| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
The Japanese Chin became famous in the Land of the Rising sun, among Samurai´s wives.
The Japanese Chin, also known as Japanese Spaniel, originated in China; this is a beautiful small companion dog with a peculiar coat and elegant aspect which makes it very popular for those who are looking for a toy dog.
Historically, this breed is acknowledged for its popularity among Japanese nobility; nowadays the Chin breed is known for its prestige and nobility links throughout time.
Japanese Chin: Origins
According to most researchers, it is said that this breed arrived in Japan from China, but after all, their actual ancient origins are a mystery. What we know is that because of its appearance and personality, in a short time it became a favorite in the Land of Raising Sun’s nobility, every noble family had one of these dogs and only those who could boast about their blue blood could own one of these dogs.
According to the legend, the Chin Dog’s origin dates back to Buda, who wanted one as his personal companion dog. Certainly, once the breed arrived in Japan, it became the aristocrats and emperor’s idol. For instance Hirohito (the Japanese Emperor for more than 60 years and the current emperor’s grandfather) had more than 20 of these dogs in his palace.
In Japan the Chin is known as “Chinu” and during the Edo period (between the 17th and 18th century) it was a tradition to give to most important Samurai’s wives a Japanese Chin as a present, this was the way in which the breed propagated.
Japanese Chin: The Noble and Aristocratic Dog
In a short period of time, they became a member of the family, treated with all the attention of a guest, therefore with all the comforts, thanks to their discretion and low need of scampering.
Some dogs even had their own room with their own tatami. In the West, this breed arrived for the first time at the beginning of the 17th century, but only by the middle of the 19th century Commodore Perry went back to his homeland with some dogs in his entourage. They also eventually arrived at the White House and to the Queen of England’s Court. In the UK, their status of nobility’s dog was reaffirmed. The most famous Chin Dog was immortalized in paintings next to Queen Alexandra and her daughter Victoria.
Nowadays, the Chin dog breed can be subdivided according to the size, coat, eyes and temperament. The most typical colors are black and white, or red and white, they are never tricolor.
The Japanese Chin has a short muzzle with lips that surround the nose like a big smile; it has big eyes which are very expressive. Generally, this dog is 10 inches tall and weighs 8 lb.
Japanese Chin: Temperament
More than a dog, it is a cat. The Japanese Chin has personality traits that make it more similar to a feline than to a wolf. Just like cats, the Chin is alert, smart and independent. Usually, it uses its paws to clean its face; it loves to rest on high surfaces and has a good sense of balance. Moreover, same as the kitties, they love to hide everywhere, taking advantage of their small size, using their size as an advantage. They are cute and they stick to their owner without feeling subordinated.
Chins are very lively; they do not bark too much, they just do this to inform the owner about some visitor or just to bring up some attention about something that is unfamiliar. They also make some “performances” voluntarily because of their hyperactive temperament, and it is not unusual to see them running in circles, spinning, dancing on their back paws or even singing when they are happy. They have their Zen or meditation time as well.
The Chin is a breezy dog, you cannot really notice that if you take in consideration its small size, but you must take them regularly for walks and allow them to run. However, this is a well-educated dog, suitable to live in an apartment; the only request is that you should not leave them alone for too long, as they could really suffer.
Their coat requires brushing and combing at least once a week, with special attention underneath their ears and legs. The Chin does not need frequent baths and in general they do not have undercoats. Also, it is necessary to clean the muzzle with a wet cloth from time to time, to avoid skin folds to accumulate too much humidity which could cause some fungus issues.
Japanese Chin: Health
Chins are very healthy dogs; the only issues they could present are related to their eyes, that are prone to get corneal abrasions (cataracts). They could have difficulties on their patella and be susceptible to have heart problems such as heart murmurs. Another specific risk in all small-sized dogs is hypoglycemia when they are six months old and they are 4 lb or less. Moreover, they could have seasonal allergies. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) could provoke breathing difficulties and eye complications. That is why you must avoid high temperatures as they have heat intolerance.
Their big eyes must be treated carefully to avoid corneal scratches or ulcerations: in both cases, you can apply some topical antibacterial ointment for dogs. The Chin Dogs usually live between 10 and 12 years, but some of them could live more than 15 years.
Japanese Chin: Relationship With The Owner
The ideal owner for the Japanese Chin must be willing to give all of his affection to this noble and prestigious dog. The Chin develops a solid bond with its owner; and has a reputation to resemble a cat more than a dog; meowing of happiness in presence of its owner.
They have an excellent temperament and have an inexpensive cost of maintenance; which makes them suitable for families with children and old people. However, it is necessary to take meticulous care of their more delicate health aspects.
Japanese Chin: Relationship With Children
The Japanese Chin is essentially the perfect companion dog; it is small in size, well-tempered and adapts easily to life in apartments.
Their warmth and joy are contagious, and can relate properly with other dogs, children and old people. They rarely bark, in fact they are quite silent. During puppyhood, they don’t need much training to be well-behaved, and have proper manners in the house; without any growling or attacking strangers.
The Japanese Chin, gets along perfectly with children, because it is small and has a “cat-like” personality. It is the ideal playmate, enjoying hiding and chasing, while making its characteristic nasal mumble and cheerful expression. The Chin considers kids like little brothers or pairs of the same pack. It enjoys the time it spends with its family, this is the primal reason it is the best therapy dog.
Japanese Chin: Relationship With Other Dogs
Japanese Chin Dogs can relate perfectly with their 4-legged pairs; they deeply enjoy interacting with other animals in their territory (including cats and rabbits). It is important to help them socialize during puppyhood, so they can feel comfortable in parks and gardens.
The Japanese Chin is unlike other miniature or toy dogs with behavioral issues, or tendencies for unstoppable barking to other dogs, especially big ones. In fact, Japanese Chin Dogs rarely attack, unless they feel threatened.
Japanese Chin: Puppies and Price
You can find specialized breeders in the US, Canada, and UK, and also you can get your puppy in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, India and South Africa.
Japanese Chin Dogs, as previously stated, are noble aristocratic dogs, this is the main reason they are palaces primary’s choice all over the world, from Japan to Great Britain; this is reflected as well in their purchase price. Nowadays, they can cost 1300 dollars, or 1100 English pounds.
Japanese Chin: Breeders and Puppies For Sale
It is imperative to purchase from a reliable breeder, to insure that your puppy has been:
- Raised to have good character and good health;
- Carefully selected (its parents were chosen without any genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too aggressive or fearful;
- Vaccinated and well-cared for.
When you adopt a puppy, a reliable breeder provides you with an official veterinarian certificate, in which it is formally stipulated that the animal is in perfect health and dewormed.
You can ask for a pedigree certificate, which allows you to check your dog breed´s purity. An animal with pedigree has certain characteristics that distinguish it from the others.
Now that we have mentioned the most important aspects, you can go to your new 4-legged friend, who is certainly waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Bichon Frise
- Bolognese
- Little Lion Dog (Löwchen)
- Affenpinscher
- Japanese Chin (Japanese Spaniel)
- Shih Tzu
