Japanese Chin
Also known as Chin, and Épagneul Japonais in French
- Height at the withers
- 20 to 28 cm
- Weight
- 1.8 to 5 kg
- Life expectancy
- 10 to 12 years
- Daily activity
- 30 minutes
- Origin
- Japan
- FCI group
- 9 · Companion and toy dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- a calm, mostly stay-at-home life
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
An elegant little toy breed with a distinctive flat face, large wide-set eyes and a luxurious silky coat. Known for its aristocratic bearing and catlike behavior, it often cleans its face with its paws.
History and origins
An ancient breed probably from the Chinese imperial court, later refined in Japan by the nobility as a lapdog and cherished companion. Often given as a gift to diplomats and royalty.
Health
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome
- Patellar luxation
- Corneal ulcers and cataracts
- Mitral valve disease
- GM2 gangliosidosis (rare)
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long, silky coat. Moderate shedding, average coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Calm, 2 out of 5
- Apartment
- Perfect, 5 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Excellent, 5 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- None, 1 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Very low, 1 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Very low, 1 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Rather fragile, 2 out of 5
In our lists
Japanese Chin FAQ
How big does the Japanese Chin get?
The Japanese Chin stands 20 to 28 cm at the withers and weighs 1.8 to 5 kg. It is a very small dog.
Does the Japanese Chin shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs average care.
Can the Japanese Chin live in an apartment?
Yes, very well: calm indoors, it adapts perfectly to an apartment.
How much exercise does the Japanese Chin need each day?
Allow about 30 minutes of activity a day: it is a calm dog.
Is the Japanese Chin good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Japanese Chin live?
Life expectancy is 10 to 12 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The main health problems to watch for are brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and patellar luxation.
