Japanese Chin Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Japanese Chin?

The Japanese Chin originated in the Chinese Imperial Court as long as 1,500 years ago. They were considered to be very precious dogs and were frequently gifted to nobles.

They were first brought to the West in the 19th century by Commodore Matthew Perry, who brought one back for President Franklin Pierce, and they soon became popular around Europe.

In 1888, the American Kennel Club recognized the Japanese Chin breed, meaning it's one of the oldest recognized breeds. Up until 1977, they were referred to as the Japanese Spaniel in the United States.

Who are Japanese Chin dogs best for?

The Japanese Chin is the perfect dog for anyone looking for a mischievous and funny companion who will keep you entertained all day long. They're known for having a cheerful and clownish personality and will often prance on their hind legs for your amusement.

They require some daily activity but are fairly content to play and keep themselves busy around the house. So, they are well suited to owners who live a more sedentary life. A short, daily walk should suffice to keep your Chin happy.

Due to their small size and relative quietness, they are well suited to living in apartment complexes and condos. So, although this breed may be used to being around royalty, you certainly don't need a palace to own one!

How much grooming does a Japanese Chin need?

The Japanese Chin's abundant coat will require weekly brushing to prevent it from shedding too much around the house. They'll also need a bath once a month to ensure they stay clean and have a nice, silky coat.

As with most toy breeds, they're susceptible to periodontal disease, so be sure to brush their teeth often with dog toothpaste. Their nails should be trimmed weekly or whenever needed.

Do Japanese Chin bark much?

Japanese Chins are not known to bark frequently, and for this reason, they make good apartment dwellers.

Although they're not yappy, they are talkative and will often amuse their owners with their distinctive 'singing.' They're also known to greet visitors with some welcoming chatter.

Do Japanese Chin bite?

The Japanese Chin are very friendly dogs, and they have a low tendency to bite. As with most dog breeds, the Chin will engage in play-biting and nipping when it's young, but this shouldn't persist once it grows into an adult dog.

They're only really known to bite when they're provoked, in pain or protecting their owner from harm. So, as long as they're handled correctly, biting shouldn't become an issue.

What is the temperament & personality of a Japanese Chin?

The Japanese Chin temperament is renowned for being unique, cheerful and very entertaining. It was bred to amuse royalty and still acts accordingly. As a companion dog, its main passion is spending time around people, meaning you'll never be lonely with a Chin in the house.

They're also known for their slightly eccentric behaviour, and there's a long-standing joke that Chins can actually fly! This is due to their ability to leap up into high places, and they are often compared to felines because of this.

What is the weight & size of a Japanese Chin?

Although they are small dogs, the Japanese Chin is sturdily built.

They will grow to between 20cm-28cm in height and weigh between 1.8kg-4kg.

How much training does a Japanese Chin need?

The Japanese Chin can be a little tricky to train, as they certainly have a mind of their own. They were bred for their charm rather than their trainability.

The best approach is to keep training sessions engaging and fun, with plenty of positive reinforcement. They don't react well to harshness or punishment and will usually just withdraw from the session. So, be sure to avoid a negative approach when training them.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Japanese Chin?

The Japanese Chin is usually a healthy dog, but as with all other dogs, they are prone to some genetic health problems.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy - a disorder that causes degeneration in the photoreceptors at the back of the dog's eyes. This eventually causes blindness, but it can be detected early by a vet.

• Heart Murmurs - this is when the flow of blood through the chambers of the heart is disturbed. Usually, a murmur indicates an underlying heart condition that may need to be treated by changes to diet and medication.

• Patellar Luxation - this is when the dog's kneecap is not properly aligned, meaning it rubs against the joint. This can lead to arthritis over time and causes limping.

• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease - a condition that is common in little dogs; this affects the hip joint through the decreased blood supply to the femur. Atrophy of the leg muscle and limping are early symptoms, and this disease can require surgery.

The best way to make sure your dog stays healthy is to take them for regular checkups at the vet so that any issues can be diagnosed and treated early.

What is the lifespan of a Japanese Chin?

The average life expectancy for the Japanese Chin is 10-12 years. However, if they're well looked after and healthy, they have been known t0 exceed this.

Though they don't need much exercise, daily walks and lots of mental stimulation will give you a happier, healthier dog and give them the best chance of living the longest life possible.

How much should you feed a Japanese Chin?

As with all other dogs, the amount your pooch needs to eat depends on their size, age and activity levels. The recommended amount for Japanese Chins is 1/4 to 1/2 a cup of dry food a day, split between two meals.

The Japanese Chin Dog breed has been known to suffer from impacted anal glands if they don't get enough fibre in their diet. So, make sure you feed them high quality, dry food that is also high in fibre.

What is the price of a Japanese Chin in Australia?

Depending on their breeding, the price of Japanese Chin puppies varies widely. The price starts at $300 and can go as high as $2,500.

To make sure you're getting a Japanese Chin puppy that is healthy and to avoid puppy mills, you should always buy from a reputable breeder. You can find lists of registered breeders by contacting a national breed club, such as the Australian National Kennel Council.