|
The Canine Chronicles Directory
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chins have a soft, silky coat with long feathering. The neck and chest
is covered with thick hair. The coat colors are black/white, red/white or white
with colored patches. These patches can be red, yellow, orange, sable, or brindle.
Japanese Chins generally have a white spot in the middle of their foreheads. This
has come to be known as "Buddha's Thumbprint" and is attributed to Emperor Ming
of Han China, who owned many of these dogs. The short, broad muzzle has a well-defined
stop. The forehead is round and the muzzle is upturned. The protruding, almond-shaped
eyes are dark, wide-set and has white coloring in the inner corners. The pendant
ears are triangular in shape and the wide nose has open nostrils. The nose color
should coordinate with the coat markings. For example: black and white color coated
Japanese Chins should have black noses. The teeth should meet in a level or should
form an undershot bite. The straight front legs should be fine-boned and the feathered
tail should curve over the back.
|
|
Temperament
|
Japanese Chins are elegant, lively, playful, sensitive and happy dogs. They are
affectionate, loving and loyal towards their owners. This breed loves everyone,
although they are suspicious of strangers. Since this breed is small and delicate,
children must be very gentle with this dog. They may be better suited with older
children. They are generally good with other dogs and household pets. Japanese Chins
are independent and have a mind of their own. They also love being the center of
attention. This breed keeps very clean and uses their paws to wash their faces.
This breed prefers to be surrounded by familiar areas and becomes uncomfortable
in new or unknown situations. They have a deeper bark compared to other toy breed
but overall they are a quiet breed. Since they are active and alert, they make great
watchdogs.
|
|
Height, Weight
|
Height: 7-11" ; Weight: 4-15 lbs.
|
|
Health Problems
|
Like most short-muzzled dogs, the Chin can tend to snore and wheeze. They are prone
to respiratory and eye problems and some are prone to distemper.
|
|
Living Conditions
|
Chins will do great with apartment living but need regular exercise. They are sensitive
to weather extremes.
|
|
Exercise
|
This breed does not need a lot of exercise. They enjoy a daily walk and any opportunity
to run off their lead.
|
|
Life Expectancy
|
Under 10 years
|
|
Grooming
|
This breed should be brushed or combed daily to keep the coat looking full and beautiful.
Check often for matting. Check ears and eyes regularly for any signs of infection.
Bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.
|
|
Origin
|
There are currently two possible theories on the origin of the Japanese Chin, ironically
neither one of them include Japan. The first states that they were developed from
a Pekingese-like dog in China and brought to Japan by Zen Buddhist monks. The other
theory states that they descended from a lap dog given to the Emperor of Japan in
the year 732 by a Korean diplomat. Despite how they got to Japan, once there, they
became a favorite of the Japanese Court and were often used as royal gifts. Portuguese
sailors first introduced this breed to Europe in the 1600s. They presented them
to Catherine of Braganza who was the Queen Consort of King Charles II of England.
In 1853, after negotiating a trade route to Japan, a pair of Japanese Chins were
presented to American Naval Officer, Admiral Perry. He, in turn gave Queen Victoria
and President of the United States Franklin Pierce, each a pair. Originally this
breed was named the Japanese Spaniel, but in 1977 the AKC renamed them Japanese
Chin. They are recognized by both the AKC and the UKC.
|
|
Group
|
AKC Toy, UKC Companion Dog
|