The Japanese Chin is an ancient dog breed with a long history of esteem as a human companion in Asia. They were well-liked in both the Chinese and Japanese imperial courts, but it was in Japan that they evolved their signature appearance.
These dogs are purebreds, however, they may sometimes be found in rescue organizations. Don’t forget the importance of adopting! If you’re looking to adopt a dog, you shouldn’t go shopping.
Elegant and delicate, kind and sociable, this breed is a joy to have around the house. They are surprisingly tolerant of apartment living and first-time pet owners, however, they do not like long periods of isolation. These canines are also known to be climbers; it is not uncommon to come home to discover your dog perched precariously on a tabletop, chair, or other oddly elevated perch. If you show your Chin enough of affection, they will reward you with a calm, loving companion.
You may get detailed information on Japanese Chins and their characteristics down below.
Japanese Chin Characteristics
Adaptability
Fits well with apartment life
Small dogs aren’t always better suited to life in an apartment, despite common perception. Many little dogs have too much energy and bark too much to be suitable apartment pets. A good dog for an apartment should be low-key, peaceful inside, and friendly with neighbors. And to offer your dog some more privacy in your home, you can get a great crate right here.
Helpful For First-Time Homeowners
Some dogs are just more docile and responsive to training than others. They can shrug off your inconsistencies and blunders without breaking a sweat.
Sensitive, headstrong, or aggressive dogs might be challenging for first-time dog owners. It’s important to think about your past dog-owning experiences while picking out a new pet.
Degree of Sensitivity
Though some canines seem to shrug off even the harshest of corrections, others seem to take even the slightest of disapproval to heart. Dogs with low sensitivity, also known as “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” are better able to adapt to a loud or assertive owner, a sporadic or shifting schedule, and general chaos. Do you run a busy household, participate in a band, host many dinner parties, or have small children? Choose a canine with a low threshold for discomfort.
Is Comfortable Being Alone
Some dog breeds have strong emotional bonds with their human family members, making them anxious or even panicky when left alone. When a dog is stressed out, he or she may exhibit destructive behaviors such as excessive barking, whining, or chewing. These dogs perform best in households where someone is home throughout the day or in which the owner may bring the dog with them to work.
Resists freezing temperatures
Greyhounds and other short-coated breeds are especially susceptible to the cold because they have no undercoat and very little body fat. Low-temperature tolerant dogs should be kept indoors in cool climates and should wear a coat or sweater when going for walks outside.
Weather Extremes
Overheating is especially dangerous for dogs with thick, double coats. Short-nosed dog breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs are also at risk since they can’t cool themselves down as effectively by panting. Dogs of heat-sensitive breeds should be kept indoors on hot, humid days, and owners should take special care not to overexert their pets while walking them.
All Around Friendliness
Possessing a Heartfelt Devotion Towards Relatives
Some dog breeds remain distant and independent even if they have been raised by the same person from the time they were puppies, while others form strong attachments to one human member of the family and treat everyone else as expendable. Canines that were socialized and nurtured in a family environment develop stronger bonds with their human companions than dogs raised in shelters.
Kid-Friendly
A kid-friendly dog is patient and kind with kids, strong enough to withstand the hugs and pets kids may give out, and unfazed by their constant running and yelling. Whom you find on that list may come as a shock. Fierce-looking Both boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers have an excellent reputation for being with kids (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, like other small, fragile canines, may easily snap if provoked.
The following dogs are not suitable for families with young children
Dogs, like humans, have distinct personalities. Our ratings are broad generalizations and should not be taken as predictions about the behavior of any particular breed or dog. Any dog, regardless of breed, may be nice with kids if they have the right life experiences, get proper socialization and training, and have a naturally affable attitude. All dogs, regardless of their breed or type, have powerful jaws and sharp, pointed teeth, and they may bite if they feel threatened. Regardless of the dog’s breed, young children should never be left alone with one.
