. They are carried slightly forward. The muzzle is short ending with
a nose that is the same color as the coat markings. The neck is short while
the body is squarely and compactly built. Length of body should be the same
as height at the withers. The tail is twisted and carried over the back.
It is covered with long hair. The legs are slender and well-feathered. The
feet are small and hare-shaped. When in motion, the dog will lift its feet
high. The coat is profuse, long, straight and silky. It stands out from
the body with a profuse mane and feathering on the thighs and tail. Accepted
coat colors include black and white or red (including all shades of sable,
brindle, lemon or orange) and white. The colors should be bright and clear
with evenly distributed patches. There are two weight divisions: over seven
pounds and under seven pounds, the smaller the better. They stand between
nine and ten inches tall.
Name withheld by request of Mississippi writes:
Precious, cuddly little lapdogs.
My Japanese Chin was fully grown (four years old) when I got her. She
was a breeder's female who had a uterine infection and became infertile.
I purchased her, had her spayed, worked with socialization for a while
(she had always lived in a kennel), and I have been rewarded in a way I
never dreamed of. She is the absolute sweetest, most gentle thing you could
ever imagine. She is very, very quiet. Basically, she only has a very
soft bark and jumps around like a wild woman when I first get home after
work or a short trip. Other than that, absolutely no barking. She is EXTREMELY
affectionate. She makes every step I make all day long. She is either
in my lap or right beside me all day and all night. She is inside 24/7
and she sleeps with us. She waits until the alarm goes off and she runs
up to my pillow and snuggles. My children say her basic personality is
a "snuggle bunny" and that's how I would categorize the breed
if she is representative of other Chins. She's the only one we've ever
had and we absolutely adore her. I cannot imagine living without a Chin
now and I recommend them HIGHLY!
The only thing I can think of in a negative way is she can't stand chaos.
When our family is cleaning the house together, vacuuming, dusting, mopping,
washing clothes p; that makes her nervous, I don't know if it's because
she was in a kennel so long or if it's the breed p; but we usually will
end up putting her in the garage for an hour or so, at least during mopping
and vacuuming, her least favorite activities. Interestingly enough, my
children's fireworks don't bother her p; maybe because they're outside
and she's inside. Regular activity doesn't bother her, washing dishes,
clothes, straightening up, just the big weekly cleaning when we all four
clean together for an hour or two, vacuuming, dusting, mopping, etc. We
have cats also and I would categorize her as being catlike because of her
quiet nature and cleanliness. She is absolutely wonderful!
tybbristol@netscape.net of New Orleans, LA writes:
Smart, funny, nurturing.
We have had our "pet quality" Japanese Chin for eleven years
and he is truly a valued family member. He was easy to housebreak and quick
to learn the rules. They are very sensitive and a disapproving tone of voice
is sufficient to communicate your displeasure. Like everyone else in the
family, he has chores and is anxious to please. On school days, he wakes
the kids by howling outside their bedroom doors, he even seems to know when
it's time to wake them. He is very communicative, howling or barking when
he wants a treat or thinks it's time for me to stop what I'm doing and give
him some attention. Eight years ago, we found an abandoned kitten in the
yard. Our Chin raised him with all the love of a mother. He slept with the
kitten, groomed him and intervened when our grown female cat got too aggressive.
Our Chin loves adventure and goes with the family practically everywhere.
He has a car seat and loves to ride in my convertible with the top down.
He also loves the boat and even enjoys a slow ride, pulled behind the boat
on an inflatable raft. However, he does not like to swim. When spoken to,
he cocks his head from side-to-side, as if he understands. I have to disagree
with the statements that Chins do not shed. Our Chin sheds a lot and does
have frequent skin problems. We live in a hot, humid area with year-round
flea activity and this probably contributes to the problems. I highly recommend
this breed to anyone who wants a loving companion and will make time to
return the love. They do not like being separated from their family and
will act depressed and anxious if left alone (that is why our Chin travels
with us).
AmyMiller791@attbi.com of Garland, TX writes:
We love Japanese Chins!
I met my first Japanese Chin eight years ago when I was called at work
by a small breed rescue group and asked to pick up a Japanese Chin at my
local animal shelter. I had no idea what to expect as I had never even heard
of the breed. I picked her up and brought her home. My husband and I fell
in love with her instantly. She had been surrendered by her owner because
the owner had to take in her three young grandchildren and she was snapping
at the kids when they pulled on her ears and tail. (who could blame her?).
We don't have any children and I wouldn't recommend this breed to people
with small children. Japanese Chins are very much like children (and cats).
They love to play and give kisses but you shouldn't play rough with them.
Japanese Chins love to play with other Japanese Chins. We have adopted three
more Chins and now have four of them. They have the cutest little bark you've
ever heard. It sounds like: woo-woo-woo. They are very much lap dogs but
sometimes want their space. They will climb on the top of the couch and
take a nap (like a cat) and they can get in and out of tiny spaces, too.
They show that they love us, too. They can tell when we're sick or feeling
bad and they are respectful of our feelings. This breed has captured our
hearts and their sweet faces always keep us smiling. I feel sorry for people
who haven't heard of this breed because they are really missing out. Japanese
Chins need to live indoors because of their flat faces. Long ago, these
dogs only sat in the laps of kings and queens. I feel very fortunate to
have four of them in my family and I love spoiling them. They are very regal
dogs. Japanese Chins don't have a shedding problem and are fairly easy to
train (although I do have some chewed up furniture from the puppy days).
