Japanese Chin — size comparison

The Japanese Chin is a small dog with a broad head, a short muzzle and large, widely spaced eyes. Long, silky hair forms a full ruff, ear feathering and a fluffy tail curled over the back. Despite the abundant coat, its outline is light and almost square. Movement is lively and delicate, while dark patches on a pale background emphasise its characteristic expression.

The breed’s history is linked to Japanese courts and early contacts with China and Korea. Dogs were exchanged as valuable gifts, so the exact route of their earliest ancestors cannot be reconstructed confidently. In Japan the Chin became a lapdog bred chiefly for companionship. More dogs reached Europe and the United States in the nineteenth century, attracting interest beyond Asia.

It is usually gentle, bright and affectionate with familiar people. It may watch the household quietly, then suddenly invite a short, lively game. It enjoys daily family life but has its own ideas and does not always respond immediately to encouragement. It may initially keep its distance from newcomers. A subtle manner combines with curiosity and close attention to people.

Measurement sources

• Wysokość
• Waga — AKC
• Charakter i pielęgnacja
• AKC — długość życia, pielęgnacja i historia