How to Identify a Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin, originally known as the Japanese Spaniel, is an Asian breed assigned to the toy group. [1] Though their exact history is unknown, it is thought that the Chin originated in China or Korea and was developed in Japan. [2] Japanese Chin share some traits with other toy breeds but do have some unique traits. This wikiHow will help you identify a Japanese Chin by recognizing these traits.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Analyzing the Structure

  1. As part of the toy group, Japanese Chin are one of the smallest breeds of dog. They only weigh 7–11 pounds (3.2–5.0 kg) and stand at 8–11 inches (20–28 cm). [3]
  2. A Japanese Chin's head is large in size and a bit rounded but broad. The forehead stands out approaching the nose, and the stop is noticeable and deep. [4]
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  3. The ears of a Japanese Chin are fairly small but coated with feathering. They hang down and forward and are set on the dog's head below the crown, making them a bit wide apart. In shape, they resemble the letter v. [5]
  4. Japanese Chin have large eyes of a rounded shape. They are widely set apart, and though their color is dark, they show a small bit of white to contribute to their expression of astonishment, intelligence, and inquisitiveness. [6]
  5. A Japanese Chin's muzzle appears broad but flat and short. The nose is also very short but has nostrils that are opened wide and is black or self-colored. The jaws are wide, and the lips are round to cover a barely undershot bite. [7]

    Did you know? Despite the name "Japanese Chin", the breed can actually be traced back to China instead, making it one of several flat-faced toy breeds from the country, others including the Pug and Pekingese. [8]

  6. The paws of a Japanese Chin are classified as hare feet, meaning they are rather long. They typically point forward, though the front paws may point outward to a very small extent. Mature adult dogs usually have feathered toes, and any dewclaws, if present, may possibly be removed. [9]
  7. A Japanese Chin's tail is high-set and plumed. It is carried either on the back or on the side, in an arch or flow, respectively. [10]
  8. Japanese Chin are balanced, square, and compact. They have a moderately long neck, a fairly wide chest, rounded ribs, straight legs, and a level topline. Their gait is straightforward and made up of lively yet refined and stylish movements. [11]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Inspecting the Coat

  1. A Japanese Chin's coat appears straight abundant on the body. It is a single coat with a texture of resilience resembling silk. [12]
  2. Japanese Chin may be black and white, with or without tan points, or red and white. Tan points on the dog may range from tan to red and appear over the eyes, on the cheeks, and on the insides of the ears. The red in a red and white dog may be true red or any shade of lemon, orange, or red and may be sable or have a black overlay. [13]
    • Many dogs have a white blaze and muzzle with the markings on the face being symmetrical. [14]
  3. The coat of a Japanese Chin is clearly feathered. The hair on the chest, shoulders, and neck form a mane or ruff, and the rump and tail are also feathered to form pants or culottes and a plume. The backs of the legs have a bit of feathering as well, as do the ears, while the head, muzzle, and fronts of the legs have shorter hair. [15]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Looking at Temperament

  1. Japanese Chin love staying with their people and will typically adapt to new environments to please them. Their strong desire to be around them makes them prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time, however. [16]
  2. Japanese Chin are quick to sense something off in their household and do not hesitate to react to this. This adds to their adaptability but can also pose issues in overly stressful homes. [17]
  3. Typically, Japanese Chin act polite toward strangers and do not mind other animals. Note, though, that some may appear shy or potentially suspicious if not properly socialized. [18]
  4. Japanese Chin are a mischievous, self-entertaining breed. Some of their playful behavior with their families may seem clownish or goofy and can be highly amusing, though they are typically quiet in other settings. [19]
  5. Though they are notably less energetic than some other toy breeds, Japanese Chin still love to play. They enjoy doing things outside in a securely fenced yard and do not require a significant amount of exercise otherwise. [20]
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      Tips

      • If you wish to know the breed of your own dog, think about DNA testing. This will confirm if your dog is a Japanese Chin.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/japanese-chin/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/japanese-chin/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/japanese-chin/
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/JapaneseChin.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/JapaneseChin.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/JapaneseChin.pdf
      7. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/JapaneseChin.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/8-facts-japanese-chin/
      9. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/JapaneseChin.pdf
      1. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/JapaneseChin.pdf
      2. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/JapaneseChin.pdf
      3. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/JapaneseChin.pdf
      4. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/JapaneseChin.pdf
      5. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/JapaneseChin.pdf
      6. ↑ https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/JapaneseChin.pdf
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/japanese-chin-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/japanese-chin-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/japanesechin.html
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/japanese-chin-temperament/
      11. ↑ https://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/japanesechin.html

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