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An American naval officer, Commodore Perry, helped make the Chin famous in England in 1853 when he presented a breeding pair to Queen Victoria after returning from Japan. This was the first canine gift given to the royal family.

Japanese Chin/Spaniel

A dog is the only animal that has a love of humans embedded in its DNA. – Cynthia Heimel

Japanese Chin puppy Canada

Ch LPH Chiyoko’s Lacy
“Lacy”

In spite of his name, most historians believe that ancestors of the Japanese Chin originated in China. However, there the agreement ends. How the dogs arrived in Japan is much debated. Some claim the dogs were given to Japanese royalty in 732 AD as gifts from the rulers of Korea. Others believe they were given as gifts to the Empress of Japan in the sixth or seventh century. Another story holds that the Chin first arrived in Japan around 1000 AD.

The Japanese Chin is believed to have the same ancestors as the Pug and the Pekingese. He is also known as the Japanese Spaniel and was once called the Japanese Pug. These tiny little dogs were favourites at the Japanese court and ownership was once restricted to members of the Japanese Imperial family. A dainty little dog with a high-stepping gait, the Japanese Chin has become immensely popular in his native country. He was originally bred to be a pampered companion and he still fulfills this role today.

Photos displayed courtesy of Tracy Hart, Chiyoko Chin, Ontario

The Japanese Chin stands up to 11 inches (27.9 cm) at the shoulder and ideally weighs 4 to 8.8 pounds (1.8 to 4 kg). He has a long, straight, silky coat. His coat may be black and white, or red and white and requires frequent grooming. The Japanese Chin carries his long plumed tail curled up over his back.

An engaging and happy animal, the Japanese Chin has a lot of charm. He is affectionate and devoted to his family and friendly with other people. He also gets along well with other household pets. As with many of the toy breeds, he is perhaps best suited to homes in which there are no small children who may be too rough with him. Perky, agile, and playful, the Japanese Chin has a mind of his own and likes to be the center of attention. Unlike many of the toy breeds, the Japanese Chin is not generally a barker, although he will alert you to the presence of strangers, and so makes a good watchdog.

The Japanese Chin is intelligent and more obedient than most toy breeds. With an eager to please nature, training comes easily to him. So does learning tricks! Mild mannered and sensitive, harsh training methods should never be used with him. The Japanese Chin does well as an indoor dog, and can do without a yard. He does not require a lot of exercise but does enjoy getting out and about.

Japanese Chin Adult Canada

FCC Ch Can Gr Ch Touche North Look N Good
“Lucky”

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