Japanese Chin-The Imp

Did you know that no one could tell for sure where the Japanese Chin comes from? Some people say that this tiny dog originated in China, others say Korea and still others say Japan!

Even though the origins of the dog are unidentified, everybody knows that the Chin came to Europe from Japan; it was sailors that received these small dogs as gifts when they went to Japan for trading. Queen Victoria received a pair and the President of the United States.

It is thought that the Emperor of China gave a pair to the Emperor of Japan as a gift, before long most of the royal families in Japan were breeding them - each in his own way - that is why there are so many kinds of Japanese chins today.

Who knows how many countries in Europe started breeding this delightful little dog? I know for a fact that in the little country of Romania there is a small dog called the Pekinese that has all the characteristics of the Japanese Chin the only difference is that they don't quite have as much feathering, as the officially recognized Chin.

As this dog became more and more popular the demand for chins became greater and greater, traders started importing the Chin, from Japan, in large numbers.

The Japanese Chin is a very small dog, of the toy breed class; the most common color is black and white, although red and white are perfectly acceptable. These dogs have the "thumbprint of Buddha" on their faces, that’s what it is called anyway; it's a white patch of fur going from their noses all the way up between their ears. Usually their feet and bellies are white also.

They have a pushed in nose and big gazing eyes that can give them a dopey, lovable expression at times. The Chin can have a lot of feathering, especially on their neck and chest that comes all the way down to their feet. The hair is light and silky and forms a ruff around the neck; the ears usually have heavy feathering as does the tail, which curls up and over their back, giving them a slight pig tail appearance.

Nothing can be more delightful then one of these little Chins, they run and they jump and play, they are just plain cute! This breed loves everyone it is familiar with, but is known to be reserved around strangers and in unfamiliar situations. With its gentle ways and charming manners, it is perhaps best suited to homes in which there are no small children. If you do have small children, teach them to be nice and gentle with the dog.

They are good with other dogs and pets. The Japanese Spaniel (another name they have) has a mind of its own and likes to be the center of attention. This breed is not a barker, it is mild mannered, elegant, yet playful; also sensitive, agile, dainty and clean. This breed is more obedient than most toy breeds and they are very good at learning tricks. Chins are also good watchdogs! They have a light bouncy way of running and sometimes it seems that their back end becomes a little lost when they are running to you.

The Japanese Chin is perky and loves nothing more then to be held, because of this it is recommended that your Chin have a constant playmate, whether it is another Chin etc. because they can suffer from separation anxiety, which they will gladly show through chewing, barking and whining.

Because they are a toy breed you need to take care that they don't injure themselves, yes, I said injure themselves! You come home after a long day at work and they jump off the side of the stairs or even the balcony out of pure joy, just to get to you that much faster, of course.

Don't forget: every dog is different, especially the Chin, because of its background. A Chin can be snappy or he can be calm and sweet, a lot depends on the dog you get, his age and the training you give him.

I have a Japanese Chin and she was the snappiest little thing, but with proper training she turned in to the sweetest, cutest little dog ever.

If you want an imp, a small dog that will not require much space, a dog that will bring you constant laughs and joy, and if you want a dog that will love you unconditionally, then get a Chin, because they are worth it!