Japanese Chin: description, nature and cultivation

This dear four-legged pet is one of the first companion dogs. For centuries, Japanese Chins proudly roamed the palace chambers, giving their companionship and love to the great emperors.

The Japanese Chin is one of many miniature flat-faced breeds that originated in the novelty-loving Japanese imperial court 1,500 years ago. Fans describe him as playful, mischievous, intelligent, determined, stubborn and affectionate. He is popular with anyone who loves small dogs with a sense of humor, a vicious temperament and endless quick wit in pursuit of their interests.

Many hypotheses try to explain the origin of this Japanese breed. According to one of them, the ancestors of this small dog are from Korea, and in 732 they were presented as a gift to the emperor of Japan. Another version claims that the dogs arrived in the Land of the Rising Sun much earlier, together with Buddhist Zen monks who came to Japan from Tibet in 538. This theory suggests that the Japanese Chin share common ancestors with a large and varied group of dogs originating from Tibet. For years, Asians have worshiped the little dog as a sacred gift from heaven.

In Japan, dogs of this breed were bred with great enthusiasm. Especially appreciated were short legs and flat muzzles, very reminiscent of human faces.Some breeders even fed their small dogs rice wine to stop the growth of the animal and thereby bring them closer to the ideal.

In the 18th century, these small dogs were kept in special cages, like decorative birds. Since the emperor of Japan was born under the sign of a dog according to the Japanese horoscope, every family at that time felt obligated to have at least one dog out of respect for the emperor. Japanese chins were protected by law: anyone who harmed or behaved rudely towards dogs could even be executed.

In the world, this is probably the first dog from Asia, which appeared on the European continent from ancient times. A Portuguese missionary brought such a dog as a gift to the British king Charles II. In the 18th century, the Prince of Marlborough crossed this dog with one of the short-haired British spaniels, thus creating a miniature spaniel.

One author in 1863 described the Japanese Chin as a tiny dog, no more than 25 cm, which is very demanding to care for and incredibly expensive. Perhaps thanks to this description, Alexander, the wife of the British King Edward VII, wanted such a dog - and she had 28 of them. In 1853, Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry brought several Chins from Japan to the United States of America - they aroused great interest.

In 1883, a kennel club of this breed was founded in the United States and the hin began his dazzling career. Unfortunately, he had to compete with the more famous and popular Pugs and Pekingese.

At the end of the 19th century, the Japanese Chin and Pekingese (which have many different colors) looked quite similar, even the judges could be wrong. This is due to the fact that these breeds were often crossed with each other. At the 1882 New York Dog Show, the Pekingese was even officially awarded as a Japanese Chin. But today, thanks to the development of selection and clear standards of this breed, no one can confuse them.

The first thing that immediately attracts attention is the long, luxurious coat of the Japanese Chin. It does not have a dense undercoat, lengthens and fluffs up in the area of ​​the tail, head and ears. The tip of the muzzle in dogs is practically hairless. According to the standards, the breed must comply with a strictly defined description.

• Color... The standard color of Japanese Chin is black and white, red and white or black and white with brown spots (tricolor). The main background is always white.
• Head. Wide, with a prominent forehead. The bridge of the nose is greatly shortened, which gives the muzzle a flattened appearance.
• There is a large nose on the muzzle, located at the same level with the eyes. The nose is always black or the color of the suit.
• Eyes. Large, set wide apart, slightly slanted. They have an inherent effect, as if the dog is surprised by something.
• Height. Height at withers - up to 25 cm.
• The weight on average 3-4 kg.
• average life expectancy - 12 years

Chins are intelligent, inquisitive and very trainable. They are willing to study diligently to please their master, and often succeed in tests of dexterity and obedience. The main thing is to use methods of encouragement in the process of training and in no case punish or shout at animals. Being active is important to every dog, and the Japanese Chin is no exception - it needs daily walks.

The greatest merit of hin is that he makes people smile. It is difficult to predict all his actions, but it is always fun and interesting. The Japanese Chin has a real penchant for being prank.One of his greatest pleasures is watching his owners react when he does something funny or forbidden. Hin is a happy and cheerful pet, and he gladly shares this with his family.

Despite the cheerful disposition and small size, Adult Chin does better in families with older children. Since they already understand that you need to play with a miniature dog carefully. And with small and unfamiliar children, he is more often wary.

Since the Japanese Chin are bred exclusively as companion dogs, they are only adapted to life in the house, but not outdoors. Due to the structural features of their flat muzzle, they are very sensitive to high temperatures, they can get heatstroke when they are outdoors for a long time. Interesting Facts:

• in Japan, the hin is considered a more exalted creature than dogs of another breed;
• he loves to walk very much, but does not like inclement weather;
• when the dog is not playing, he sits at home on some hill, carefully observing everything that happens around him;
• the dog's cheerful nature, adaptability and small size make it a suitable pet for both a small apartment and a large house;
• because of the love of acrobatics, the ability to climb tall objects and the penchant for purity, the chin is also called a cat in a dog costume.

