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Japanese Chin Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Japanese Chin so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank108
Reviews4
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Japanese Chin dog profile picture
OriginJapan flagJapan
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Japanese Chin known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Japanese SpanielChin
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Japanese Chin? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Japanese Chin Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Japanese Chin? Learn how big the Japanese Chin breed typically grows.
Small
Weight Statistics
How much does a Japanese Chin weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Japanese Chin breed.
4-15 pounds (2-7 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Japanese Chin?
9.5 pounds (4.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Japanese Chin? Japanese Chin height:
7-11 inches (18-28 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Japanese Chin?
9 inches (23 cm)

Japanese Chin Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Japanese Chin puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Japanese Chin costs.
$300-$500
If you choose to purchase the Japanese Chin, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Japanese Chin for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Japanese Chin gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Japanese Chin? How many Japanese Chin are there in the world?
Frequent: The Japanese Chin is easier than average to get. Maybe there is some risk of overbreeding, as it is a popular breed.

Due to its popularity, inbreeding may occur. A new study shows that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful and seek the help of an experienced person or a professional, in making your decision.

Japanese Chin Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Japanese Chin? Discover the Japanese Chin's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one. Keep in mind that if you want to teach them any tricks, they understand and memorize new commands in 40-80 repetitions. Japanese Chin obey the first command 30% of the time or better. So if you want to have a smart dog, you might have to reconsider your choice with this breed.

The Japanese Chin ranks below average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Japanese Chin? Learn about the Japanese Chin's trainability and response to training methods.
Japanese Chin dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Japanese Chin as a watchdog? Learn about the Japanese Chin's alertness and guarding instincts.
Japanese Chin dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Territorial Protection
Is a Japanese Chin protective of its territory? Learn about the Japanese Chin's guarding instincts and behavior.
Japanese Chin dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Japanese Chin Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Japanese Chin have? Learn about characteristic Japanese Chin temperament and behavior traits.
PlayfulLovingIndependentAlertIntelligentLoyal
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Japanese Chin sensitivity:
Japanese Chin dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. Sometimes it's okay to change the daily routine, have guests and listen to loud music.

Some dogs handle moderate punishment very well, while others crumble apart at a dirty look. This breed is not affected emotionally by moderate punishment.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Japanese Chin a good family dog?
High: Japanese Chin dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Japanese Spaniel need? Japanese Chin social needs:
Japanese Chin dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Japanese Chin to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Japanese Chin roam?
Japanese Chin dogs are not the biggest explorers. They have low wanderlust potential. Low chance of escaping from home with this breed.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Japanese Chin have high prey drive?
Japanese Chin dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. Training can help to achieve good behavior.

Japanese Chin Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Japanese Chin bark a lot? Learn about typical Japanese Chin vocalization patterns and triggers.
Low: The Japanese Chin barks none to minimal. Perfect choice if you prefer a quiet breed.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Japanese Chin? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Japanese Chin breed.
Average: Japanese Chins, like any other dog breed, like playing. Sometimes they bark in excitement for playing, but they are not the most playful dog breed.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Japanese Chin live in an apartment? Learn about the Japanese Chin's suitability for apartment living.
Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Chin breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Japanese Chin Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Japanese Chin to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Japanese Chin's flexibility to new situations.
Japanese Chin dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Japanese Chin be left alone? Learn about the Japanese Chin's tolerance to solitude.
Japanese Chin dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Japanese Chin Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Japanese Chin biting potential? Learn about the Japanese Chin's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Japanese Chin has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Japanese Chin mouthy? Learn about the Japanese Chin's tendency to use mouth during play.
Japanese Chin dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Japanese Chin dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Japanese Chin bite? Learn about the Japanese Chin's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Japanese Chin bite force: Weak. The Japanese Chin bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Japanese Chin measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Japanese Chin may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Japanese Chin being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Japanese Chin bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Japanese Chin puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Japanese Chin can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Japanese Chin Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Japanese Chin live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Japanese Chin breed.
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Chin: 11 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Japanese Chin handle different weather? Learn about the Japanese Chin's climate adaptability.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Japanese Chin? Discover typical conditions affecting the Japanese Chin breed.
The Japanese Chin is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Japanese Chin need vet visits? Learn about the Japanese Chin's veterinary care requirements.
Average
The Japanese Chin should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Japanese Chin breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Japanese Chin breed? Most common health risks of Japanese Chin:
CataractsHeart MurmursPatellar LuxationHypothyroidismEye ProblemsEpilepsyEntropionHeart Disease

Japanese Chin Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Japanese Chin? Understand daily activity needs of the Japanese Chin breed.
Japanese Chin dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. If you live a chilled life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Japanese Chin need? How much exercise do Japanese Chin dogs require per day?

