Japanese Chin

This breed may descend from small Tibetan dogs, then passes to Korea. It arrives in Japan in 732 as a gift from Korean sovereigns to the Emperor of Japan Kōnin (under the Silla dynasty between 377 and 935), and these dogs quickly become favorites of the Japanese Imperial Palace. The Japanese Spaniel is imported to Europe around the 9th century. It is thus the favorite dog of Marie-Antoinette of Austria and, a few centuries later, of Mistinguett. American Rear Admiral Perry receives these dogs as a gift during a trip to Asia and gives them to Queen Victoria, who adopts and raises them with fervor. Édouard Manet devotes one of his paintings to it in 1875, titled Tama: the Japanese Dog. In 1957, the breed is officially recognized by the International Cynological Federation (FCI). English breeders are probably at the origin of its cross, after its arrival in Europe, with the King Charles Spaniel, which gave rise to the breed now known.

It is a small companion dog, sociable, balanced, docile and sensitive, which does not like solitude. Without training, it can be impulsive. It tolerates children well if they respect it, but is wary of people it does not know. It barks little. It can live in an apartment with daily outings. It does not have a great need for exercise: two daily outings are sufficient for it. When it plays or is particularly happy, this dog may tend to spin in circles while jumping.

Their silhouette is stocky and robust. The size is small, about 30 cm for females as for males. The muzzle (part between the forehead and nostrils) is short. They have long hair, ears and tail, in black and white or red and white color. They resemble their pug and Pekingese cousins. They have a large head with a broad skull and short muzzle, large black eyes and small drooping ears in a "V" shape. Their tail is curved and rests on the back. Their weight is classified in two categories: those over and under 4 kg. Weights range from 2 kg to 6 kg. Their elegant appearance earns them success in dog competitions.