Warm and fuzzy towards canines
Human friendliness and canine friendliness are two very different things. Even though they’re people-loving couch potatoes, some dogs may attempt to dominate or attack other dogs. Others may choose to play rather than fight, while yet others may flee away. Factors outside breed status also need to be considered. Good canine social skills are more common in dogs who were raised with their litter and mother for at least the first six to eight weeks of their lives and who spend a lot of time playing with other dogs.
Open and Pleasant to Strangers
Some dogs are friendly to strangers and will welcome them with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are timid, aloof, or even hostile. Regardless of breed, a dog’s reaction to strangers improves after being exposed to many different humans of varying ages, sizes, and appearances when still a young pup. Keep your dog on a firm leash like this one at all times, no matter how friendly it is.
Health And Grooming Needs
Varying Degrees of Loss of Hair
Any dog owner knows that having a dog in the house means sharing your furniture and clothing with furry dander. The degree to which a breed sheds, however, varies considerably. Some dogs sweat constantly throughout the year, while others only “blow” during certain times of the year. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either choose a low-shedding breed or compromise your standards.
Possible Drooling
Some dogs, when they come up to greet you, may slobber so profusely that they leave large, wet splotches on your clothing and a rope of drool draped over your arm. If you’re not bothered by drool, by all means, have a dog; but if you’re a tidy freak, go for a breed that scores low.
Grooms Easily
Some dog breeds just need to be brushed and left alone, while others need frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming procedures to maintain their health. Think about if you can afford to keep a dog that requires frequent grooming done for you or whether you’d rather spend your time doing anything else.
Wellness in General
Some breeds are predisposed to developing hip dysplasia and other genetic disorders because of irresponsible breeding techniques. In no way does this imply that all dogs of that breed will be affected by these illnesses; rather, it only highlights the fact that they are more likely to do so.
It’s important to research the prevalence of heritable diseases in the breed you’re considering before adopting a puppy. If you’re looking for a dog, you could also inquire as to whether the shelter or rescue has any records detailing the physical status of the dog’s parents and other relatives.
Possibility of Putting On Weight
There are dog breeds that tend to gain weight quickly due to their ravenous appetites. Like people, dogs may have health issues related to being overweight. If you choose a breed that has a tendency to gain weight, you will need to supervise their food intake more closely, schedule frequent meals, and restrict their access to treats.
Consult your veterinarian about the best diet for your dog to maintain a healthy weight. Gaining excess weight increases the risk of developing or exacerbating preexisting conditions like arthritis.
Size
There is a wide range in canine size, from the tiniest Chihuahua to the largest Great Dane, and this range in size is important to consider when determining whether or not a dog would be a good fit for your home. Although large-breed dogs have a reputation for being dominant and intimidating, many of them are actually quite gentle and lovable.
Trainability
Simple To Instruct
Dogs that are simple to train are those who rapidly learn the connection between a cue (like the phrase “sit”), an action (like sitting), and a reward (like obtaining a treat). Some canines take less time to train than others and need more patience and repetition.
Many dog breeds are smart, but often ask, “What’s in it for me?” during training, so it’s important to utilize incentives like treats and fun activities to get them to want to do what you ask.
Intelligence
Dogs that were bred for professions like herding cattle, which involve reasoning, intellect, and focus, need mental exercise equally as much as dogs who were trained to run all day. If they aren’t challenged intellectually, they will find ways to occupy themselves, often in ways, you wouldn’t approve of, like digging or chewing. Some activities that are beneficial for a dog’s mental health include: obedience training, interactive dog toys, canine sports and occupations like agility and search and rescue, and even just playing with your dog.
Possibility of Being Rude
Mouthiness refers to the behavior of nipping, chewing, and play-biting (a soft, rather painless bite that does not penetrate the skin) and is typical of puppies of all breeds and adult Retrievers of all ages. Dogs with a tendency to “herd” or “hold” their human family members with their lips require special training to understand that it’s OK to nibble on chew toys but not on humans. Large-muzzled dogs love to play retrieve and gnaw on toys filled with food and goodies.
