Japanese Chin

AKC Group: Toy

Club: Japanese Chin Club of America

Corresponding Secretary : Katherine Pfizenmayer
Address: Po Box 458, Worcester, PA , 19490-0458
Website: www.japanesechinonline.org/
Club Type: Specialty

General Apperance:

The Japanese Chin is a small, well balanced, lively, aristocratic toy dog with a distinctive Oriental expression. It is light and stylish in action. The plumed tail is carried over the back, curving to either side. The coat is profuse, silky, soft and straight. The dog's outline presents a square appearance.

Size:

Size - Ideal size is 8 inches to 11 inches at the highest point of the withers. Proportion - Length between the sternum and the buttock is equal to the height at the withers. Substance - Solidly built, compact, yet refined. Carrying good weight in proportion to height and body build.

Coat:

Abundant, straight, single, and silky. Has a resilient texture and a tendency to stand out from the body, especially on neck, shoulders, and chest areas where the hair forms a thick mane or ruff. The tail is profusely coated and forms a plume. The rump area is heavily coated and forms culottes or pants. The head and muzzle are covered with short hair except for the heavily feathered ears. The forelegs have short hair blending into profuse feathering on the backs of the legs. The rear legs have the previously described culottes, and in mature dogs, light feathering from hock joint to the foot.

Temperament:

A sensitive and intelligent dog whose only purpose is to serve man as a companion. Responsive and affectionate with those it knows and loves but reserved with strangers or in new situations.

History:

The Japanese Chin's origin and development in its native land of China is wrapped in royalty and adoration. They were bred for the sole purpose of accompanying the ladies of the Imperial Palace and warming the laps of Chinese aristocracy. There are illustrations on ancient pottery and embroideries that are centuries old, and evidence suggests that one could not purchase a Chin - they were kept in the hands of the nobility and frequently given as gifts of esteem to diplomats and to foreigners who rendered some outstanding service to Japan.

In 1853, Commodore Perry brought the first Chins over from Japan to England and a pair of these dogs was given to Queen Victoria. In time, specimens came to America but there remains no record as to their final destination here. During World War I, the supply of Japanese Chins to America was cut off to such an extent that breeders were limited to the dogs already here. Japan, too, suffered losses when earthquakes played havoc among their breeders. Dogs found in England and Europe have helped to maintain a high level of quality and have since made their way to America to blend with the established lines here. The breed's compact size, coupled with being naturally clean, intelligent and sensitive, makes this an ideal companion.

Interesting Facts:

• In Japan, there are Inu and there are Chin: Inu are more common, working dogs, and Chin are royalty, descendents of the lapdogs of Chinese aristocracy.
  
  
• Depictions of a breed resembling the Japanese Chin appear on ancient Chinese temples, pottery, and embroideries.
  
  
• Reported that the Chin breed originated centuries ago in China, eventually moving to Japan as part of a royal gift.
  
  
• Commodore Perry gave a Chin pair to Queen Victoria in 1853 after opening Japan's trade to the world.
  
  
• Known as the Japanese Spaniel until 1977, at which point its name was officially changed to Japanese Chin.
  
  
• Although specimens of the Chin breed traveled to America early-on, the dogs were not long-lived; WWI cut off the supply to America to such an extent that we had to use what we had to maintain and improve the breed.