The Japanese Chin is not a dog that easily befriends the world. He loves his family, but is wary of strangers. Does not allow strangers to touch him. The past (when he was considered a four-legged deity), of course, left its mark on the character of the dog. Hin has a dignified posture and proud movements. The step in which he raises his paws high is an attribute of past glory.

For its owners, the hin is not in the least arrogant, and can be a good friend. Unfortunately, the hin is not a popular dog today. This little pet can be noisy and mischievous, on the other hand, he knows when to stay quiet and calm. Hins can show both deep affection and sufficient distance with a person.

The sensitive intelligence of these dogs requires new experiences, so the dog is constantly watching with enthusiasm everything that happens around it. Typical for a hin is the slightly surprised look in his eyes, with which he looks at the whole world and is still looking for new experiences. He always looks a little brooding. Not surprisingly, a certain philosophical attitude can always be expected from a true representative of the Eastern world.

Pros of the breed:

• lively temperament;
• cheerful disposition;
• elegant;
• affectionate and warm-hearted;
• can be quiet;
• captivating character;
• intelligent;
• an attentive observer;
• cute.

Merry fellow and philosopher in one being... The Japanese Chin will certainly bring joy and good humor to the home of its owners. With enthusiasm, a joyful baby with silky fur is ready to dance on its hind legs around its owner, wanting to cheer him up. A small, fragile pet willingly demonstrates tricks and wants to be praised and rewarded. With acrobatic dexterity, he walks on his hind legs, asking for affection, kind words or treats.

A tired dog appreciates peace. He climbs onto a chair or sofa as high as possible, preferably as far away as possible, and observes the events taking place around him. At some moments he may seem a little surprised, but then he again returns to his favorite pastime: watching the world.

The Japanese chin makes you fall in love at first sight. Sometimes it seems that there is no creature in the world more devoted to man than this dog. He knows exactly what he wants, but is ready to compromise and make concessions.Westerners often talk about the "impenetrable soul of the East", obviously, this applies not only to people, but also to the relationship between a person and the Japanese Chin.

Hin is very loyal to his master, but strangers do not deserve his love. However, this does not mean that the hin will meet the guests in the house, showing its teeth - the dog will simply leave the room where there will be strangers, or will not notice them. But he will be very happy when the guests leave. This behavior is possible if the owner has properly raised his dog. A well-bred dog is a reward for the owner, because a well-bred hin is much more tolerant of "strangers." A spoiled dog, treated like a prince, will behave differently.

The character of the Japanese Chin does not quite harmoniously fit into modern life. For centuries, the most beautiful palaces have been its home. He grew up surrounded by luxury, splendor and beauty. Khin is one of the last living witnesses of the past culture and even the entire eastern civilization.

The Japanese Chin is a small dog, but actually not that simple. These dogs do not need any special care. But love and constant care are very important to them. Before starting a chin, you need to assess your strengths, weigh the pros and cons. As the puppy becomes an important part of the family and is likely to stay in the family for years to come.

If you choose a Japanese Chin puppy, he must be over 8 weeks old... The most reputable and responsible Japanese breeders will not even think about letting go of a baby before 8 weeks. There are, of course, unscrupulous breeders who are ready to sell a young puppy, but it is better to bypass them.

Professional and responsible breeders must issue documents confirming that the puppy is healthy and has passed all the necessary procedures. And also must provide a certificate of pedigree and a description of his potential breeding qualities.

When choosing a Japanese Chin puppy, you should pay attention to the following points:

• behavior and character - a healthy puppy is always active, curious and sociable;
• the physical state - the body of the puppy should be strong, proportional, without visible anomalies (too thin, a sluggish puppy is abnormal);
• ears must be clean, without signs of inflammation;
• eyes bright, without tears and discharge;
• tail must be uplifted and wagging.

The Japanese Chin is a noble dog, caring for it does not require much effort. Despite their rather temperamental disposition, they do not spoil property and do not destroy anything in the house. Therefore, even the most scrupulous mistress cannot accuse him of destruction.

The Japanese Chin is one of the few dog breeds that can successfully live in the city, even in a small apartment. She will feel comfortable even in a typical studio apartment. The Japanese Chin primarily values ​​the pleasant atmosphere of the home, and its size is secondary. He loves warmth and comfort, soft pillows and warm rugs.

These dogs are not limited to staying only in the kitchen or in the hall, because Japanese chins are a real decoration of the living room. A hin always has a favorite place in the house, where he sits on a throne - on the arm of a sofa or on the back of a chair.

