Japanese Chin – Dog Breed of The Week
This breed is elegant and dainty, mild-mannered and playful.
Jumpin’ jiminy! Is that a Japanese Chin on your fireplace mantel? It is! People who live with the Chin often marvel at the breed’s ability to leap tall furniture in a single bound. The toy-size Japanese Chin has a catlike nature that includes the desire to be in high places, the ability to climb, and the tendency to wash himself. He has also been seen batting at objects much like a cat would.
Feline traits notwithstanding, the Japanese Chin has all of the qualities one looks for in a companion dog. He thrives when he’s with his people, and he loves everyone. Japanese Chin do well in apartmentsand will adapt to any living situation, but their tiny size and love of human companionship mean they’re not suited to living outdoors or in a kennel.
Japanese Chin have the classic look of an Oriental breed with a large, broad head; large, wide-set eyes; and a flattish face. Small, V-shaped ears hang down, set just below the top of the head. They carry their plumed tail jauntily over their back.
Read more at http://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/japanese-chin#226lyRhpJq5FBhpT.99
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:Companion Dogs
Height:8 inches to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Weight:4 to 9 pounds
Life Span:10 to 14 years

Highlights
- The Japanese Chin is catlike in many ways. The breed is commonly seen grooming itself by licking its paws and wiping its head. Also, they enjoy being up high and will perch on the back of couches and on tables.
- Considered to be an average shedder, the Japanese Chin requires a few minutes of brushing each day to remove loose hair and to keep the coat from tangling.
- Japanese Chin do not handle heat very well and need to be monitored on hot days to ensure that they don’t overexert themselves.
- Due to the breed’s flat face, Japanese Chin will often snort, sniffle, or reverse sneeze. Generally, a Japanese Chin is still able to breathe through this, but if the attack becomes severe, you can try gently stroke his neck.
- Japanese Chin do well in apartments.
- Although Japanese Chin are intelligent and eager to please, they require interesting, fun-filled training sessions. Otherwise, they get bored and will turn their attention to something more entertaining.
- Japanese Chin do very well with older children but are not recommended for homes with smaller children due to their small size. They can be seriously injured with minimal force.
- Japanese Chin are companion dogs who thrive when they are with the people they love. They should not live outside or in a kennel away from their family.
- Japanese Chin require a lower amount of exercise compared to other breeds but they do enjoy a daily walk or play in the yard.
- Japanese Chin don’t like being parted from their people, and separation anxiety is a common problem in the breed.
- To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they’re free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments.
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