Motive to Hunt
A dog’s genetic programming gives hunting breeds like Terriers an innate drive to pursue and, in some cases, kill prey. The sight of a fast-moving object, such as a cat, squirrel, or even an automobile, might arouse that response. Having a high, safe fence in your yard is essential if you have a dog that likes to chase and you plan on taking it outside. When it comes to cats, hamsters, and tiny dogs, these breeds aren’t the best choice since they may easily be mistaken for prey by larger animals. Breeds that were initially employed for bird hunting, on the other hand, normally won’t pursue, but you’ll probably have a hard time gaining their attention when there are birds flying past.
the inclination to make noises like a dog or wolf
Some breeds sound off more frequently than others. You should consider about how frequently a breed of dog may bark or howl before committing to a certain breed. Do you find the distinctive howls of hounds to be musical or annoying? Do you need to worry that your potential watchdog will be on high alert in a city full of unknown people? Will the surrounding fauna cause your dog to go completely crazy? Do you have noise ordinances where you stay? Is there anybody living close by? Then you may prefer to select a calmer dog.
Possibility of Nomadism
There are dog breeds that just have more souls than others. Dogs from the Nordic region, such as the Siberian Husky, were developed for extended foraging and would quickly cover ground to pursue an object of their attention. The hounds’ instincts tell them to pursue their noses, or the rabbit that darted across the trail, even if it means they have to leave you in the dust.
What We Need Physically
Potential Power Output
Dogs with plenty of energy are usually up for a good time. They have the energy to labor an entire day since they were originally bred to do a canine duty, like retrieving game for hunters or herding animals. Extreme physical and mental exertion is required of them, so you may expect to see them running about, leaping on furniture, and sniffing around new environments.
A low-energy dog is like a human who prefers to spend their days lounging on the sofa. Think about your personal activity level and daily routine to determine whether a dog with boundless energy would be a welcome addition or a source of stress when deciding on a breed.
Intensity
Even if it doesn’t have a lot of energy, a lively dog will do everything with extra pep: pull on the leash (unless you teach them not to), charge at obstacles, and even gulp down food and water. These powerhouses need extensive training to develop social graces and may not be suitable for a family with small children or the elderly and/or infirm. On the other hand, a low-energy dog does things more slowly.
Needs for Physical Activity / For certain dog breeds, a brisk evening walk around the block is all that’s required. Others, particularly those who were initially bred for physically demanding professions like herding or hunting, require strenuous exercise on a regular basis.
Without regular playtime, dogs of these kinds are more likely to gain weight and act out destructively. High-energy dog sports, like agility, are perfect for high-energy owners, so individuals who like being active outside might consider adopting a high-energy dog breed.
Possibility of Having Fun
A few canines never outgrow their puppy stage, always demanding attention and a new game, while others are much more reserved and calm. A lively dog may seem cute, but it’s important to think about how often you’ll be able to play fetch or tag with it and whether or not you already have kids or other pets.
More About This Breed
Jive talkin’! What’s that on your mantle, a Japanese Chin? It is! Inhabitants of households with Chinos often express amazement at their pets’ almost supernatural ability to jump towering pieces of furniture. The miniature Catlike traits in Japanese Chin include a predilection for heights, an aptitude for climbing, and a propensity for frequent bathing. It has also been said that he bats at things in a very catlike manner.
Aside from a few cat-like characteristics, the Japanese Chin possesses every desirable trait in a canine companion. He is at his best when surrounded by his people, and he has an unconditional fondness for every one of them. However, due to their small size and need for human interaction, Japanese Chin are not suited to life in the outdoors or in a kennel, and fare best in an apartment setting.
With their huge, broad heads, enormous, wide-set eyes, and flattened faces, Japanese Chin are instantly recognizable as an Oriental breed. Ears that droop downward in a V shape and are placed at the crown of the head. They swagger about with their fluffy tail draped proudly over their shoulders.