It is important that the place is high, so that it is convenient to observe everything that is happening around. It's amazing how a dog that is so reluctant about strangers gets along well with other dogs. She does not bark at every dog ​​she meets, and does not hide if she meets a much larger dog.Hin very rarely shows fear and usually communicates well with dogs, happily running with them in the park.

Although the Japanese Chin looks rather fragile, this dog is in good health. And the diseases that are peculiar to them are typical for most miniature dog breeds. This breed has a disproportionately large head, but this is not a problem at birth. Puppies relatively quickly achieve independence, are born quite strong and independent. Common health problems include heart and joint problems.

In addition, breathing problems can develop due to the short muzzle. And also a sensitive point of their health are large round eyes that require periodic care (washing). And you need to check your ears regularly for infection.

Grooming for a clean and unpretentious Japanese Chin does not require much effort. It is enough to perform simple actions.

• Take a walk. Although the hin feels great in the house, it still requires at least 3-4 walks daily. You can limit yourself to one, if you accustom him to the home tray.
• Grooming the coat... Their long, silky coat needs simple daily grooming. Despite the length and volume, the coat does not tangle or stick together. However, you should brush your dog regularly with a soft wire brush. A special brush should be selected in order to prevent hair from stretching and injuries.

Usually, brushing is viewed by other dogs as subtle torture. Hin, on the other hand, loves this procedure. The main thing is to do it carefully, and then caring for the dog is easy at home.

Hin, like the Yorkshire Terrier, loves to be beautiful and admirable - and this cannot be achieved without brushing.

• Carry out a hygienic haircut.
• Make time for water treatments. Chin should be bathed as needed, but not more often than once every 2 weeks. Wash paws and ears as they become dirty. For bathing today there is a large selection of zoo shampoos with additional antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties. Dry the coat thoroughly after bathing.

It's pretty simple, but you need to understand that bringing home a Japanese Chin puppy is like bringing home a newborn baby. This will mean regular feeding times (according to the schedule and the breeder's recommendation), play times, sleep times, and training times. Raising a Japanese Chin puppy is very interesting, but also very difficult. However, if everything is done correctly, you can enjoy a wonderful friend and companion for many years.

Despite their low weight, Japanese hons have a remarkable appetite. It is quite typical that small dogs eat a lot more per pound of body than large dogs. Weighing about three kilograms, a small quin needs about 60 grams of meat per day, 30 grams of greens and the same amount of boiled rice or pasta.

A little yeast and two drops of oil, like the addition of vitamins or minerals, will have a beneficial effect on its long coat. The Japanese Chin will adequately accept the transition to ready-made dog food. For chin, it doesn't matter whether it is dry food or canned food, but it should always be of the highest quality. It should be borne in mind that prepared foods can help increase the volume of the animal's stool.

However, under no circumstances should you often change one type of coma for another, because such alternation of food can lead to an upset stomach of the animal. You should also not overdo it with various delicacies, even if your beloved pet is very persistent and sweet asks for it. The only thing that can be allowed to the dog without harm to health is a piece of biscuit or a small apple.

The Japanese Chin is a dog with a delicate psyche that loves and understands its owner very much. The dog is infinitely devoted to him. On a walk, hin loves to frolic, run, but at the same time strictly obeys its owner... Going for a walk with him, you can be sure that the curious and admiring glances of passers-by cannot be avoided. Looking at these cute creatures, it is easier to imagine him as the beloved dog of a beautiful lady than the dog of a strong man. Although dogs are equally loving and loyal to both the owner and the mistress.

Hina needs to be raised with great care and love, but very consistently. You should never give in to his manipulations, because it is very easy to raise a small but strict tyrant. If necessary, the Japanese Chin makes it easy to understand that it is misunderstood and underestimated. It is important to constantly show him how loved and valuable he is.

Dogs of this breed can be successfully kept both in a city apartment and in a country house. It is worth remembering that the Japanese Chin needs to move actively, and he will willingly go for a walk in a large park, forest or river. It is unacceptable to keep a proud and independent chin in a home enclosure (aviary). An exception may be the forced separation from the pet, when you need to leave it for several days in the care of friends. This can be a good experience for the dog.

Typically, the Japanese Chin is very skeptical about the new environment. He does not like changes and, if necessary, can demonstrate not the best sides of his character. In some cases, she may even refuse to eat. Therefore, from early childhood, special attention should be paid to the development of the ability to adapt and come to terms with the environment. Adaptation is favorably facilitated by the acquaintance of the hin with family friends and acquaintances.

The responsible owner must:

• instill discipline and obedience in your pet;
• fight his mistrust and shyness towards strangers;
• devote enough time to communication with the pet;
• provide chin with a stable lifestyle.

The owner must not:

• pampering the dog too much;
• restrict the movement and walking of the animal;
• allow too much or, conversely, be too strict;
• leave the hina alone for a long time (work or vacation).

