The Japanese Chin is a small dog with a charming personality and a noble demeanor. They love their families and enjoy the attention bestowed upon them. They are very much a lapdog. They are intelligent, charismatic, and amusing. They also tend to be a quiet dog breed that moves with an aristocratic grace that belies their noble ancestry.

They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their small size, they may be a better fit for families with older children that can handle this dog with gentle hands. This dog breed can be easily injured by accidental falls or rough play that can be common with younger children or children who have not yet learned how to interact appropriately with a dog. The Japanese Chin does not make a good watchdog or guard dog as they are generally open and friendly with strangers and are happy for the opportunity to gain yet another admirer.

The Japanese Chin is a highly adaptable dog breed. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes. As with any dog, they are sensitive to the heat. Due to their small size, they can also be sensitive to the cold. So, they may need to bundle up when they go outside with you in the winter.

Because they are devoted to their families, Japanese Chin do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They also should not be let off-leash unless they are in a securely fenced-in area as they are prone to wander off and tend to not listen to commands if they find something interesting.

Overall, the Japanese Chin is a relatively healthy dog breed, especially for a toy breed. As with any dog breed, there are some potential health conditions to be aware of. For the Japanese Chin, these potential issues include epilepsy, cataracts, early on-set heart murmurs, and patellar luxation.

There is also a neurological condition these dogs can be prone to developing called Tay-Sachs Disease or GM2 Gangliosidosis. This condition is fatal, but can be identified with a DNA test that looks for the GM2 mutation.

Reputable breeders will test and screen their breeding stock to ensure genetic mutations like this are not passed on to puppies. So, do not be afraid to ask the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see relevant health clearances or DNA test results.

The Japanese Chin is a moderately trainable dog breed. As a royal companion, the breed was only required to comfort and amuse their humans. With this type of royal background, this dog breed has a stubborn streak and may choose to simply not listen. It’s important to train the Japanese Chin in a way that makes them think they are doing things because they want to and not because you asked or told them to.

It’s also important to keep training methods positive and rewarding. Harshness will only make this dog breed shut down and ignore you. Also, Japanese Chin tend to love learning tricks as performing them tends to gain them plenty of affection and adoration. This also means they can lose interest in boring activities quickly, so it’s important to keep training sessions fun and interesting in order to keep them engaged.

Although Japanese Chin can be a good fit for dog owners of any experience level, their stubborn streak can sometimes pose obstacles for a first-time dog owner who doesn’t have training experience. Puppy training and obedience classes are a great resource for any dog owner who wants to brush up on their training skills and can be a big help in navigating potential obstacles during training.

Although the Japanese Chin has a long, silky coat, they are not high maintenance dogs. They will shed moderately year-round and may show a slight increase in shedding as the seasons change. Weekly brushing and bathing every 4-6 weeks are usually sufficient to keep a Japanese Chin’s coat looking great.

In addition to coat care, you will also need to care for your Japanese Chin’s nails, ears, and teeth. Usually, monthly nail trimming is sufficient to keep a dog’s nails from growing too long. But, this dog is known for having fast-growing nails, so you may need to cut your dog’s nails more often. If you hear their nails clicking on the floor, it’s time for a trim!

Checking your dog’s ears regularly and carefully cleaning them as needed can help prevent ear infections. When you look at their ears, you are checking to make sure they are clean, clear of debris, and that there is not an excess buildup of wax.

With dental disease being one of the most common health issues in dogs, it’s clear that good dental care is important for any dog. It’s especially important for the Japanese Chin because small dog breeds are even more prone to dental disease than larger dog breeds.

Proper dental care for dogs can help reduce and prevent the tartar and plaque buildup that causes painful dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. Beyond that, you can supplement your efforts with vet-approved dental hygiene treats or even a “dental care diet”.

Although they are a toy breed, the Japanese Chin has a moderate activity level. Some extra activity or playtime in addition to their daily walks is generally sufficient to keep this dog breed happy and healthy. They may be up for some more rigorous activity with you, but they will tire easily and can overdo it. So, it’s important to keep an eye on them for signs of overheating and to be prepared to carry them if you’re out on a hike or doing a longer activity.

A fully-grown Japanese Chin usually stands 8-11 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 7-11 pounds.

A Japanese Chin generally lives 10-12 years.

When it comes to dog breeds in Japan, you can get an idea of their background from their name. “Inu” refers to dogs that are more common and working dogs while “Chin” refers to dogs that are royal or noble and are descendants of the lapdogs of ancient Chinese aristocracy.