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Japanese chin

The Japanese Chin was a dog of the Japanese imperial court, probably brought from China or Korea over a thousand years ago and kept as a companion to nobility.

It is often described as cat-like: it washes its face with a paw, climbs, and is famously self-possessed.

It stands 20 to 27 centimetres, weighs 1.4 to 4.5 kilograms and lives ten to fourteen years, with a silky coat and a flat face with wide-set prominent eyes. The brachycephalic head is the principal health consideration, along with the fragility of a dog that may weigh under two kilograms. One neurological disease specific to the breed has a DNA test.

Origin
Japan; a dog of the imperial court
Size
20–27 cm; 1.4–4.5 kg
Lifespan
10–14 years
Coat
Silky and profuse but surprisingly easy; sheds seasonally
Temperament
Cat-like, self-possessed, affectionate and quiet
Health
GM2 gangliosidosis — DNA testable; brachycephalic issues, heart murmurs

Related: Japanese akita inu · Japanese spitz · Japanese terrier

2 japanese chin photos, newest first

Japanese chin feed
  • Kestrel II, a japanese chin

    Kestrel II

    Kestrel II was promoted to gardener confronting a wheelbarrow full of one enormous vegetable; unfortunately, dozens of ping-pong balls escape at once.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Kestrel II, a japanese chin

    Kestrel II

    Kestrel II has opinions about the weather.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a japanese chin

Ask for the GM2 gangliosidosis DNA test. It is a fatal lysosomal storage disease specific to the breed, causing progressive neurological decline in young dogs, and it is recessive and testable.

The flat face brings breathing difficulty and severe heat intolerance. Never exercise in heat, never leave one in a car, and use a harness rather than a collar.

The prominent wide-set eyes injure and ulcerate easily. Squinting or cloudiness is urgent.

Heart murmurs and patellar luxation are common; ask for both to be checked.

The silky coat needs combing a few times a week and is easier than it appears. A dog of two kilograms is easily injured — supervise around children and larger dogs.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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