Japanese Chin
Dogs
Japanese Chin
Japanese Chin |
One-year-old Japanese Chin
A fully mature Chin's coat is longer and fuller.
|
Alternative names |
Japanese Spaniel |
Country of origin |
Japan |
Common nicknames |
|
Classification and breed standards |
FCI: |
Group 9 Section 8 #206 |
|
AKC: |
Toy Group |
|
ANKC: |
Group 1 (Toys) |
|
CKC: |
Group 5 (Toys) |
|
KC (UK): |
Toy |
|
NZKC: |
Toy |
|
UKC: |
Companion Breeds |
|
Not recognized by any major kennel club |
This breed of dog is
extinct |
Notes |
|
In Japan, there are Inu (犬) (dogs) and there are Chin (狆). The
Japanese Chin (also known as the Japanese Spaniel) is the dog of
Japanese Royalty. A
lap dog and
companion dog, this
breed of
toy dog is
one with a distinctive heritage.
Appearance
Japanese Chins stand about 20 to 27 cm (8 to 11 in) in height at the
withers and
weigh 2 to 5 kg (4 to 11 lb). They have straight, silky, profuse long hair that
is most often black and white or red and white, or less often black and white
with tan points. They have feathered tails that curl up over their backs. Their
faces have an "oriental" appearance, with a short, upturned muzzle and large,
wide-set eyes that have white visible in the inner corners, creating an
astonished expression.
These dogs commonly have a white spot or blaze in the middle of their
foreheads known as
Buddha's Thumbprint. This designation can be attributed to the Buddhist
Emperor Ming of Han China, who owned many of these dogs.
Temperament
This breed is considered one of the most
cat-like of the dog
breeds in attitude: it is alert, intelligent, and often independent, and it uses
its paws to wash its face; the name Chin means cat-like. A
companion dog, it is loving and loyal to its owner, but is distrustful of new
people. Chins prefer familiar surroundings, and are very uncomfortable in
unfamiliar areas and with new situations. They are a quiet breed, with a much
deeper bark than the high-pitched yap commonly associated with many of the toy
breeds, and are naturally clean, making them excellent apartment dogs.
Health
This breed's flattened face contributes to some dogs suffering from breathing
and heart problems, as is common with such breeds.
Luxating patellas (knees) and
heart
murmurs are other genetically predisposed conditions. The oversized eyes are
easily scratched and corneal scratches or more serious ulcerations can result.
Mild scratches benefit from topical canine
antibacterial ointment specifically for eye application; more serious injury
or ulcerations require urgent medical care.
Care
The Chin's
coat
needs more than average brushing or combing to maintain its appearance. They are
year round shedders. Without fiber in the diet, they may need to have their
anal
glands expressed bimonthly. The oversized eye orbits contribute to moisture
about the face and the skin folds in and around the nose and flattened facial
area can trap moisture and cause
fungal
problems. The face should be occasionally wiped with a damp cloth and the folds
cleaned with a cotton swab. This breed has little or no odor.
Due to low exercise requirements, the Chin makes a perfect condominium or
apartment pet. The use of "housetraining pads" is recommended. The Chin is a bit
tough to
housetrain in the first 4 months of life, but become quick studies. Always
yearning to please, seeking affection and loving - the Chin is a perfect pet for
a single or elderly person.
History
There is some debate as to the origins of this breed. Some say that the
ancestors of these dogs first appeared in Japan around the year
732, as gifts from
the rulers of Korea.
Others attribute the ancestors of the Chin to breeds of
Chinese origin.
Portuguese
sailors introduced the breed to
Europe in the
1600s by
presenting some to
Braganza's
Princess Catherine.
An American naval officer,
Commodore Perry, helped make this dog famous in
England in
1853 when he
presented a breeding pair to
Queen Victoria after returning from Japan. He is also credited with this
breed's appearance in America when he later gave a pair to the
President of the United States.
External links
Home | Up | Jack Russell Terrier | Jagdterrier | Jämthund | Japanese Chin | Japanese Spitz | Japanese Terrier | Jonangi
Dogs, made by MultiMedia | Free content and software
This guide is licensed under the GNU
Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia.
|