Japanese Chin

Temperament:

Clever, Feline, Quiet
Size: Small
Height: 25 cm
Weight: 3-5 kg
Lifespan: 10-12 years
Coat: Longhair
Colors: White, black or reddish brown/reddish yellow spots
FCI Group: Companion and Toy Dogs

The small Japan Chin (also known as Japanese Chin) does not originate from Japan, as its name suggests. Its origins lie in China, from where it probably came to Japan with Zen Buddhists. Back then, it was the favorite of the aristocracy. Today it is a popular family dog.

Japanese Chin
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Characteristics

The Japanese Chin is a friendly and gentle contemporary. It is uncomplicated and adapts perfectly to its surroundings. This small, elegant dog grows up to 25 cm high and weighs around 5 kg. Its coat is long and silky and needs to be well groomed.

It is usually bicolored, either black and white or red and white pied. Sometimes it is also tricolored. It has no undercoat and no topcoat like other dog breeds. It only has a single coat.

The Japan Chin has a short nose and a slightly oriental appearance. Its life expectancy is 10 to 12 years. It belongs to FCI Group 9 (companion and social dogs).

The Japanese Chin is generally affectionate, gentle and cuddly. It is often said to have cat-like behavior. It sometimes moves almost silently, cleans its face with its paws and can sometimes even climb.

In general, it is ideal as a beginner's dog and as a house or city dog. The Japan Chin is child and cat friendly. It is well suited as a second dog.

He is not a barker and is not particularly demanding to keep. Although he reliably announces new visitors, he tends to bark quietly.

The Japan Chin is not aggressive and rather calm. Long walks are not necessary with him. It can therefore also be kept well as a city dog. However, it should not be left alone for too long. He demands attention and would prefer to have his family around him at all times.

As a sensitive dog, he reacts very sensitively to his owner's mood. When he notices that his owner is sad, he tries to cheer him up with tenderness and humor. The little dog's specialty is the Chin Spin. When he is happy or excited, he spins on his own axis - sometimes even on two legs!

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

When choosing food, make sure that it contains high-quality ingredients, is balanced and meets your dog's requirements. Age, size or weight, activity and health status play an important role. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of food.

Treats should only be fed in moderation and deducted from the basic diet to avoid obesity.

Puppies can be fed 4-6 times a day. The number of meals should be gradually reduced to 2 per day until the dog is fully grown. A rest period should be observed after meals.

Fresh drinking water should be available at all times.

Health & Care

The most time-consuming part of dog grooming is certainly the coat of the Japanese Chin. The long, silky coat should ideally be brushed daily. This prevents unsightly matting in the coat. Daily brushing is essential, especially in spring and fall during the shedding season.

Fortunately, the little four-legged friend really enjoys being brushed, because it means attention and cuddles for him at the same time.

If necessary, the Japanese Chin should be bathed once a month with a mild dog shampoo. Otherwise, it should be groomed like any other dog.

Make sure that his claws do not become too long. The paw pads should be well-groomed and not cracked.

Check your Japan Chin regularly for fleas and worms in the feces. If there really is a worm infestation, a worming treatment will quickly remedy the situation.

Especially in summer, dog owners like to go for walks through woods and meadows. The dog's skin should always be checked for ticks. The pests can usually be removed quickly with tick tweezers.

The floppy ears of the Japan Chin are prone to mite and fungal infestation. To prevent this, they should be carefully cleaned once a week. The eyes should also be cleaned regularly.

Regular dental care should not be neglected.

Suitable accessories

As the Japan Chin is very playful, he is happy about any dog toy.

Other accessories that are part of the basic equipment: collar or harness with lead, dog basket or dog mat as a retreat, water and food bowl, tick tweezers, claw clippers, mild dog shampoo, brush and comb, toothbrush and toothpaste for the dog, transport box for transportation in the car and a first aid kit. Ask your vet what belongs in the first aid kit.

Japan Chin history

Origin & History

The Japan Chin has a long history dating back 500 to 1000 years. As the name suggests, the Japan Chin originates from Asia, but not from Japan. Although opinions differ, it is believed to have been brought to Japan from China by Buddhist monks.

However, everyone agrees on one point. The breed was first deliberately bred in Japan. The aim is said to have been to breed the Japanese Chin so small that it would fit into the sleeve of a kimono.

They were the favorites of the Japanese nobility at the time. Its ancestors are said to have lived at the Japanese royal court since the year 723. There are still pictures and works of art from this period featuring the little dog.

Incidentally, the name Chin in Japanese goes back to the expression chiinuu inu. The translation of this term is small dog.

This lovable breed first became known in Europe in the 17th century. There they became popular lapdogs for the fine ladies of society. Queen Victoria was also the proud owner of two Japan Chins.

The little four-legged friend also came to Germany as an imperial gift. The Japanese Empress gave the German Empress Augusta a pair of Japanese Chins for Christmas. In Asia, the dog with the silky coat is still much more widespread than in Europe.

The Japanese Chin was first recognized as a breed by the FCI in 1957.