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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
Other Names
What other names does the Japanese Chin have?
Japanese SpanielChin
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

Japanese Chin Size and Weight

Size
Is a Japanese Chin small, medium or large dog?

How big do Japanese Chin get?

What is the average size of a Japanese Chin?

Small
Weight
How much does the Japanese Chin weigh? How much should a Japanese Chin weight? What is the normal weight of a Japanese Chin? How much does a full-grown Japanese Chin weight?
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
How much does the Japanese Chin puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Japanese Chin in the United States? How much money is a Japanese Chin?

Where to buy a Japanese Chin with a good pedigree?

$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

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Japanese Chin? Is the Japanese Chin breed dumb or smart?
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.

Trainability
Are Japanese Chin dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Japanese Chin?
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 Ability
Is Japanese Chin good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Japanese Chin dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Japanese Chin dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
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

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Japanese Chin have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
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

Playfulness
How playful is this 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.
Barking
Do Japanese Chin dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Japanese Spaniel bark?
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.

Apartment Friendly
Is Japanese Chin good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Japanese Chin in an apartment?
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

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
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.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Japanese Chin be left alone? How long can you leave a Japanese Chin alone?
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 Force PSI
Does the Japanese Chin has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Japanese Chin? How much bite force does a Japanese Chin have? How strong is a Japanese Chin bite?

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.

Biting Potential
Do Japanese Chin bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Japanese Spaniel? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Japanese Chin? Why do dog bites happen?

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.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Japanese Chin do?
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.

Japanese Chin Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Japanese Chin dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Japanese Chin is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
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
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Japanese Chin breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Japanese Chin see the vet?
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.
Life Expectancy
How long do Japanese Chin dogs live? How old can a Japanese Chin be? What is the age limit of the Japanese Chin? How many years can the oldest Japanese Chin live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Japanese Chin?

How long is the lifespan of a Japanese Chin?

10-12 years
The average lifespan of Japanese Chin: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
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.

Japanese Chin Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Japanese Chin have? What is the activity level of the Japanese Chin?
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

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Japanese Chin need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Japanese Chin breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Japanese Chin? How much food should I feed my Japanese Chin?
1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Japanese Chin risk for obesity:
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.

Japanese Chin Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Japanese Chin have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Feathered
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Japanese Chin coats?
Black White SableLemon
Grooming
How to groom the Japanese Chin and how often? How often should I take my Japanese Chin to the groomer?
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.

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.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Japanese Chin need a bath? How often should you give a Japanese Chin a bath? Can I bathe my Japanese Chin every day?
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.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Japanese Chin breed hypoallergenic?
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.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

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.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Japanese Chin drool?
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.

Japanese Chin Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Japanese Chin dogs get along with other pets? Are Japanese Chin dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
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.
Child Friendly
Are Japanese Chin dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Japanese Chin temperament with children:
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.
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
Are they good as service dogs? Can Japanese Chin be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

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 Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Japanese Chin be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Japanese Chin be an emotional support animal?

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.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Japanese Chin be a sniffer dog?

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 and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Japanese Chin be a search and rescue dog?

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.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Japanese Chin be a boat dog?

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.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Japanese Chin be a drafting dog?

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.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Japanese Chin dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

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

Japanese Chin Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Japanese Chin pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Japanese Chin breed is pregnant?

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.

Litter Frequency

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.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Japanese Chin have in a litter? How many puppies can the Japanese Chin breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Japanese Chin have? How many puppies can a Japanese Chin give birth to?
1-3 puppies

Japanese Chin Recognition

AKC Group
Is Japanese Chin recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Toy breed.
FCI Group
Is Japanese Chin recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Japan Chin and Pekingese section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Japanese Chin breed?
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 Friendly: 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.
  • 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
  • Intelligent Rank: Low to average: This canine intelligence is not the brightest one.
  • Hypoallergenic: Japanese Chin dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Mouthiness: Japanese Chin dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Japanese Chin dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Child Friendly: 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