Dog Breeds 101: Japanese Chin

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The lively and lovable Japanese Chin is a dedicated companion and a dog that always seems to be happy. These dogs love climbing on high perches that’s why they have always been said to have a cat’s nature. However, any similarity ends there for the Japanese Chins are far from being independent. In fact, they get overly attach to their humans. They rely on human companionship in order for them to be fully happy and satisfied. These dogs also have a unique facial expression; the inner corners of their eyes have a little bit of white making them look always surprised. [1] [2]

The Japanese Chin is a toy dog and can only grow up to 11 inches tall weighing between 4 to 9 pounds. The breed has an average life span of 10 to 14 years. The single coat is long, straight and silky which can come in the color combinations of black and white, red and white or black and white with tan markings. [1]

This breed originated in ancient Chinese imperial court and were highly prized companions. The dogs were usually given to visitors from foreign lands and one dog was given to the emperor of Japan. There, the breed developed and were not considered as dogs (Inu) by the Japanese but were viewed as an entirely different entity called ‘Chin’. The Japanese Chin developed over time with little influence outside its homeland because Japan closed itself from the world starting from the 1600s until the 1800s. When the country finally opened its ports in the mid 1850s, the world finally met the highly prized Chin. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 although back then, the dogs were known as Japanese Spaniels. It was only in 1977 that the breed’s name was officially changed to Japanese Chin. [3] [4]