Japanese Chin Dog Breed Information

Group

Toy

Weight

1.8-6.8 kg

Height

20-28 cm

Lifespan

12-14 years

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About the Japanese Chin

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

The Japanese Chin is a dog with plenty of quirky mannerisms that are guaranteed to keep you entertained. Bred for royalty, these charming little dogs are fluffy balls of affection and amusement. They’re brimming with character and make perfect companions, and are also pretty easy to care for.

Their size and temperament mean they’re ideal for people who live in apartments, and they require little exercise. So, no huge walks but plenty of cuddles!

This guide will help you get acquainted with this adorable breed and provide you with some tips to keep them happy and healthy. Who knows, maybe this will be the start of your new canine adventure.

What is the history & origin of the Jack-a-Poo?

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.

What is a Jack-a-Poo breed?

The Japanese Chin is an adorable toy breed. Its flat face, plumed tail, and feathered ears give it a very distinctive appearance. But, don’t be fooled; these dogs have real intelligence despite their cute looks.

These purebred dogs were bred to be companion dogs and are very devoted to their owners. As most fans of this breed will tell you, they have maintained a certain regal air to them and will take pride in being perched on your lap.

Who is a Jack-a-Poo 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!

Jack-a-Poo Grooming & Shedding

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 Jack-a-Poos bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Jack-a-Poo dog?

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-6.8 kg.

Are Jack-a-Poos easy to train?

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.

How do Jack-a-Poos behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Jack-a-Poo have any common health issues?

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 Jack-a-Poo?

The average life expectancy for the Japanese Chin is 12-14 years. However, if they’re well looked after and healthy, they have been known to 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 does a Jack-a-Poo need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for a Jack-a-Poo 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.

Jack-a-Poo FAQs

Is a Japanese Chin ideal for a first-time dog owner?

The Japanese Chin Dog is an excellent pet for a first-time owner, as it doesn’t require a great deal of exercise and is pretty easy to care for. They love attention and affection and give plenty back in return, so they could well be your perfect introduction into the canine world.

Do Japanese Chins suffer from separation anxiety?

Japanese Chins are particularly prone to separation anxiety and react badly if left alone for more than a couple of hours. As they were bred to be companions who rarely leave their owner’s side, they need constant company, and they become very stressed when they’re lonely.

Due to this, they are not suitable dogs for people who will be away from home for long periods of time.

Are Japanese Chins hypoallergenic dogs?

The Japanese Chin Dog breed is not considered to be hypoallergenic as they do shed quite a bit. Although they may not shed as much as other long-haired breeds, they will leave dander around the house, which causes reactions in people who are allergic to dogs.

Will a Japanese Chin need professional grooming?

Because of their long coat, many people assume Japanese Chins will be high maintenance when it comes to grooming. But they’re actually very easy to care for.

They need to be brushed weekly, preferably with a pin brush, and bathed once a month to keep them clean. Their nails do grow pretty quickly, so they will usually need to be trimmed every one or two weeks.

Aside from this, there isn’t much more grooming that they require, so a professional groomer shouldn’t really be necessary for this breed.