Spay/Neuter
To optimize your Chin’s health and well
being, spaying or neutering of your pet is highly recommended by many fine organizations
including the AKC.
Spaying or neutering shows not only a deep concern for your own pet
Chin, but also a respect for the breed as a whole.
Grooming
The
Japanese Chin is easy to groom. The coat is a single layer, silky and
straight and is not prone to matting. Brushing once or twice a week and
a bath as needed will keep your Chin sparkling!
In addition to shampoo, a creme rinse will provide extra luster and
softness. The extra conditioning will also prevent tangles, making your
Chin easy to comb. Chin may also be blow dried on a cool setting.
While your Chin is shedding (yes, they do shed!) it is a good idea to
brush them more frequently. Girl dogs seem to shed more than boys, but
once your Chin is spayed she will also grow the glamorous coat of a
male!
Remember to keep your Chin’s toenails clipped and the hair under the
feet should be trimmed.
General
Appearance
The
Japanese Chin is a dainty and stylish dog measuring 8 to 11 inches at
the highest point of the withers (shoulders). Their weight should
be in proportion to their height.
Their coat is semi-long, straight and silky. They carry a heavy ruff at
the chest and pants in the rear. The tail should be carried up over
their back with long profuse feathering on it.
Once your pet is spayed or neutered their coat will become even more
luxurious! Remember that your Chin will not have an adult coat until it
is more than a year old. When it is in its “teen” stage (7-9
months) it’s likely to be almost naked!
Chin come in a variety of colors; black and white, red and white (the
shading runs from lemon to sable to mahogany) and tri-color (black and
white with tan points (patches), tan or red spots over the eyes and on
the sides of the face). The color should be evenly distributed in
patches over the body and in a mask over the eyes and ears.
The body is square looking and compact. The head is large with a short
and broad muzzle and large, dark and round eyes.
Breed
Characteristics
The
Japanese Chin is a breed with roots deep in the Royalty of both the
Chinese and Japanese Courts. You will find that your Chin’s regal
ancestry still is apparent as these little dogs still often
display a noble, or sometimes haughty, air.
Chin are basically good natured and sensitive creatures that reflect
the atmosphere around them. If your home is full of light and noise
your Chin will most likely be outgoing. If your life tends to be
solitary and quiet, your Chin will be likely to be quiet and reserved.
Chin are often cat-like in attitude with an ability to climb that is
surely unmatched in few other breeds of dogs! Most Chin find their
favorite “spot” in the house on the back of the sofa or chair! Also,
like cats, Chin tend to groom themselves by licking their paws and
rubbing their faces. This has been known to cause the occasional
hairball!
Chin often “snizzle” or snort. This is not a sign of a “bad cold” or
other impending illness. The snizzling (blowing hard out of their nose,
accompanied by a fine mist) is a result of the animal’s “flat face”.
Chin also reverse sneeze (a honking sound). Although they seem almost
unable to breathe, they are not in any distress. If this happens to
your pet, many breeders apply gentle pressure on their rib cages or
simply stroke their neck. A Chin owner should always remember to supply
plenty of ventilation and fresh water during warm weather because Chin
are very sensitive to heat and humidity.
Training
To make your Chin a well behaved member
of your community, we highly recommend early socialization of your Chin
puppy. Many Kennel Clubs, Community Centers and Veterinarians
offer Puppy Kindergarten Classes as well as many levels of obedience
training. We encourage all Chin owners to train their pets to be the
best Canine Citizens they can!
AKC
Events
The AKC
offers many levels of competition for your Japanese Chin.
Breeding quality animals often are shown at “Dog Shows”,
where they are judged on beauty and structure. Pet Chin are
eligible to compete in Obedience, Agility, and
also can receive there Canine Good Citizen
Award. If you and your Chin are interested please contact the
AKC
or your local
Kennel Club.
