The Japan Chin is one of the most popular lap dogs – and has been for centuries. Not only Japanese emperors, but also Queen Victoria enjoyed the company of these affectionate and pleasant companions. Today, “the Chin”, as breed lovers like to call him, is no longer reserved for the nobility. For people with little space, who can only walk a little, but always want to have their dog with them, the Japan Chin is the perfect companion dog.

From royal lapdog to popular companion

The origin of the extraordinary companion dog breed can no longer be fully clarified, but historians assume that the ancestors of the later Japan Chins came to Japan from North Korea and China as a gift from a ruling house. Accordingly, the dogs were valuable at that time – and have remained so for centuries. Only the nobility was allowed to keep and breed these small balls of fur. Different breeding lines were formed, which were affected by hereditary diseases early on due to constant inbreeding and the steady, targeted reduction of the animals. However, through the crossbreeding of some spaniels and the regular exchange of breeding animals, the dog breed was able to stabilize over the years.

It was not until the 18th century that a Japanese ruler revealed the secret of the Japan Chin by giving seven of these dogs to a European trader. Only two of them reached England, where they accompanied Queen Victoria. From this point on, the Japanese cuddly dog developed into the most popular lap dog among the European nobility. Their friendly, loyal and cuddly nature still makes hearts fly to them today. For first-time dog owners, families with older children, people with little space in the apartment or older people who can no longer walk for so long, the charming dwarf is the right choice.

The character of Japan Chin

The Japan Chin is a cheerful, affectionate and clever small dog that gets along wonderfully with most two- and four-legged friends. However, if you keep small animals like rabbits, you should be careful: Some breeding lines have a noticeable hunting instinct. The dwarfs, on the other hand, do not act particularly vigilantly or even protectively.

The fluffy lap dogs bond very closely with their humans. With strangers and visitors, they tend to be shy and reserved, but never aggressive. It is important to give them enough space to avoid when they meet unknown people. Precisely because of their small size, they will otherwise quickly feel harassed. With growling and snapping, they indicate that they are overwhelmed. Caution is particularly important when dealing with smaller children, because small dogs have a high potential for injury.

The close bond with its humans means that many Japanese chins are reluctant to stay alone. You should definitely keep this in mind when buying. Thanks to their small size – in Japan, the dwarfs were sometimes worn in kimono sleeves – the Japan Chin can accompany you almost anywhere. But if this is not possible, a plan B with experienced support is necessary.

You should not underestimate the intelligence of the Japanese Chin: They are clever little dogs that like to learn dog tricks, play and explore their environment. However, due to its size, you must protect your four-legged friend from larger dogs outside, even if they are well socialized.

An interesting aspect of the character of this breed lies in its often cat-like nature. Japan Chins clean their faces with their front paws and stroke their heads along curtains or the sofa like cats. Even their stubbornness and elegant manner are reminiscent of a cat.

Japan Chin: Education and Attitude

Small dogs present you with different, but no less challenges than large furry noses. Basically, even a small dog like the Japan Chin must be properly trained. He should not be allowed to do anything that he is not allowed to do as a larger dog in the household. If you don’t pay attention to this, you will quickly raise a small four-legged dictator, who cheekily defends his place on the couch and shares food with you without being asked. Therefore, the important phase of socialization and education begins as soon as you move in. First-time dog owners should seek support in a dog school at an early stage – even and even though the Chin is so tiny. Many dog schools offer special puppy playgroups for small breeds so that they also learn social behavior from scratch.

It should not go unmentioned about the Japanese Chin that, like many small dogs, it is difficult to train to house train. Under no circumstances should you lay out “puppy pads”, i.e. absorbent pads, for the puppy or young dog so that he can do his business in the house. The small bladder cannot hold much, which is why frequent pee breaks are indispensable for the Chin puppy. With the size of your apartment, the little Japanese are not demanding: They will find a suitable place even in the smallest hut.

Caring for the Japan Chin

The silky-soft coat of the Japan Chin is easy to care for. To avoid knotting, brush it daily, especially ears, legs, belly and tail tend to matte. The large, round eyes tend to water and need a little more attention when grooming.

Special features and health

Genetically restricted from an early age with inbreeding, this Japanese dog breed today exhibits a variety of breed-typical diseases. These include eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy, inwardly folded eyelids, growths on the eyes and cataracts. But diseases of the musculoskeletal system such as patellar luxation or changes to the spine also occur.

Various metabolic diseases, deafness, heart problems and respiratory problems are just as typical as allergic skin diseases.

Like most small dogs, these dwarfs also tend to gain weight. Therefore, make sure you eat a healthy diet with the right amount of energy per day. With good care, Japan Chins can live up to twelve years.

ProfileJapan Chin

You should also check out these small dog breeds:

• Chihuahua: Small dog with a big ego.
• Bolonka Zwetna: Charming sunshine with a lot of power.
• Bichon Frisé: Lovable fuzzy from the Canary Islands
• Bolognese: From the lapdog of the nobility to the cheerful family companion.
• Chinese Crested Dog: Cheerful mini sleuth with an extravagant look.
• Lion: Mini lion with heart and charm.
• Pomsky: The lovable miniature husky from America.
• Shih Tzu: The fuzzy temple dog from the “roof of the world”.
• Miniature Poodle: Shrewd clown with many talents.