Japanese Chin Dog Breed | Dog Breed Introduction
Japanese Chin ( also known as Chin Dog) is a toy-sized dog breed popular as a companion dog and lap dog. They were originally known as Japanese Spaniel until 1977. The Chin Dog has cat-like traits and appearance. It uses its paws to clean the face, love resting on high surfaces, has a tendency of hiding in an unexpected places, and possesses a good sense of balance.
As companion dogs, Japanese Chin are friendly pooches that are loyal to their owners. A Chin Dog prefers familiar surroundings. However, they also do well in new situations and have a friendly demeanor which makes them great therapy dogs. This breed loves entertaining its owners.
Therefore, a Chin Dog is known for performing many tricks such as dancing on its hind legs while pawing the front feet. These dogs are usually quiet, although, they will bark to announce the arrival of a visitor. The Japanese Chin have dark rounded eyes that convey a look of shock. The eyes also do not properly align with each other.
Japanese Chin Origin | History
The origin of Japanese Chin is debated among historians. Although, most people believe the Chin Dog originated from China or even Korea. Majority agree the breed was standardized in Japan. There are various tales that explain the introduction of this breed in Japan about 500 to 1000 years ago. Some credit European merchants, Chinese Emperors, or Buddhist monk for introducing Chin Dog in Japan.
In the west, this breed remained unknown until 1854 after Japan reopened for trade after two centuries of self isolation. Early dog fancier of a Chin Dog is Queen Alexandra who was a lifelong lover of the breed making it popular in Great Britain( Scotland, England, and Wales) and America. AKC first recognized Japanese Chin in 1888.
Japanese Chin Lifespan
The Lifespan of Japanese Chin is 10 to 14 years, although, some may live up to the age of 15 or 16 years.
Japanese Chin Grooming | Grooming Tips
The silky coat of a Chin Dog gives the impression it is a high-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. However, this is not the case. The Chin Dog has a coat that needs brushing or combing once a week to remove dirt and keep the coat glistening. Pay attention to the ears, legs, and the skirt that may be prone to matting. If the diet of a Chin Dog lacks fiber, the anal glands will need to be expressed since they become impacted.
The Chin Dog requires a bath once a month or so depending on the surrounding of the dog. Remember to wipe the skin folds in the flattened facial area using a damp washcloth since moisture can be trapped from the oversized eyes causing fungal infection. Use cotton swabs to wipe in and around the nose. Trim the nails of a Chin Dog every 3 to 5 weeks using a clipper or nail grinder.
The nails are overdue for trimming if they produce a clicking sound against the floor while the dog is walking. Brush the teeth of a Chin Dog at least twice a week if not daily to remove tartar buildup using a dog-formulated toothpaste and toothbrush. clean the ears using cotton balls dampened in an ear cleanser solution once a week.
Japanese Chin Haircut | Haircut Styles | Grooming Cuts
The Chin Dog has a single, silky, straight, and abundant coat that does not require trimming or any haircut that Poodle or Shih Tzu need. Although, parents may neaten the appearance using thinning shears on the pads, bottom of the ears, and hocks to give a more natural look.
The coat has a resilient texture and a likelihood to stand out from the body especially on the chest, shoulders, and neck where the fur forms a thick ruff. Weekly combing and brushing helps to keep the coat looking healthy and neat.
Japanese Chin Short Hair
The Japanese Chin has abundant coat on the chest, shoulders, neck, rump area, ears, and the tail. However, a Chin dog has short hair on the head, muzzle, fore legs, and from the hock joint to the foot.
Japanese Chin Shedding
The Chin Dog is a single-coated breed that sheds all-year round at moderate level and heavily during seasonal change in Spring and/or Fall. Although, they shed little as compared to most double-coated dogs.
Japanese Chin Hypoallergenic
The Japanese Chin are not hypoallergenic dogs. They have a silky coat that sheds all-year round at moderate levels and heavily during the seasonal change. A moulting coat allows dander and fur to spread around the house triggering allergies.
Japanese Chin Training | How To Train A Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is an intelligent dog that is eager to please which makes it highly trainable. They also learn quickly even though they easily get bored with repetitive sessions. Therefore, parents should keep the training sessions upbeat, lively, and challenging for positive outcomes. The Chin Dog also responds well to positive reinforcements methods such as the use of toys, treats, playtime, verbal praise, and petting.
Use of harsh correction methods such as yelling will immediately make this breed shut down during training. Socialization training is key with a Chin Dog. It leads to a more emotionally stable pet that is more accepting of different people and situations. To socialize Chin Dog, expose it to a wide variety of places, people, situations, experiences, smell, sight, and sounds such as door bells, lawn mowers, washing machine, vacuum cleaners, sirens, and whistles.
Start teaching basic command words like come, sit, stay, lie down, leave it, heel, etc. from when a Chin Dog joins you home from the age of 8 weeks. Effectively housebreak a Chin Dog by creating a feeding schedule, potty training, and crate training.
