Ten Facts of the Japanese Chin

We decided we were ready for a dog. Not a puppy, but a dog. Therefore, we began to research via the Internet, our friends, family, and fellow rescuers about different dog breeds. We determined that we wanted and our home (full of cats) was best suited for Japanese Chin.

Ten facts about Japanese Chin #1)

They are dainty. No other word that describes them so aptly. Their width and height are approximate. They are in the "toy dog" group in regards to their overall breed size. The average Japanese Chin weighs 10-11 pounds. They are distinctly square shaped. Some people focus more on the fact that the Chin are aristocratic and royal in nature and behavior, not me. They are dainty and cute.

Ten facts about Japanese Chin #2)

They are similar to the Persian cat breed in that they are medium to long haired. They have a ruff (a beard) covering the neck and chest. Their forehead is round and they have protruding eyes and small nasal passages. With their small nasal passages, they can be prone to allergies and upper respiratory illnesses. With their flat little faces, they can encounter breathing problems similar to a Persian.

Ten facts about Japanese Chin #3)

They are loving and affectionate. Charmers, is you will. These canines are loyal to their person (or people) and are somewhat shy around strangers. They do tend to like quiet households, thus it is recommended that they do not go to homes with small children. I say HA to that though. Our home is active and our Chin are quite happy.

Ten facts about Japanese Chin #4)

They enjoy being the center of attention (what being does not- including we humans?). They are dancers and do what is known as the Chin dance. They will cross their front paws and jump forward and backward while spinning around. It really is quite endearing. They prance when they walk. Moreover, their walk is more of a gait, than a walk.

Ten facts about Japanese Chin #5)

They are obedient. They are intelligent and can easily learn tricks. However, the jury is still out on that one. Our two Chin do not do tricks. At all. They are above that type of public display. End of story.

Ten facts about Japanese Chin #6)

They are great apartment home canines. They are only moderately active and do well with walking each day.

Ten facts about Japanese Chin #7)

Their extremities are sensitive to extreme weather. In other words they do not do well walking or playing outside in the heat, in the rain, or in the snow. These are not outside dogs!!!!

Ten facts about Japanese Chin #8)

The white spot or blaze in the middle of a Japanese Chin's forehead has earned the name of "Buddha thumbprint." The Buddhist Emperor Ming of China owned (was owned) by several of these dogs and the name was unofficially christened in his honor. If you pet a Chin on that blaze or spot, similar to a kitten, they will snuggle closer and go to sleep in pure contentment.

Ten facts about Japanese Chin #9)

They are the most feline like in their behaviors and contend well with cats. They are alert and independent. Aloof, yet cuddly. (Yes, that sure sounds like a cat to me!)

Ten facts about Japanese Chin #10)

Japanese Chin are not originally from Japan, but from Korea. They first emerged in Japan in the year 732 as presents from Korean rulers. They made their first appearance in England in 1853 when Commodore Perry bestowed a pair to Queen Victoria as a gift. They made their way to America and our hearts after Commodore Perry presented a pair of Chin to our President Franklin Pierce.

Here is an additional fact

They take pleasure in playing with empty plastic water bottles. They love the clamor the plastic makes against their paws, the floor, their teeth-against anything and everything.