Routine Care: Japanese Chins are well suited to apartment life as long as she is given daily walks and short play sessions. They are highly intelligent and can be taught to perform a variety of tricks to keep mentally stimulated.
Grooming: Brush coat as needed, at least weekly.
Dental: Japanese Chins generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week!
Ear Care: Clean ears weekly, even as a puppy. Don’t worry—your veterinarian can show you how!
Japanese Chins are lively and charming; their highest aspiration is to become your trusted companion.
Positive Traits:
Sweet, gentle, and sensitive
Loving and loyal to her owners
Adaptable to a wide variety of living conditions
Quiet—not much of a barker
Quirky, entertaining personality
Easily motivated and trainable
Negative Traits:
Exhibits signs of separation anxiety if left alone too much
Does not tolerate harsh reprimands or negative-reinforcement training
An indoor dog that doesn’t do well in the heat
Makes a lot of snorting, snuffling, and wheezing noises, and she may snore
Needs frequent attention from her family
Standoffish toward strangers
Whether you are considering adding a new Japanese Chin to your family or you already have one as a companion, it is important for you to know about the genetically linked diseases known to occur more often in this breed. Of course not every Japanese Chin will have these problems, but research shows your pal is more at risk than other breeds. By exploring the health concerns specific to the Japanese Chin you will become a knowledgeable and confident pet parent. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian about breed risks every time you visit and educate yourself on the most important signs to watch for at home. They are counting on you to be their health expert.
Some health issues an Japanese Chin could encounter:
Heart Disease
Eye Problems
Cataracts
Distichiasis
Knee Problems
Hip Dysplasia and Elbow Dysplasia
While most people believe this fantastic breed came from Japan, it actually originated in ancient China and is also called the Japanese Spaniel. She was bred to be a royal lapdog. The Japanese Chin is playful and easygoing but is not recommended for homes with small children. They are intelligent and can quickly learn to perform tricks. The Japanese Chin thrives as the center of attention. They are described as having a cat-like attitude: alert, independent, clean, and often found sleeping in high places. Chins are easygoing and happy companions with minimal exercise needs.
Consult with a veterinarian if your Japanese Chin shows signs of the following:
Coughing, especially at night or upon rising after sleeping, rapid breathing at rest
Blinking, redness, pain or itchiness around the eyes
Cloudiness to eye lens
Increased blinking, extra tears and squinting
General reluctance to run or play
Increasing hip pain at less than a year old
Unwilling to jump, cries when moving head
Slow or stunted growth; sometimes seizures after eating
Any abnormal shaking, trembling, or excessive involuntary tremors
Loud breathing, tires easily at exercise
Dull coat, hair loss, sluggish, weight gain