The thick coat they sport is deceptive. To keep his refined beauty, all a Chin requires is a weekly brushing and the occasional bath. The coat seldom mats and never has to be trimmed, with the exception of the ear fringes.
The Japanese Chin is a well-mannered, intelligent dog with a rapid memory and a strong will of his own. As soon as training starts to seem like a chore, he will ditch it for something more exciting. It may take some time and effort to housetrain him, but he will eventually catch on.
The Japanese Chin is known for being a friendly and outgoing breed. He gets along well with other pets and is a fun companion for kids of all ages, especially older ones. However, because to his little stature, he is not recommended for households with young children. Chin are kind and caring individuals who are committed to their families, yet they are naturally reserved in social circumstances. People in this culture tend to be reserved at first while meeting new people.
The Japanese Chin is low maintenance in terms of physical activity, making it a good fit for persons with mobility issues. A daily walk or play session is great for him, but he won’t wreck your house if you simply lounge around all day with him and feed him treats. Chin are playful pets, and their graceful agility means they seldom cause any damage to the house during their playful sprints through it.
These canines are known for their sensitivity. They take on the temperament of their owners and the people they live with. Even though the Japanese Chin has all the great qualities of a companion dog, he will become quiet and reclusive if he lives in a household that is loud and lively. A bright and social personality is a byproduct of a busy household.
The Chin is lovable and appealing to the point of addiction. His fans can’t fathom a world without him, and many of them can’t even see it with just one.
Highlights
- The Japanese Chin is catlike in many ways. The breed is commonly seen grooming itself by licking its paws and wiping its head. Also, they enjoy being up high and will perch on the back of couches and on tables.
- Considered to be an average shedder, the Japanese Chin requires a few minutes of brushing each day to remove loose hair and to keep the coat from tangling.
- Japanese Chin do not handle heat very well and need to be monitored on hot days to ensure that they don’t overexert themselves.
- Due to the breed’s flat face, Japanese Chin will often snort, sniffle, or reverse sneeze. Generally, a Japanese Chin is still able to breathe through this, but if the attack becomes severe, you can try gently stroking his neck.
- Japanese Chin does well in apartments.
- Although Japanese Chin are intelligent and eager to please, they require interesting, fun-filled training sessions. Otherwise, they get bored and will turn their attention to something more entertaining.
- Japanese Chin do very well with older children but are not recommended for homes with smaller children due to their small size. They can be seriously injured with minimal force.
- Japanese Chin are companion dogs who thrive when they are with the people they love. They should not live outside or in a kennel away from their family.
- Japanese Chin require a lower amount of exercise compared to other breeds but they do enjoy a daily walk or play in the yard.
- Japanese Chin don’t like being parted from their people, and separation anxiety is a common problem in the breed.
- To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they’re free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments.
History
The ancestry of the Japanese Chin may be traced back to the imperial court of China. He was so highly valued that he was often presented as a gift to visiting envoys from other countries; it was likely as a gift to the emperor of Japan that he first arrived on the island that would later bear his name. Instead of being classified as an inu (dog) in Japan, Chins were considered to be their own species (chin). There, he was most likely bred with miniature spaniels to get his current appearance.
Unknown to the rest of the world until Commodore Matthew Perry sailed into Uraga Harbor near Edo (present-day Tokyo), Japan’s Chin was first exposed to international commerce in 1853. Many were brought to the United Kingdom and the United States from Japan as the Chin became a sought-after product there.
President Franklin Pierce, Secretary of War at the time Jefferson Davis, and Perry’s daughter Caroline Perry Belmont were among the first Americans to possess the breed. The wealthy and the noble began to favor them. Until 1977, Americans often referred to Japanese Chins as Japanese Spaniels.
Size
The Japanese Chin is sturdily built but with a refined appearance. He stands 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder and weighs between 4 and 9 pounds.
