Japanese Chin (or Japanese Spaniel)

Red and white Japanese Chin.
Photo: Tetsu Yamazaki

Height: 9 inches.
Weight: 4-11 lbs.
Life Span: 12-14 yrs.
Breed Group: Companion Dogs
Overview
Also known as the Japanese Spaniel.
Japanese Chins are intelligent, sociable, responsive dogs that very obedience training. They get along well with people and other animals and are fine with children over eight years old, provided the children are reasonably gentle.
These dogs do well in the city, suburbs, or country. They have catlike tendencies in that they use their paws to scoop food and clean their faces, and will climb into cozy places for naps.
Appearance
The Japanese Chin's profuse coat is long, soft, straight, and silky, with a thick mane, or ruff, on the neck and abundant feathering on the thighs and tail. Coat color is black and white or red and white. The head is round and broad with large, dark, wide-set eyes.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
Surprisingly, the Japanese Chin needs to be brushed and combed just twice a week. This dog considers jumping up on people's laps a vigorous workout.
Origins
The Japanese Chin is thought to have originated in China, where it was kept only by royalty. Likenesses have been found in Chinese temple paintings and on ancient pottery and embroidery.
Introduced to Japan around A.D. 700, it became a favorite of Japanese royalty. In Japanese, the word chin means "royalty."
Special Alerts
Breed-related health concerns include undescended testicles.