A Japanese Chin, also known as a Japanese Spaniel, is a toy dog that has been prized by Japanese royalty. This dog is bred specifically for companionship as it is very affectionate. The Chin is a cuddly lap dog, but can also be very independent, preferring to sleep on the back of a chair or couch.
The Japanese Chin stands approximately 10 inches (25.4 cm) tall at the shoulders and weighs approximately 8 pounds (3.63 kg). They have long silky hair and a tail that curls upward. Chins are usually black and white, though other colors include red, white, sable and tan.
The Chin is known to suffer from breathing and heart problems, due to its flat face. Other medical predispositions include luxating patellas, hypoglycemia, seasonal allergies and sensitivity to extreme heat. The Japanese Chin has very large eyes that are prone to being scratched. This can result in eye ulcerations, which can be treated by applying a canine antibacterial eye ointment.
A Japanese Chin is relatively easy to care for. They are low-energy dogs that require little exercise, making them the perfect apartment dog. Other than alerting you to the presence of strangers, they are very quiet. This breed of dog does require a lot of grooming, though, due to their long hair.
Grooming a Chin involves bathing her once a month with an herbal shampoo. Chins have very sensitive skin that is prone to developing dermatitis. Blow dry your dog after every bath to prevent her from catching a chill. After your dog is dry, apply a conditioning oil, to prevent her long hair from developing tangles. Cut her nails and brush her teeth at least twice a month.
The health of a Japanese Chin's coat depends upon her eating a well-rounded diet. Feed her an all natural dog food that is high in vegetable content. A Chin will also benefit from eating prepared meals that include food from her native diet, such as rice, pork, fish and greens.
To help prevent excessive shedding, add a small amount of Emu oil to your dog's dry food. The fatty acids in the oil will strengthen the hair, making it less likely to fall out. It will also condition her skin and make her less prone to developing dermatitis.
Walk your Japanese Chin for a short time, every day. This is all the exercise he really needs. Walks are a great time to bond with your dog. If you go to work every day, try to take this walk before then. Your Chin can use this time to defecate before being in the house all day.
As with any dog, when purchasing a Chin, research her background. Make sure you learn about any genetic disorders that are in her bloodlines. Learn about the temperament of her parents to make sure she isn't aggressive, especially if you have children. Chins, although friendly, are most suited for households without kids, due to their small size and low-energy requirements.
