Japanese Chin Dog

The Japanese Chin is a handsome, bi coloured dog, lively in temperament and dainty in appearance with a smart, compact carriage and a plentiful coat First registered by the American Kennel Club in 1888, the Chin was known as the Japanese Spaniel until 1977 when its name was changed officially to Japanese Chin.

The spaniel designation was, indeed, misleading since this breed exhibits more of the perkier confidence of the smaller breeds than it does the characterisitcs of the spaniel

Origin and history

Because images of dogs closely resembling Japanese Chins have been found on ancient Chinese pottery, embroidery and temples, most observers believe that the Chin originated in China. Thence the Chin was exported to Japan, most probably as a gift from a Chinese to a Japanese emperor.

For more than 1,000 years Chins were the much-coddled favourites of Japanese emperors, one of whom decreed that all Japanese Chin should be worshipped. Some tiny specimens were even kept in hanging cages in the manner of small oriental birds.

The breed is reputed to have found its way to Europe with returning seamen in medieval times. However, the Japanese Chin did not make its appearance in the British show ring until 1862, and is not recorded as being shown in the United States until 20 years later.

When Commodore Perry left Japan in 1853 - after establishing trade relations between Japan and the rest of the world - he was presented with several Japanese Chins. Upon returning to England, the commodore gave a pair of these dogs to Queen Victoria. The association with the Queen served to establish and promote the Chin in the United Kingdom.

Before long, Chins were taken to America, but there is no record of the date of their arrival In that country or of the persons responsible for introducing Chins there. Some people believe that the first Chins to arrive in America had been removed from Japanese kennels without their owners' consent Whatever the case, when Perry opened Japanese ports to the world at large, he also opened Japanese kennels, and for a time virtually every ship leaving the Orient debarked with a number of Chins on board that were sold to eager buyers around the world.

This bustling trade in Chins was interrupted by World War I, which cut off the supply of dogs leaving Japan. Breeders in the United Kingdom and America were obliged to make do with the stock they had previously imported, and the Chin's progress in those countries was impeded severely. In addition, Japanese breeders have taken up other breeds, and the supply of Chins from Japan is not as abundant as it was once. Yet Chins are widely distributed throughout the world, particularly In the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Austria and Germany.

Japanese Chin Puppies

GOOD points

Affectionate
Loyal family dog
Hardy
Good with children

Take heed

Silky coat tends to shed
Guard against vigorous exertion and overheating In warm weather

Size

Weight 4-71b (1.8-3.2kg). (The daintier the better, if type, quality and soundness are not sacrificed).

This is a happy little dog that will delight in going for walks and playing games with all the family. It will walk as far as its owners wish, or ishappy with a run in the park.

The Japanese Chin is quite tough, despite its delicate structure, and will enjoy careful handling by youngsters. But it does like to climb so be careful it does not fall and injure itself. And don't forget that young pups should not be taken for long walks during the first months of life, when muscles can be strained or overdeveloped.

Japanese Chin Information

Black and white is the most common Japanese Chin pattern.

General appearance

The Japanese Chin is a lively dog, essentially stylish in movement, lifting the feet high when in motion, and carrying the tail, which is heavily feathered, closely curved or plumed over the back.

Colour

Black and white or red and white red includes all shades sable, brindle, lemon or orange. The brighter and clearer the red the better. Colour evenly distributed on the cheeks and ears and as patches on the body. Should be not too heavily marked. White should be clear, not flecked.

Head and skull

Large, but in proportion to the size of the dog; broad skull rounded in front, rounded between the ears, but in no way domed.

Tail

Set high on a straight back profusely feathered, closely curved or plumed over the back.

Feet

Should be slender and hareshaped, feathered at tips.

Japanese Chin Feeding & Grooming

Grooming

Frequent grooming with a pure bristle brush will maintain the Chin's luxurious, silky coat In good condition. Always give this breed a bath before a show

Feeding

Depending on the Size of the dog, approximately one 60z (170g) can of tinned food daily or 1/3 of a cup of dry food plus one 3.50z (99g) can of tinned food.