Do Japanese Chin dogs need a lot of exercises?

Japanese Chin dogs exercise need is very minimal. If you live a lazy life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Japanese Chin breed need?
Japanese Chin dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. They're not the most active dog breed. If you live an active life, this breed can be a bad choice for you.

Japanese Chin Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Japanese Chin prone to weight gain? Learn about the Japanese Chin's obesity risks.
Average: The Japanese Chin has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Japanese Chin weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Japanese Chin need daily? Learn about the Japanese Chin's feeding requirements.
1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Japanese Chin Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Japanese Chin hypoallergenic? Learn about the Japanese Chin's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Japanese Chin dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Japanese Chin come in? Discover all possible Japanese Chin color variations.
Black White SableLemon
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Japanese Chin need? Learn about Japanese Chin coat maintenance requirements.
Average: The Japanese Chin requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Japanese Chin, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Drooling Tendency
Does a Japanese Chin drool a lot? Learn about the Japanese Chin's drooling habits.
The Japanese Chin is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Japanese Chin could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Japanese Chin.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Japanese Chin smell bad? Learn about the Japanese Chin's natural odor levels.

Medium

The Japanese Chin has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Japanese Chin have? Learn about the Japanese Chin's fur characteristics.
Feathered
Bathing Needs
How often does a Japanese Chin need baths? Learn about the Japanese Chin's bathing requirements.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Shedding Level
How much do Japanese Chin dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Japanese Spaniel? Do Japanese Chin dogs shed a lot?
Japanese Chin dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Japanese Chin Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Japanese Chin good with children? Learn about the Japanese Chin's behavior around kids of different ages.
Japanese Chin dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs. If you have children, you may have to reconsider your choice of having a puppy from this breed.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Japanese Chin get along with other pets? Discover the Japanese Chin's compatibility with other animals.
Japanese Chin dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Japanese Chin temperament with other people:
Japanese Chin dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
How well do Japanese Chin dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Japanese Chin breed live with a cat?
Japanese Chin dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Japanese Chin good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Japanese Chin dogs get along with other dogs?
Japanese Chin dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Japanese Chin breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Japanese Chin breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Japanese Chin dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Japanese Chin dogs good office canines? Do Japanese Chin dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Japanese Chin is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Japanese Chin dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Japanese Spaniel temperament with senior people? Are Japanese Chin dogs good for elderly owners?
Japanese Chins are not the best breed for elderly people.

Japanese Chin As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Japanese Chin be a service dog? Learn about the Japanese Chin's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Japanese Chin is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Japanese Chin good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Japanese Chin's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Japanese Chin is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Japanese Chin good at detection work? Learn about the Japanese Chin's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Japanese Chin is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Japanese Chin do search and rescue? Learn about the Japanese Chin's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Japanese Chin is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Japanese Chin good on boats? Learn about the Japanese Chin's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Japanese Chin breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Japanese Chin pull carts? Learn about the Japanese Chin's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Japanese Chin is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Japanese Chin used in military service? Learn about the Japanese Chin's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Japanese Chin Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Japanese Chin usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
1-3 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Japanese Chin pregnant? Learn about the Japanese Chin's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Japanese Chin: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Japanese Chin have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Japanese Chin Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Japanese Chin in? Learn about the Japanese Chin's AKC classification.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Japanese Chin in? Learn about the Japanese Chin's international classification.
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Japan Chin and Pekingese section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize a Japanese Chin? Learn about the Japanese Chin's official recognition.
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel Club

Japanese Chin Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Apartment Adaptability: Very house-friendly dog the Japanese Chin breed.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Japanese Chin is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Japanese Chin dogs are not the biggest explorers.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Japanese Chin dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Cat Friendly: Japanese Chin dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Japanese Chin dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Intelligence Rating: Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
  • Allergy Friendliness: Japanese Chin dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Mouthing Tendency: Japanese Chin dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: Japanese Chin dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Child Compatibility: Japanese Chin dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Japanese Chin is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Japanese Chins are not the best breed for elderly people.

Rate The Japanese Chin Breed

Japanese Chin Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Kat

    Nov 23, 2021, 11:37:50 PM:

    She has great energy for play. And they cost starting at $1,800 dollars. Dont believe any of the garbage these people put about Chins.

  • Kat

    Nov 23, 2021, 11:36:20 PM:

    There is so many wrong pointers mentioned here! They couldnt be more wrong. My Chin is a service dog to me! She is very intelligent and learns fast!

  • I.Bate

    Nov 20, 2019, 10:39:56 AM:

    very helpfull information