Japanese Chin

My other name is Japanese Spaniel, but our breed has no sporting pretensions. We were built to be companion animals -- being perfectly lap size (5-13 pounds, 8-11 inches tall at the shoulder) -- and share common ancestry with the Pug and the Pekingese. Some of the first Chins to leave Japan were gifts to honored diplomats and dignitaries. The AKC's Toy Group accepted the Japanese Chin in 1888.

• Adaptable to apartment life -- with appropriate exercise
• Affectionate, devoted family friend
• Agile and active
• Classy canine
• Confident and self-assured
• Energizer doggie

• Intelligent and ready to learn
• Playful pal
• Socialization and training should start early
• Spirited
• Training must be firm, patient, consistent
• Reserved around strangers

I'll tell you this now -- because I'll probably deny it when the fun starts -- the Japanese Chin can be rambunctious around the house. Firm, consistent obedience training can head off such behavior -- especially if you enforce my rules with positive reinforcement. Just say "No!" to rambunctiousness and reward my good behavior when I calm down. Also please keep an eye (and nose) on my ears -- even between regular vet checks. If I tend develop frequent ear infections, learn the smell of a healthy ear (Mmmmm, nice) and the other kind (Yuck!) to keep my hearing intact.

Possible cataracts, patellar luxation (slipped kneecaps), and heart murmurs.