The Japanese Chin, also known as the Japanese Spaniel is the dog of Japanese royalty. This toy breed has a distinctive heritage. The Japanese Chin is a sensitive and intelligent breed whose only purpose is to serve as a companion.
History
The true origin of the Chin remains a matter of controversy. It is widely agreed that these dogs originated in China. Some maintain the ancestors of these dogs first appeared in Japan around the year 732, as gifts from the rulers of Korea, while others maintain that they were given as gifts to the Empress of Japan as early as the mid-6th century to 7th century, and even some saying they came to Japan as recently as around the year 1000. The Chin were the dogs of Japanese nobility and each noble house bred to their own standards. Because of this, there are many variations of the Chin in any area from size to coat density, eye set, personality, whether they are compact and well-muscled or slender-boned and fragile in appearance, etc.
Though there is some documentation that indicates Portuguese sailors introduced the breed to Europe in the 17th century by presenting some to Catherine of Braganza, Queen Consort to King Charles II of England, there is more credible evidence that the first Chin were gifted by the Emperor of Japan to an American naval officer, Matthew Calbraith Perry, when Perry visited the Orient in 1853 to open trade with the East. Perry was gifted with a total of 7 Chin; however, only 2 survived the passage back. Again, there is controversy over whether Perry gave the two to Franklin Pierce, President of the United States, gave them to James Stirling, Rear admiral of the Royal Navy to take to Queen Victoria.
Appearance
Japanese Chin have a distinctive flat face. They stand about 8 to 11 inches in height at the withers and weight can vary from a low of 4 lbs to a high of 20 lbs, with an average of 7 to 9 lbs being average. The American Kennel Club and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale give no weight requirement for the Chin.
Temperament
This breed is considered one of the most cat-like of the dog breeds in attitude. They are alert, intelligent, and independent, and often use their paws to wash and wipe their face and each other. Other cat-like traits include their preference for resting on high surfaces such as the backs of sofas and chairs, their ability to walk across a coffee table without disturbing an item, and some of the surprising places their owners often find them in. They rank 62nd in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, being of fair working/obedience intelligence. A companion dog, it is loving and loyal to its owner and typically happy to see other people, though can be distrustful of strangers. Chin prefer familiar surroundings, but do quite well in new situations and are often used as therapy dogs because of this trait and their love of people. The Chin will bark for the purpose of alerting the household to the arrival of a visitor or something out of the ordinary, but are otherwise very quiet. Chin were bred for the purpose of loving and entertaining their people. While typically a calm little dog, they are well known for performing many enjoyable antics such as the "Chin Spin," in which they turn in rapid circles; dancing on their hind legs while pawing their front feet, clasped together, in the air; and, some even "sing".
Lifespan
The Japanese Chin has a typical life expectancy of 10-12 years with some living 15 years or more.
Health
This breed's flattened face contributes to a few Chin suffering from breathing and heart problems, as is common with brachycephalic breeds. Luxating patellas (knees) and heart murmurs are other genetically predisposed conditions.
Care
The Chin's coat requires nothing more than brushing or combing once every day or two to maintain its appearance, with special attention being given to the area under the ears and legs and to the skirt; they have no coat odor and do not require frequent bathing. Chin will shed their hair.
Due to low exercise requirements, the Chin makes a perfect condominium or apartment pet. The Chin is very easy to housetrain.
Breed Registries : CKC, AKC, FCI