Personality
The depth of character shown by Japanese Chins is an accurate reflection of their nature. He’s a kind, lovable, and clever dog. He is vocal, but not overbearing. Dogs in Chin culture are said to like “singing” and will often “chatter” when visitors or strangers are on the way.
Chin are known to mold their identities to fit the needs of their communities and the feelings of the people around them. The Japanese Chin will develop a reserved demeanor if he is confined to a sombre and tranquil environment. In a dynamic household, he will participate in the fun in order to maintain the energy he enjoys.
Since the Japanese Chin is so loyal to his people, he may have trouble being apart from them. Generally, he’s a friendly dog that loves his family and friends, although he may be timid around strangers.
Health
Chins, like many dog breeds, are predisposed to a few specific diseases. Not every Chin will develop any or all of these ailments, but it’s vital to be aware of them if you’re contemplating this breed.
A reputable breeder will have documentation verifying the parents’ health statuses for the puppy you want to purchase. If a dog obtains a health clearance, it means it has been tested for and found to be free of a certain disease. Hip dysplasia (scored fair or better), elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and von Willebrand’s disease clearances from the OFA; thrombopenia clearance from Auburn University; and eye clearance from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) are all standard fare for Chin. Health clearances may be verified on the OFA website (offa.org).
- Atrioventricular Endocardiosis: Mitral and tricuspid valves are impacted by this degenerative illness. Due to polysaccharide deposits distorting the form of the valves, this condition manifests itself as a leak. In extreme cases, this might cause the heart to stop beating. Some adjustments to your lifestyle, including eating better and getting more exercise, may be required.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A disease of the eyes that deteriorates vision over time. PRA causes gradual blindness due to the degeneration of retinal photoreceptors. As with humans, PRA may be diagnosed long before the dog begins to experience vision loss. A reliable breeder will have their dogs’ eyes checked by a vet ophthalmologist once a year.
- Patellar Luxation: This issue, sometimes known as “slipped stifles,” is quite frequent in toy and miniature breeds of dogs. There are three bones that make up the patella, and when the femur, patella, and tibia are out of alignment, the result is knee pain. As a result, the dog’s stride becomes irregular or its limb becomes lame. Although the actual misalignment or luxation may not happen until much later, this condition is evident from birth. Arthritis, a degenerative joint condition, may be brought on by the rubbing produced by patellar luxation. There are four different degrees of patellar luxation, with grade I locations producing just transitory lameness in the joint and grade IV luxations including significant tibial rotation and an inability to manually correct the patella. This causes the dog to seem bowlegged. It is possible that surgical intervention may be needed to correct a severe case of patellar luxation.
- Heart Murmurs: Blood flow abnormalities between the heart’s chambers are the root cause of heart murmurs. They’re a warning sign of a potential cardiac issue or illness that has to be watched and perhaps treated. The intensity of a heart murmur is measured on a scale from one (very mild) to five (extremely loud). If x-rays and an echocardiogram reveal illness, the dog may need to take medicine, eat a specific diet, and limit his activities.
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: Another condition affecting the hip joint. Unfortunately, this is a common problem among toy dog breeds. When your Japanese Chin suffers from Legg-Perthes, the huge bone at the back of the leg, the femur, receives a diminished blood flow, and the portion of the femur that attaches to the pelvis starts to deteriorate. The limping and muscle atrophy characteristic of Legg-Perthes syndrome typically manifest in young dogs between the ages of four and six months. When the diseased femur is surgically severed from its connection to the pelvis, the situation improves. Surgery results in scar tissue that forms a fake joint, and the puppy is typically pain-free thereafter.
- Cataracts: A cataract is an opacity on the lens of the eye, which causes difficulty in seeing. The eye(s) of the dog will have a cloudy appearance. Cataracts usually occur with old age and can be treated by surgically removing the cataract.
