GENERAL APPEARANCE
Shoulder height: Approx. 23-28cm (9”-11”).
Colour: Black/white or red/white. Markings to be even.
Coat: Profuse, long, soft, straight and silky.
Gait: Forelegs lifted high and straight with strong hind drive.
The stylish movement and pretty markings make this member of the toy family aristocrats in the showring. A hallmark of the breed is their expression of astonishment, a feature which is caused by showing the white of the inner corners of the eye. The broad skull is round and the very short muzzle is well cushioned. The well feathered ears are high set and pendant.
The proudly carried neck runs into a square, compact body on which the well plumed tail is carried over the back. The slender legs and well angulated hindquarters finish with well feathered long feet.
CHARACTERISTICS AND CARE
Like many dogs whose origins lie in the far east of Asia, Japanese Chins have a mind of their own and can be quite aloof at times. This independence and ability to use their own initiative in no way restricts their intelligence or their need for love. They make excellent pets for the elderly but are rather too small and dainty for young children. Regular grooming is necessary and when brushing, make certain to lift the coat so that each stroke starts from the root of the hair.
HISTORY
Sometimes known as the Japanese Spaniel, it is fairly certain that this breed has a blending of some Pekingese lines. Three of the major theories that have been presented to their actual origin are firstly being that they arrived with a Korean mission in 732 AD where they became an immediate success as a lap dog with the Japanese women. The second theory is that they arrived with teachers preaching Zen Buddhism‘ in about 520 AD, and the third, is that the Emperor of China gave a pair to the Emperor of Japan. One thing is certain - these dogs were originally restricted to Royal households where they were favoured by ladies of the court who carried them in their sleeves or in their hands.