Description: The Japanese Chin is a small dog that is found in two sizes: under 7 pounds and over 7 pounds. The weight can range from 4 to 17 pounds. This dog will be about 7 to 12 inches at the shoulder. The Japanese Chin has an appealing flat face framed by long ears. The single coat is long and there is feathering on the ears, legs, and tail. The coat of the Japanese Chin consists of patches of color, usually black or red, on white. The Japanese Chin will usually live to be about 10 years old. This dog is also called the Chin and the Japanese Spaniel.

History: There is some evidence that the Japanese Chin descended from a dog called the 'Gobi Desert Kitchen Midden Dog'. After its introduction to Japan probably in the 7th century, the Chin was the exclusive property of the various noble Japanese families. Each family tended to breed the dogs to their own to its own standards, which accounts for the breed variety. The Chin was taken to Europe in the 17th century by the Portuguese, and several were given to the wife of Charles II of England, Catharine of Braganza. This is the king of the King Charles Spaniel fame.

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Temperament: The Japanese Spaniel is a dog that is meant solely as a companion to humans. This is a dog that wants to be with its human family at all times. It will happily sit on a lap for hours. The Japanese Chin is a happy little dog that will do well with children as long as the children are aware of the light build of this dog and do not play roughly with it. The Chin are often used as therapy dogs because of their good nature.

Health Issues: Japanese Chin can be subject to developing distemper, so it is important to keep the preventive shots completely up to date. The short face of this breed indicates that the Chin can have breathing problems and can be prone to heat stroke during the summer. As the eyes are so prominent, they can be injured fairly easily and should be checked to make sure the Chin has not scratched them.

Grooming: The long coat of the Japanese Chin will require a brushing every day. However, as this dog has a single rather than double coat, the job will not be difficult. This dog will not need frequent baths, and a dry shampoo might be best. As noted above the eyes must be checked for injuries and treated if infection occurs. The long ears will trap moisture in the ear canal and should be cleaned regularly. The facial wrinkles of the Chin should be cleaned and dried, too, to prevent bacterial or fungal infections.

Living Conditions: The Japanese Chin is a dog that can live in an apartment without any problem. As this is a playful dog, some of its exercise needs can be met with play, but a short walk every day is advisable as well. This dog will be happiest immersed in the attention of its family. This is definitely not a dog that can live outside under any conditions.