A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a small, short-faced companion with a silky coat and an often independent, catlike social style. Work regular coat checks and considerate handling into the routine without assuming every dog welcomes constant attention.
An everyday routine
Plan a daily mix of walks, play, and rest. The amount that works for a particular dog depends on age, fitness, experience, and temperament.
Coat care to plan for
Set aside time each week for coat care, checking through the hair rather than only brushing the surface. Shedding periods or longer furnishings may need extra attention.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Japanese Chin questions
How big does a full-grown Japanese Chin get?
Adults usually stand 8 to 11 inches tall and weigh 7 to 11 pounds. Real dogs vary more widely, from about 4 pounds up to 15, with weight in proportion to height.
Do Japanese Chin shed?
Yes, so brush more often while a dog is shedding. The coat is a single silky layer that is not prone to matting, so brushing once or twice a week is the usual routine. Shedding is moderate.
How long do Japanese Chin live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and some live to 15 or more. These are breed-wide figures, not a prediction for one dog.
Why are Japanese Chin called catlike?
Because of how they behave at home. Many Chin are skilled climbers that pick the back of a sofa or chair as their favorite spot, and they wash their faces with their paws the way cats do. The breed is also fastidious, graceful and generally quiet.
Why does my Japanese Chin snort or wheeze?
It comes down to the breed's flat face, which leads to snorting and to reverse sneezing, a honking sound that is common in the breed. Chin are also very sensitive to heat and humidity. Every dog is different, so if your dog's breathing worries you, ask your vet.
Do Japanese Chin bark a lot?
Usually not. The breed sits toward the low end for barking and is generally quiet. It is also an excellent choice for apartment living, happy with slow walks and time in a fenced yard.
Are Japanese Chin easy to train?
They are bright, but they like to think it was their idea. Chin respond well to positive methods, shut down at the first hint of harshness, and need sessions that are fun enough to hold their attention. Keep them on lead outdoors, since a curious Chin may ignore a recall.
What were Japanese Chin bred for?
Company, and nothing else. The breed's origins are debated, with China and Korea both suggested, but Japanese nobles developed the Chin as a companion and it has never had another job. The breed was unknown in the West until 1854 and was called the Japanese Spaniel until 1977.
