Japanese ChinCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says that, according to old records, the Chin's ancestors were presented to the Japanese court in 732 by the rulers of Korea, of the Silla dynasty. For another hundred years many such dogs reached Japan, and envoys sent to China and to the kingdom of Po Hai brought them back directly.

Under the shogun Tsunayoshi Tokugawa (1680–1709), the breed was kept as a companion dog in Edo Castle. In 1613 a British captain, Searles, took a Chin to England, and in 1853 the American Commodore Perry took several to the United States; two of them were given to Queen Victoria.

How the breed developed

• 732 – The breed's ancestors are presented to the Japanese court.
• 1613 – A Chin reaches England, brought by Captain Searles.
• 1680–1709 – The breed is kept in Edo Castle.
• 1853 – Commodore Perry takes several dogs to the United States.
• 2 December 1957 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 4 April 2016 – The current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

It is a small, elegant dog with a broad face. The AKC says its large, round, dark eyes give it “a look of astonishment”, while the rich mane and the plumed tail, carried over the back, complete the picture.

General appearance

The skull is broad and rounded, and the nose is very short, in line with the eyes. The long coat covers the whole body except the face and forms rich feathering on the ears, neck, thighs and tail.

The coat is white with black or red markings. The standard prefers the markings to be placed symmetrically around the eyes and on the ears, with a broad white blaze from the muzzle to the top of the head.

The FCI standard describes it as intelligent, gentle and charming. The AKC says that, having been bred purely as a companion, its only job has been to delight and comfort its people.

It is often called “cat-like”. The AKC says training is easy if you make it think it is only doing what it wants.

Tips for effective training

• Make training a game. Work with patience and rewards.
• Keep it on the lead outdoors. The AKC says it may refuse to listen when it sees something interesting.
• Be careful with young children. It is a small, delicate dog.
• Avoid the heat. Its short muzzle makes it sensitive to high temperatures.

The AKC says it is a fairly active little dog that enjoys leisurely walks and exploring a fenced yard. The breed is an excellent choice for life in a flat.

Tips for a balanced life

• It is well suited to a flat.
• In summer, walk it in the morning and evening.
• Do not let it loose outdoors without a lead.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the long, silky coat is surprisingly easy to maintain: it needs brushing once a week and a bath about once a month. The nails grow very quickly and should be trimmed regularly.

Common health problems

The AKC says the breed is generally healthy, and responsible breeders screen their dogs for:

Other care

• Clean the folds around the eyes every day.
• Brush its teeth often.
• Trim the nails regularly.

The AKC says some dogs gain weight easily, so calories and weight should be watched.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give its food in two or three small meals a day.
• Treats count towards the daily portion.
• Choose small kibble suited to small breeds.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• “A look of astonishment”. This is how fans of the breed describe the expression of its eyes.
• Like a cat. It is often compared to a cat.
• A gift for Queen Victoria. Two of the dogs brought by Perry were given to the Queen.
• A castle dog. It was kept in Edo Castle in the time of the shogun Tsunayoshi.
• More than 1,200 years old. Old records place its ancestors in Japan in 732.

Queen Alexandra and Punch

Alexandra of Denmark, later Queen of Great Britain, was painted in 1893 with her Chin, named Punch, Wikipedia notes.

Is the Japanese Chin a spaniel?

No. It is sometimes called the Japanese Spaniel, but it is a companion dog, not a hunting dog.

How big does it get?

Males measure about 25 cm at the withers; the AKC gives 3–5 kg.

Is it suited to an apartment?

Yes, the AKC considers it an excellent choice for a flat.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 10–12 years.