GROUP: Toy • ORIGIN: China • ORGINAL FUNCTION: Companion • COAT: Medium • COLOR: Black & White Or Red & White • HEIGHT: 8 to 11 in • WEIGHT: 4 to 15 lb • LIFESPAN: 10-12 Years
Description:
The Japanese Chin is one of the most adorable breeds within the Toy Group. Always playful, and interested in games, this breed is sensitive and adores affection. A devoted pet with its family and makes friends with all animals, whether a stranger or not. A Japanese Chin can also make the ideal pet for children that are able to play gentle.
The Japanese Chin' origins date back to the Ancient times, although the precise history of this breed isn't known. It is believed that it did share a history similar to that of the Pekingese. And history leads the claim the Japanese Chin had its roots in China, and not in Japan as the breeds name seems to suggest.
As with the Pekingese, the Japanese Chin was owned by the Chinese aristocracy and passed on as a gift to other members of the nobility. How this breed first arrived in Japan is still up for discussion. Several theories continue to float around. Some stories indicated the arrival after 730 A.D. with the appearance of a Korean prince. And another claim is a Buddhist teacher took the breed to Japan after 500 A.D.
In official documentation, this breed was recorded as being in Europe by the 1850's. Over the course of several decades, more Japanese Chin's were traded or sold to the European continent and later to America. And later in late 1800's, officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). As a way to reduce the size of the breed, it was cross breed with English Toy Spaniels over the last century.
Japanese Chin Temperament:
The adorable Japanese Chin's offer an easy-going and calm temperament. Exercise is often a case of waking around the house and going on a short walk on a leash on a daily basis. Also games can be enjoyed in the backyard.
Care: As with all dogs in the Toy Group, the Japanese Chin shouldn’t be left outside. Like all lapdogs, being pampered with the family at home is preferred, although playing outside in a secure yard is called for. When it comes to grooming, a once or twice weekly brush is often sufficient.
Health Information:
Health issues common in this breed include Entropion, Cataracts, Heart Murmurs, Patellar Luxation, and KCS. Rare conditions seen are Portacaval Shunt, Achondroplasia, and Epilepsy. Vets recommend that a Japanese Chin is examined for potential eye and knee problems.
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