I highly recommend this breed to anyone who has a lot of love to give, no
small children and the willingness to make a commitment for the life of
the dog.
ijimenez@theglobe.com of Puerto Rico writes on 12/20/00:
Excellent companion.
I have two wonderful Jap Chins at home. One is brown and white and the other
black and white. They are very loving and they follow anybody at home wherever
they go. One of them likes to take baths without requesting him to do so
, he just jumps on the bathtub and plays under the shower. They care for
each other and they kiss and cuddle the whole day and cry for each other
if they are apart for any reason. They are obedient and submissive and learn
pretty fast.
Bunnylover007@aol.com of Vernon, BC writes on 10/14/00:
A superb breed.
Japanese Chins are one of the best breeds of dog you can get. When you get
a Japanese Chin you not only get a excelant agility dog, you get a companion
for life. When you get a Japanese Chin you get a life long partner that
will help you with anything you will ever need. Even if they dont think
they can do it, they will try anything to please you. Lets say you want
it to go down stairs, it may not want to but to please you, it will.
mkl3@prodigy.net of Glen Burnie, MD writes on 4/4/00:
The smartest,most affectionate pet.
I am usually a cat person but I adopted a "left-over" male red/white
Japanese Chin from a breeder. This dog has become my most comforting companion.
He is by my side wherevery I am in the house and I love taking him out and
about. Almost no one knows this breed (how many times have people asked
me if he is a Pomeranian!) but I think they should. Anyone who has a Chin
who is not quite up to breed standards, I am ready to adopt another pet.
I love this breed!
Name withheld by request of Atlanta, GA writes on 3/29/00:
I will never own anything but a Chin.
I have two Chin, and they are the lights of my life. They are climbers,
and love to be right with their humans. So if you are very fastidious about
your furniture, you should not own a Chin. They are very feline, and have
amazing use of their forepaws. I could sit and watch my boys play for hours
on end. They do not like formal training per se, but they are very well-behaved.
They respond immediately to scolding. But they are definitely not the dog
for someone who likes to discipline harshly. They are exceedingly sensitive
emotionally. But as someone above mentioned, they are much sturdier than
they look. They are the easiest puppies I have ever had. They make the cutest
little noises too! I could go on and on about my Chinnies!
georgec@wkpowerlink.com of Canada writes on 2/20/00:
Most lovable dog I have ever owned,
I have always had large dogs but this time decided to get a smaller dog
that would be easier to take with us when we go camping. We decided on the
Japanese Chin and have never been disappointed. She is quiet, clean, lovable
and very affectionate. We take her everywhere we go including to work. Most
of the time, we forget she is even with us she is so quiet. I would recommend
this breed of dog to anyone who wants a loving companion.
lizschallack@juno.com of Chicago, Il writes on 2/9/00:
Endearing, unique, and sometimes too-smart-for-their-own-good dogs.
We have two Chin ancd could not be happier with our breed choice. These
bright, happy, pushy little dogs find their way into your heart so quickly!
They're not finicky eaters, require very little grooming, and are excellent
companions. Our two Chin often think they're cats and are amazingly agile
and playful. Don't let their small size fool you, they are sturdy little
dogs. They are alert and make great watch dogs, although they would kiss
any burgular who might come into your home. I can't imagine life without
my two Chin, and neither can my husband, who previous to becoming a Chin
Dad was NOT a dog person. The Chin is a perfect dog for a family, a couple,
or a single person, young or old.
Wer4dawgs@aol.com of Lancaster County, PA writes on 10/16/99:
Fantastic toy breed!
I would agree with the below review completely. I would add, however, that
they ARE toys that need to be treated with care around kids. Small kids
that aren't careful could hurt the trusting Chin.
Also, if one lives in a hot climate, they need care taken to avoid conditions
that will make their breathing difficult, since they are very short-faced.
Mine loves to run and RUN in our yard, regardless of the heat, and I need
to stop him at times. They are undoubtedly charmers! They are NOT yappers,
and they are exceedingly friendly, loving every friendly person that they
get to know. As stated above, they do get along famously with other dogs.
They are not bossy or offensive, and they love canine companionship. On
top of all that, they are exceedingly beautiful little dogs, aristocratic
and elegant in their oriental way. I count it among my richest blessings
to be owned by a Chin!
tynee@mindpring.com of Atlanta, GA writes on 10/11/99:
Charming, lively, intelligent breed with discerning tastes.
The Japanese Chin is the most satisfying, intelligent, and affectionate
breed I have ever owned. They are spontaneously funny, love to live in groups,
and are non-threatening to both humans and other animals. They are the calmest
of the toy dogs and do not bark without cause. They are healthy, easy to
groom, and easy to train. Their only purpose is to be a companion to an
appreciative human. The Japanese Chin makes an excellent second dog as a
companion to any breed. While most are overtly affectionate, a few may remain
a little aloof until they get to know someone well. The plural of Japanese
Chin is Chin...we do not say, "Chins."