Care
Minimal effort is needed to maintain a Japanese Chin. They don’t need much beyond a regular stroll or an enjoyable play session. They have a will of their own and become bored easily, making training a bit of a challenge. The flip side is that they’ll go to great lengths to make you happy if they like you. If kids make a mistake, a strong voice is all it takes to correct them. If you try to discipline your Chin more forcefully, he will simply get more defiant.
They are notoriously hard to housetrain, but with time, effort, and persistence, most can be taught to use the bathroom outside by the time they are 4 months old.
Japanese Chins are best kept as house pets, not in kennels or outside. They develop unhealthy attachments to their human caretakers and often experience distress when separated from them. With their mild exercise demands, Japanese Chin make great apartment inhabitants.
When walking a Japanese Chin, a harness is preferable over a collar to protect the dog’s fragile neck.
Feeding
Recommended daily amount: 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
It is important when you are feeding your Japanese Chin that users choose a food that is high in fiber. Japanese Chin can suffer from impacted anal glands when their diet lacks good dietary fiber.
NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don’t all need the same amount of food. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference — the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog and the less of it you’ll need to shake into your dog’s bowl.
Coat Color And Grooming
The Japanese Chin is known for its luxurious, soft coat. It has a thick mane, feathered ears, a plumed tail, feathering on the back of the front legs, and light feathering that mimics culottes on the back legs and is of a moderate length. A short coat of hair covers the body, save for the face and forelegs. Coat colors for Japanese Chin range from all-black to all-white to all-black with tan pointing.
The Japanese Chin is an extremely hygienic breed that can go without bathing. I think once a month is plenty. To maintain their fresh appearance and aroma, use a dry shampoo. Use a gentle wash, pat them dry nearly entirely with a towel, and then brush their coat upward and outward with a pin brush. They are ready to move on. Although chins shed, you may minimize the amount of hair that is scattered each week by giving them a good brushing once a week. Tangles may be avoided with regular pin brushings.
To prevent tartar accumulation and the subsequent growth of germs, you should brush your Japanese Chin’s teeth at least twice a week. If you really care about avoiding gum disease and bad breath, cleaning your teeth twice a day is optimal.
If your dog does not naturally wear down his nails, you should trim them once or twice a month to avoid unpleasant rips and other issues. It’s a sign that they’re too lengthy if you can hear them clacking while you walk. Dog toenails include blood veins, so if you cut too deeply, your dog may not comply the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. If you don’t know what you’re doing and want to cut your dog’s nails, consult your doctor or a professional groomer.
If you see any redness or a foul odor coming from his ears, it’s time for a checkup. To reduce the risk of infection, use a cotton swab dipped in a mild, pH-balanced ear cleanser every time you examine your dog’s ears. Nothing should be put into the ear canal; just the external ear should be cleaned.
Starting when he’s a young pup, your Japanese Chin should be comfortable being handled and inspected. Dogs are sensitive to being handled, especially around their feet and mouths. If you make grooming a fun and rewarding experience now, he’ll be much more amenable to veterinarian checkups and other forms of handling later in life.
Inspect the skin, nose, mouth, eyes, and feet for any indications of infection, such as redness, soreness, or inflammation, while you groom. There should be no redness or discharge coming from the eyes. Your thorough weekly checkups will aid in the early detection of any health issues.
Children And Other Pets
To be clear, the Japanese Chin is a very mild-mannered dog, but he is not suitable for households with little children. Overzealous kids may easily damage him. The breed is suitable for families with older children who know how to manage a dog.
Dogs of any breed need the same precautions when around small children: they should be introduced to canines gradually, taught proper contact and approach protocols, and constantly supervised to ensure that no one is hurt. Tell your kid to never disturb a dog when it’s eating or resting, and remind them not to touch the dog’s food. Dogs, even the friendliest ones, should never be left alone with children.
Although Japanese Chins get along well with other pets like dogs and cats, they need to be safeguarded from bigger dogs to prevent play injuries. Cats’ wide eyes are vulnerable to scratches, therefore everyone should be careful to avoid any roughhousing.