Japanese Chin Potty Training | How To Potty Train A Japanese Chin
Before bringing a Chin Dog home, choose a designated area where it will be relieving itself. The elimination spot should be far from the patio deck or BBQ area. The general rule of thumb when potty training is understanding that an eight-week-old pup will hold for a period of 2 hours before eliminating while a 12-week-old pup will hold for 3 hours.
To get positive outcomes during this training, take the Chin Dog to the toilet spot immediately it wakes up, every 2 to 3 hours, after naps, 20 minutes after meals and drinks, before bedtime, and after an exciting activity such as a car ride. Before the pet is fully housebroken, it should not roam freely around the house to minimize accidents.
If you get you dog in the act, clap your hands to distract it and immediately scoop it to the delegated area. Purpose to wipe the mess using an iodine solution or an enzymatic detergent to get rid of the odor. After the age of 8 months, the potty breaks will be every 6 to 8 hours since the bladder and bowel muscles of a Chin Dog strengthens as it matures.
Japanese Chin Temperament | Personality
- Intelligent.
- Alert.
- Fastidious.
- Independent.
- Friendly.
- Loyal.
- Calm.
- Graceful.
- Sensitive.
- Affectionate.
- Responsive.
- Reserved with strangers until they are properly introduced.
Japanese Chin Exercise
This is a fairly active dog that enjoys exploring in a fenced yard or going for slow walks with his humans. The Chin Dog is also suitable for people living in apartments. Due to their independent nature, Chin Dogs should not walk off lead when outdoors since they may ignore all your commands if they want to explore something.
Japanese Chin Barking
Although a Japanese Chin is normally a quiet breed, it will bark to alert the owner of new arrivals or something out of the ordinary.
Japanese Chin Height
The Chin Dog has a height of 8 to 11 inches ( approx. 20 to 27 cm ).
Japanese Chin Weight
The weight of Japanese Chin is 7 to 11 pounds ( approx. 3.2 to 5.0 kg ).
Japanese Chin Size
The Japanese Chin is a toy-sized dog with a weight of 7 to 11 pounds ( approx. 3.2 to 5.0 kg ) and a height of 8 to 11 inches ( approx. 20 to 27 cm ).
Japanese Chin Eye Problems
A Chin Dog may suffer from certain eye problems including cataracts, corneal ulcers, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Japanese Chin Health Issues | Health Problems
Although Japanese Chins are healthy and robust dogs, they may suffer from certain health issues including patellar luxation, heart murmurs, epilepsy, Tay-Sachs disease, and eye issues such as cataracts, PRA, and corneal ulcers.
Other dog breeds include:
Japanese Chin Names
A Chin Dog owner may decide to search a name for the pet before it joins them home or days after it has already settled home to understand better the personality of a particular dog. Parents may get name inspirations from the Chinese heritage of the breed, coat color and texture, cat-like appearance and traits, celebrity Chin Dogs, nature, movies, or historical figures.
Regardless of where you will find your inspiration, ensure the name chosen freely rolls off your tongue and it will not make you embarrassed when uttered out loud in the public places. Chin Dogs and other dog breeds better understand names that have vowels. Avoid giving your pet a name that rhymes with the command words to avoid confusion.
If a Chin dog shares a name with any family member or guests who frequent your home it will cause confusion. Some of the suitable names for female Chin dogs include: Jenny, Lola, Luna, Sydney, Heather, Aries, etc.
Japanese Chin Names Male
- Blake.
- Theo.
- Otis.
- Max.
- Waffles.
- Murphy.
- Tom.
- Bosco.
- Oscar.
Japanese Chin Colors
A Japanese Chin may have a red and white, black and white, or black and white with tan points. The tan or red markings are present over each eye, at the anal vent area if displaying any black, inside the ears, and on both cheeks. The red color include all shades of lemon, orange, sable, or red.
Japanese Chin Food
The amount of food that Chin Dogs feed on depend on their age, activity level, metabolism, body build, and size. Puppies generally have a high metabolism rate as compared with adults and seniors. Therefore, they should feed three or four times a day from when they start weaning until the age of 6 months.
From the age of 6 months, Chin dogs feed two meals a day for the rest of their lives. This breed may feed on commercial dry or wet, raw food, or homemade food depending on the budget of the parent. Chin Dogs are prone to getting overweight, therefore, watch the weight level, calorie consumption, and the treats given to the dog while training.
Japanese Chin Eyes
The Chin Dog has rounded dark eyes that are set widely apart.
Japanese Chin Price
Depending on the pedigree, age, and location of the breeder, the average price of a Japanese Chin is $1500 to $2500.
Are Japanese Chin Hypoallergenic
No. The Japanese Chins have a single and silky coat that sheds all-year round at moderate levels and heavily during seasonal change. Shedding spreads the fur and dander that in turn cause inflammation.
Do Japanese Chins Shed
Yes. Japanese Chins shed all-year round at moderate levels and heavily once or twice a year when experiencing seasonal change.
Japanese Chin Quick Facts
- The Chin Dog requires 16 to 18 hours of sleep in a day.
- Some Chin Dogs may be prone to seasonal allergies and are allergic to corn.
- They have rounded eyes that are easily scratched causing corneal ulcers.