Where the Japanese Chin came from
The Japanese Chin is a toy breed with a long link to Japan, but most experts think the breed began in China. How the dogs reached Japan is widely debated. One legend says a Korean envoy gave dogs to Japanese royalty in the year 732.
In 1853, the American naval officer Matthew Perry acquired a Chin during his visit to Japan. Chins later became lap dogs of upper class ladies. The breed was once called the Japanese Spaniel.
The AKC recognized the breed in 1888, which makes it one of the earliest on the AKC list.
- 1853 American naval officer Matthew Perry acquires a Japanese Chin
- 1888 AKC recognizes the breed
The job a Japanese Chin was bred for
Chins were royal lap companions. That is why many are gentle, cat like and bonded to their people. They like to perch up high and watch.
What you may see at home
Gentle, cat like, perches up high, sensitive.
Give them: Short tricks, soft toys, and gentle scent games.
Sports that fit a Japanese Chin
- Trick dog. Cat like and very smart with food rewards
- Rally. Gentle obedience with a close handler
- Therapy visits. Calm and sweet with new people
- Scent work. A quiet job for a small mind
Training tips for a Japanese Chin
- Use gentle, short sessions with small treats. Chins are sensitive.
- Teach a reliable potty routine and reward often.
- Practice alone time with a chew in small steps.
- Teach handling and brushing early, with a treat for each calm moment.
Body and health
Chins have short noses and large eyes, so heat and breathing are concerns. Luxating kneecaps, cataracts and heart murmurs are known in the breed. Ask your vet about screening.
Fun fact. The Japanese Chin was recognized by the AKC in 1888, one of the earliest breeds on the AKC's list.
Breed is where we start
A study of more than 18,000 dogs found breed explains only about 9 percent of the differences in behavior between dogs (Morrill and others, Science, 2022). So your Japanese Chin is a starting guess, not a label. We find the drive your dog actually runs on, give it a job, and teach you to read them.
Free tools for your dog
- Breed drive calculatorMixed breed? Add the other breeds and see the drives your dog was bred with.
- Dog breed quizTen photos, four names each. The same quiz our trainers take.
- Dog drive testAnswer everyday moments and find the job your dog runs on.
Looking for a different breed? See what 137 breeds were bred to do, and download any of their guides.