Information on AKC Japanese Chin Puppies
AKC MEET THE BREEDS®: Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a sensitive and intelligent breed whose only purpose is to serve man as a companion. Agile and playful, they can be taught to perform tricks and like to show off to an audience of friends. Their coat varies in size and length, but most are white with black markings. They can also be white and red.
A Look Back
The Japanese Chin’s origin and development in its native land of China is wrapped in royalty and adoration. They were bred for the sole purpose of accompanying the ladies of the Imperial Palace and warming the laps of Chinese aristocracy. There are illustrations on ancient pottery and embroideries that are centuries old, and evidence suggests that one could not purchase a Chin – they were kept in the hands of the nobility and frequently given as gifts of esteem to diplomats and to foreigners who rendered some outstanding service to Japan.
Right Breed for You?
The Japanese Chin is a bright, alert and playful breed. An affectionate and devoted family companion, this breed loves everyone it is familiar with, but may be reserved around strangers and in unfamiliar situations. Their small size makes them ideal for an apartment, but they still enjoy the opportunity to play in an open yard. Their silky and flowing coat requires twice-weekly brushing.
If you are considering purchasing a Japanese Chin puppy, learn more here.
- Toy Group; AKC recognized in 1888.
- Ranging from 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder.
- Companion dog.
© The American Kennel Club, Inc.
Japanese Chin Breed Standard
General Appearance
The Japanese Chin is a small, well balanced, lively, aristocratic toy dog with
a distinctive Oriental expression. It is light and stylish in action. The plumed
tail is carried over the back, curving to either side. The coat is profuse, silky,
soft and straight. The dog’s outline presents a square appearance.
Size, Proportion, Substance
Size - Ideal size is 8 inches to 11 inches at the highest point
of the withers. Proportion - Length between the sternum and the
buttock is equal to the height at the withers. Substance - Solidly
built, compact, yet refined. Carrying good weight in proportion to height
and body build.
Head
Expression - bright, inquisitive, alert, and intelligent. The distinctive
Oriental expression is characterized by the large broad head, large wide-set
eyes, short broad muzzle, ear feathering, and the evenly patterned facial
markings. Eyes - set wide apart, large, round, dark in color,
and lustrous. A small amount of white showing in the inner corners of the
eyes is a breed characteristic that gives the dog a look of astonishment.
Ears - hanging, small, V-shaped, wide apart, set slightly below
the crown of the skull. When alert, the ears are carried forward and downward.
The ears are well feathered and fit into the rounded contour of the head.
Skull - large, broad, slightly rounded between the ears but not
domed. Forehead is prominent, rounding toward the nose. Wide across the
level of the eyes. In profile, the forehead and muzzle touch on the same
vertical plane of a right angle whose horizontal plane is the top of the
skull. Stop - deep. Muzzle - short and broad with well-cushioned
cheeks and rounded upper lips that cover the teeth. Nose - very
short with wide, open nostrils. Set on a level with the middle of the eyes
and upturned. Nose leather is black in the black and white and the black
and white with tan points, and is self-colored or black in the red and white.
Bite - The jaw is wide and slightly undershot. A dog with one or
two missing or slightly misaligned teeth should not be severely penalized.
The Japanese Chin is very sensitive to oral examination. If the dog displays
any hesitancy, judges are asked to defer to the handler for presentation
of the bite.
Neck, Topline, Body
Neck - moderate in length and thickness. Well set on the shoulders
enabling the dog to carry its head up proudly. Topline - level.
Body - square, moderately wide in the chest with rounded ribs.
Depth of rib extends to the elbow. Tail - set on high, carried
arched up over the back and flowing to either side of the body.
Forequarters
Legs - straight, and fine boned, with the elbows set close to the
body. Removal of dewclaws is optional. Feet - hare-shaped with
feathering on the ends of the toes in the mature dog. Point straight ahead
or very slightly outward.
Hindquarters
Legs - straight as viewed from the rear and fine boned. Moderate
bend of stifle. Removal of dewclaws is optional. Feet - hare-shaped
with feathering on the ends of the toes in the mature dog. Point straight
ahead.
Coat
Abundant, straight, single, and silky. Has a resilient texture and a tendency
to stand out from the body, especially on neck, shoulders, and chest areas where
the hair forms a thick mane or ruff. The tail is profusely coated and forms a
plume. The rump area is heavily coated and forms culottes or pants. The head and
muzzle are covered with short hair except for the heavily feathered ears. The
forelegs have short hair blending into profuse feathering on the backs of the
legs. The rear legs have the previously described culottes, and in mature dogs,
light feathering from hock joint to the foot.
Color
Either black and white, red and white, or black and white with tan points. The
term tan points shall include tan or red spots over each eye, inside the ears,
on both cheeks, and at the anal vent area if displaying any black. The term red
shall include all shades of red, orange, and lemon, and sable, which includes
any aforementioned shade intermingled or overlaid with black. Among the allowed
colors there shall be no preference when judging. A clearly defined white muzzle
and blaze are preferable to a solidly marked head. Symmetry of facial markings
is preferable. The size, shape, placement or number of body patches is not of
great importance. The white is clear of excessive ticking.
Gait
Stylish and lively in movement. Moves straight with front and rear legs following
in the same plane.
Temperament
A sensitive and intelligent dog whose only purpose is to serve man as a companion.
Responsive and affectionate with those it knows and loves but reserved with strangers
or in new situations.
Approved December 8, 1992
Effective January 27, 1993
