Japanese Chin
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The Japanese Chin (Template:Langx, Template:Transliteration), also known as the Japanese Spaniel,<ref name="Breed Club">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> is a toy dog breed, being both a lap dog and a companion dog, with a distinctive heritage.
History
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While most believe that the source breed for the Japanese Chin originated in China, the route by which the Chin arrived in Japan is a widely debated topic. One story claims that the dogs were given to the Japanese royalty in AD 732 as gifts brought by Kim Jangson ({{#invoke:Lang|lang}}), an envoy from the kingdom of Silla on the Korean peninsula.<ref>Shoku Nihongi volume 11 Tenpyō 4 May 19th (lunar)</ref> Others maintain that they were given as gifts to the Empress of Japan as early as the middle of the sixth century or by the seventh century. Still others claim that the Chin first arrived in Japan around the year AD 1000.<ref name="Morris2008">Template:Cite book</ref>
In 1613, the Japanese Chin was brought to England. In 1853 one was acquired by American naval officer, Matthew Calbraith Perry. Since 1868 they have been lap dogs to ladies of the upper class and today are companion dogs.<ref>Chin breed standard</ref>
Appearance
The Japanese Chin stand about approximately Template:Convert in height at the withers for male dogs, with bitches being slightly taller. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale gives no weight requirement for the Chin. Its distinctive expression is characterized by a large rounded broad head, large wide-set dark eyes, a very short broad muzzle, ear feathering, and evenly patterned facial markings.<ref name="FCI">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Coat and color
Japanese Chin are very cat-like in both appearance and traits. Most dogs have two types of hair in their coat: an under and over coat. However, the Japanese Chin only has an over coat. An adult coat can take up to two years to completely grow in and can be either black and white, red and white (including all shades of sable, lemon, or orange), or tricolour (black and white with reddish tan points) As of 11 November 2011, the colors not listed in the breed standard<ref name="AKC standard">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> are grounds for disqualification in competitions.
The dogs have a dot or a line on their forehead, which is believed in Japanese history to be the touch of Buddha.Template:Citation needed
Temperament
Japanese Chins enjoy walks and are moderately active dogs, but are also suitable for living in smaller spaces, such as flats. They are also described as stubborn, and are recommended to not be let off leash outdoors.
Japanese Chins are bred for royalty, and thus is a breed that is charming, fun, and entertaining for their owners. The breed is temperamental but is easy to reward during training.
Japanese Chins can also present symptoms of separation anxiety. However, they can be trained to not be anxious when left alone through crate training.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Health
A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 12.5 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreeds and 12 for crossbreeds.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
Common health issues in the Japanese Chin include luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps), cataracts, and early-onset heart murmurs.<ref name="JCCAHealth">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
See also
References
External links
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