Japanese Chin loves children and takes part in the most incredible pranks with real enthusiasm. Although the hin looks like a fragile porcelain figurine, it is actually quite sturdy and resilient, so it is ideal for a variety of sports activities. However, children should remember to be careful when handling the dog.

The approach to choosing a nickname for Japanese Chin can be different. It is worth considering the individual qualities of the pet, its temperament and character. Dogs respond best to fairly short and sonorous names. It is good that the name of the dog contains sounds such as "r", "j", "ks". Names like Joker or Max will be much easier for a dog to understand and learn than, for example, Lana or Leon. It would be good if the dog's name was not too long.

The best option is one or two syllables in the name. Long names are not only difficult for a dog to learn, but also not very convenient for its owner. It is much easier to call a dog with the short name Max than the longer version of Maximilian. Over time, long nicknames still turn into something shorter and more practical.

Practice shows that every dog ​​has at least three nicknames.One regular, one short (diminutive) and one when we seriously talk to the dog or introduce him to our acquaintances.

Popular names like Max, Rex, Sonya or Sima should be avoided. It's better to get creative and name your dog more original. With the most common nickname, there is a good chance that other dog owners may unknowingly call out to the dog while walking. It is worth remembering that human speech means nothing to animals. It is very difficult for dogs to understand individual words from a whole stream of words.

Dogs are greatly confused by nicknames that are consonant with other important words or commands. A nickname like Sid, for example, when using the "sit" command, will clearly make it difficult for the pet to train. Because these two words sound too similar to the ear.

The name must correspond to the dog, its appearance and temperament. But it is also worth remembering that puppies grow quickly, and the name will remain with the dog for life. A funny nickname, which was suitable for a small fluffy lump and touched everyone around, may not at all suit an adult proud dog. Of course, naming dogs is very exciting, but you need to approach this issue very responsibly.

You should definitely avoid nicknames that can be considered vulgar or offensive. And also don't give dogs human names. Many people may feel offended when a dog is named after their child, father, or grandfather. Better to leave human names for people.

If it happened that the owner picked up the wrong name for the pet or chose a dog with a nickname, you can change it. Dogs get used to the sound of their name and learn to react rather quickly. However, nothing prevents you from starting to teach even an adult pet a new nickname. Of course, you shouldn't be overused with the amount of these changes.

When choosing a breeding dog from a kennel, most likely it will have a rather long and thoughtful name. The name of a purebred dog consists of two parts: its own name, written in capital letters, and the name of the kennel. The breeder himself determines the sequence of the name. In everyday life, a convenient abbreviated form of the nickname is usually used. Interestingly, puppies born in the same litter must have names starting with the same letter of the alphabet. However, the alphabetical order of subsequent litters is unimportant.

Pedigree dogs are often given nicknames in English. This is true when the owner plans to exhibit the dog at foreign shows. It can be quite difficult for judges and assistants to remember and reproduce the foreign name of the dog.

Today, among the Japanese Chins, nicknames of Slavic origin are increasingly found. But initially the representatives of this breed were called preferably by Japanese names. For example, here is a small list of Japanese nicknames for chin boys and girls:

• Airi;
• Akari;
• Chio;
• Hina;
• Miya;
• Nana;
• Prince;
• Reina;
• Ria;
• Rico;
• Rick;
• Rina;
• Rice;
• Sakura;
• Sarah;
• Shota;
• Catfish;
• Honeycomb;
• Taiga;
• Yushin;
• Utah.

Although the Japanese Chin is not at the peak of its popularity today, nevertheless, this ancient imperial breed finds its devoted admirers all over the world. There are clubs and associations of lovers of this breed. She is actively bred and sold. Most owners agree that the Japanese Chin is the ideal breed of dog. Here's what they have to say about their loyal pets:

• noble, loyal and devoted friend;
• very smart, funny and funny pet;
• adapts well to a new environment;
• miniature and mobile - you can carry it with you everywhere;
• proud and arrogant;
• loves praise and affection;
• does not require complex care, it is quite elementary to care for long hair;
• ideal for keeping in small-sized city apartments;
• readily learns commands, easy to train;
• very brave and decisive, will always defend his master;
• behaves wary in the company of strangers and small children;
• very fragile and delicate pet, you can injure him through negligence;
• needs a lot of communication, he does not like to remain united for a long time;
• has pretty good health.

Of the shortcomings of the breed, the owners of the Japanese Chin note several nuances.

• Capricious disposition. This may be due to inadequate education and lack of training.
• Propensity for genetic diseases. This is due to the peculiarities of the selection of this breed in order to reduce its size and form a typical appearance.
• Excessive caution or even cowardice. In terms of breed standards, this is a sign of a breed defect.

In the next video, you can get to know the Japanese Chin better.