Japanese Chin Breed History
The Japanese Chin is not from Japan, but has its origination from China. It is a member of the AKC Toy Group and was officially recognized by that organization in 1888. They are the 91st most popular dog breed according to the AKC. Chins come in four basic colors with varying shades of those colors. The Japanese Chin’s foundation color is white with markings of either black, tan, red, or a mixture of these colors. Chins are extremely intelligent and sensitive. Their only purpose is to serve as a companion. They are suitable for apartments and homes with limited space.
Temperament
The Japanese Chin tends to emulate in temperament what he is exposed to living in your home. If your home is noisy and busy, your dog will most likely be outgoing. If your home is solitary and quiet, your dog will most likely be quiet and reserved. Treated right, you have a best friend for life – treated wrong, you’ve lost a best friend forever.
Japanese Chins are somewhat active and enjoy walking, learning new tricks, and jumping up into your lap. They also enjoy a good romp in an open yard. Agile, playful, and mischievous, they are extremely cat-like in nature – smart or coy when it suits them. They climb like no other dog and often perch on the back of chairs or the sofa. Loyal and loving, Chins enjoy performing before a private audience of friends. When excited they will often spin in a circle repetitively. (See Japanese Chin Video on this site.) Chins are charming and regal, loving those they favor, and nobly reserved with strangers.
Grooming
The Japanese Chin’s coat is silky and flowing. Surprisingly it is low maintenance but it does shed. Young dogs (teen stage 7-9 months) may look almost naked due to the lack of fur. The beautiful coat of adulthood will not develop until the dog is more than a year old. Regular brushing and an occasional bath will keep your Chin clean and looking good. Sometimes your Japanese Chin may offer some unnecessary help by trying to groom himself by licking his paws and rubbing his face cat like.
Japanese Chins have strong, fast growing nails which need regular trimming with a nail clipper or grinder in order to avoid splitting and cracking. Their ears should be routinely checked for wax build up and debris which can result in an infection. Chins teeth should be brushed regularly as well.
Heath and Nutrition
Japanese Chins need good ventilation and fresh water during warm/hot weather because Chins are very sensitive to heat and humidity. Generally Japanese Chins are a healthy breed. As in all breeds, there can be health issues like cardiac disease, patellar luxation and eye disease. Some Chins may have health issues during their life time, but overall, Chins are healthy dogs. It is wise to seek out a responsible breeder who does genetic testing of their breeding dogs to reduce the possibility of disease in their offspring.
Good nutrition is very important all life long for health and longevity (about 1-14 years). Clean, fresh water should be available at all times. You veterinarian is the best resource for nutritional information for your Japanese Chin.