Japanese Chin Breed Profile: Essential Facts
Japanese Chins are small, dainty dogs whose behavior is often catlike.
Japanese Chin
- AKC Group: Toy
- Weight: 4–15 lbs.
- Height: 8–11 in.
- Life Span: 10–15 years
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Key Characteristics
The Japanese Chin is a small, dainty dog with a flat face. The breed was previously known as the Japanese Spaniel. Their protruding eyes are set far apart and are dark with white inner corners. Their small, v-shaped ears are feathered with hair, and their nose is very short.
The feet resemble those of a hare and are feathered. The high-set tail is plumed and carried over the back, and it generally rests on one side of the body. The semi-long, smooth and silky coat comes in colors of black and white, black, tan and white, lemon and white, red and white, sable and white, white and black, and may have red markings.
Where They Came From
Japanese Chins were native to China and used to warm the laps of Chinese nobles. They were given to Japan as a gift, and Japanese nobility coveted the dogs.
Depictions of the breed date back centuries. They can be found on ancient tapestries and pottery. The first Japanese Chins to arrive in England were a pair of dogs gifted to Queen Victoria in 1853. During World War I, it was difficult to sustain the breed because imports from Japan were suspended.
Dogs were eventually brought over from Europe to start the American breeding program. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1888.
How Friendly Are They?
Alert, playful and affectionate, Japanese Chins can also be stubborn and headstrong. They are devoted to their family members but may be wary around strangers. They are good with other animals and although they make good watchdogs, they are not known to bark often.
They have cat-like characteristics, such as self-grooming and a desire to be up high (climbing to the back of a sofa is a common favorite spot).
Is This the Right Dog for You?
Exercise Needs
LOW: This breed is great for apartments because of the small size of the dogs. A daily walk is all that's needed for exercise since they are active indoors. They should be socialized, especially because of their wariness of strangers.
They can be obedience trained and perform tricks, but their stubborn nature often leads to the human being trained -- not the dog.
Grooming Needs
MEDIUM: Japanese Chins shed an average amount, and they should be brushed twice per week. Bathing can be done as needed. Their strong, quick-growing nails should be trimmed often, and their protruding eyes should be cleaned as often as necessary.
Check the ears for wax and debris, which can lead to infection. Brush the teeth regularly to remove tartar buildup.
Health Problems
MEDIUM: Japanese Chins are a brachycephalic dog breed, so there are some health issues to be aware of in regards to their flat faces (as well as their small bodies). Health concerns include:
- Respiratory problems (wheezing, snoring, reverse sneezing)
- Heat sensitivity
- Luxating patella (slipped kneecaps)
- Cataracts
- Heart murmurs
Keep them protected from high heat, and pay attention to their breathing for changes. They typically wheeze and snore, but increased or highly repetitive wheezing may require the attention of a veterinarian. Watch Bonzai the Chin spin:
Where to Adopt One
Check with shelters and rescues first when looking for a Japanese Chin. If you choose to contact a breeder, insist on inspecting the breeder's facility and seeing the dog's parents. Additionally, because the breed is prone to luxating patellas and eye issues, ask for health clearances from the breeder.
Any responsible breeder will test their dogs and report the results to this database, even if the results are unfavorable (tests are available for the knees, heart and eyes).
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Japanese Chins make excellent pets. They are affectionate, intelligent, and well-suited for apartment living. They thrive on companionship and enjoy being lap dogs.
No, Japanese Chins do not tolerate being left alone for long periods. They are prone to separation anxiety and prefer constant companionship.
Yes, Japanese Chins shed moderately, especially during seasonal changes. Regular brushing helps control loose hair and maintain their silky coat.
Yes, Japanese Chins are relatively rare in the US, as they have a smaller breeding population and are not as widely recognized as other toy breeds.
Additional Resources
- American Kennel Club’s Japanese Chin Page
- Japanese Chin Club of America, Inc.
- Japanese Chin Rescue
- The Japanese Chin Club (United Kingdom)
Kristine Lacoste has been researching dog and cat breeds for nearly a decade and has observed the animals up close at dog shows in both the United States and the United Kingdom. She is the author of the book One Unforgettable Journey, which was named as a finalist for a Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America, and was host of a weekly pet news segment on the National K-9 Academy Radio Show. In addition, she was the New Orleans coordinator for Dogs on Deployment, a nonprofit that helps military members and their pets, for 3 years. Kristine has researched and written about pet behaviors and care for many years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, another bachelor’s degree in English and a Master of Business Administration degree.
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