THE JAPANESE CHIN

Theories abound as to the origins of this breed, some claim it originated in China and that the Emperor of China presented the Emperor of Japan with a pair of these dogs. It is clear however, that the breed was developed in Japan where they were kept and bred by people of noble birth. Their aim was to breed a dog that was a blend of cat and dog, and today the Chin is a dog with many cat-like characteristics.

In 1853, several pair of Chin left Japan with the Commander of a ship sent to trade with Japan. A pair was given to Queen Victoria and the President of the USA while another pair was given to the Commanderʼs daughter. None of these reproduced but subsequent dogs which left Japan on ships developed the breed in USA and UK. By the end of the Second World War most of the Chins in Japan had been killed or died and the breed was redeveloped by imports from USA.

Favourite pets of the old Japanese Imperial Court, legend has it that the Japanese Chin was given sake (a liquor made from fermented rice) to stunt its growth and keep it as small as possible.

The Chin has a distinctively Oriental look about it, with an aristocratic appearance and stylish carriage. Its eyes are placed wide apart with the whites showing at the inner corners and consequently its efforts to look straight ahead tend to give it an endearing look of perpetual astonishment.

Thousand of years of living in human company have made this picturesque little dog a
very social creature, seemingly capable of understanding the thoughts and wishes of its
owners without them saying anything. Friendly, bright and alert, the Japanese Chin is a sensitive little fellow with definite likes and dislikes. Rarely, if ever, does it forget friend or foe.

Being naturally clean and not requiring much exercise means that it can live quite happily in the smallest house and makes a lovely pet for the elderly, or older, gentle children. Its profuse coat requires regular grooming.