JAPANESE CHIN Breed Standards
An ancient Toy breed, the Japanese Chin is historically tied to royalty, nobles, and strangely, China. The Chin came to Japan in the last 1,500 years, but its ancestors have been present in China for much longer. So adored were these little dogs by the Chinese that a pair was eventually presented to the Japanese Emperor as a gift, probably during the 8th AD. The dogs caught on with astonishing rapidity among Japan’s favored classes, and it was not long before these dogs could be seen in the laps of noblewomen, and sometimes even in parlor cages, all over the country.
In 1853 Matthew Perry, Commodore of the US Navy, introduced the Japanese Chin to the West when he gave a pair of the dogs to Queen Victoria. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1888. World Wars I and II cut off the supply of Chins outside of Japan and disrupted the activities of Japanese breeders to such an extent that the breed nearly disappeared. Thankfully, there were enough pure blood specimens in England and America that the breed was able to come back in ensuing years. The Japanese Chin is still wildly popular in Japan today, and enjoys modest popularity in the West.
SKILLS: The Japanese Chin. Elegant and aristocratic, smart, compact with profuse coat. Intelligent, happy, lively little dog, who has 'look of astonishment' peculiar to this breed. Head and Skull: Large in proportion to size of dog, broad skull, rounded in front, and between ears, but never domed. Nostrils large, black, except in 'Red & Whites' where the colour can be appropriate to markings. Muzzle very short, wide, well cushioned, i.e. upper lips rounded on each side of nostrils, Jaws level.
Eyes: Large, dark, set far apart. Most desirable that white shows in the inner corners, giving the characteristic 'look of astonishment' wrongly called 'squint'), which should on no account be lost.
Ears: Small, set wide apart, high on the head, carried slightly forward, oo V-shaped, and well feathered.
Mouth: Bite preferably level or slightly undershot; wry mouth or tongue showing highly undesirable.
Neck: Moderate length, carried proudly.
Forequarters: Legs straight, fine bone, giving slender appearance, well feathered down to the feet.
Body: Square and compactly built, wide in chest, 'cobby'. Length of body equal to height at withers.
Hindquarters: Straight, viewed from behind, good turn of stifle, profusely feathered from the back of thighs.
Feet: Slender, Hare-footed, feathered at tips, pointing neither in nor out.
Tail: Set high on level back, profusely feathered, closely curved or plumed over back.
Gait/Movement: Stylish, straight in movement, lifting the feet high when in motion, no plaiting, and showing no weakness in hind movement.
SIZE: Daintier the better, providing type, quality and soundness are not sacrificed. Ideal weight 1.8-3.2kgs. (4-7lbs.).
COAT: Profuse, long, soft, straight, of silky texture. Absolutely free from curl or wave, not too flat, having a tendency to stand out especially at frill of neck.
Colour: Black and White, or Red and White. Never tricolour. (Red includes all shades of Sable, Lemon or Orange. The brighter and clearer the red the better. Colour evenly distributed on cheeks and ears and as Patches on body. White should be clear, not flecked.
CARE REQUIRED: A few minutes each day will keep the coat looking beautiful. Comb out tangles and brush lightly, lifting the hair to leave it standing out a little. A professional dog groomer can show you the correct technique. Clean the eyes every day and check the ears regularly for any signs of infection. Dry shampoo occasionally and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.
CHARACTER: Gay, happy, gentle and good-natured.
EXERCISE: Chins do not require a great deal of exercise, but they do enjoy daily walks and an opportunity to play in the open yard.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Japanese Spaniel is a good dog for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed is somewhat sensitive to temperature extremes.
TRAINING: If you do have small children, teach them to be nice and gentle with the dog. They are good with other dogs and pets. The Japanese Spaniel has a mind of its own and likes to be the center of attention. This breed is not a barker.
