Affenpinscher versus Japanese Chin (Video)

JAPANESE CHIN

COUNTRY: Japan

WEIGHT: Two divisions—over 7 pounds; or under 7 pounds, the smaller the better

COAT:Profuse, long, straight, and rather silky; the abundant thick feathering tends to stand out, creating a mane

COLOR: Black and white or red (includes all shades of sable, brindle, lemon or orange) and white in a broken pattern

OTHER NAME-S: Japanese Spaniel

GROUP: Herding

Although he has similarities to both of the other two types of toy spaniels, the Japanese Chin probably has an entirely different origin. He has been known in Japan for many centuries, most likely stemming from dogs of the Asian continent. Argument continues over whether they arrived as gifts to the Emperor with a Korean emissary of 732 AD or emigrated with Buddhist monks and teachers from China, who taught Zen Buddhism, as early as 520 AD. Perhaps both are true. The Japanese Chin may share a common ancestor with the Pekingese and Pug.

In Japan, they were owned only by nobility. They were fed only rice and saki to stunt their growth; some were so tiny that they were kept in hanging cages like canaries! Dogs were protected from intentional injury by strict laws, and special care and housing were given to sickly or aged dogs. Dogs held a place of honor, perhaps because the Emperor was born during the Year of the Dog, and were considered gifts of high value. When Perry opened Japan to the West in 1853, he brought some of these little dogs back with him. Their appearance in Europe created a great demand, and hundreds of Far Eastern spaniels made the long journey by ship from the Orient to the West. Ten of these little dogs appeared in an 1882 New York dog show. The present Japanese Chin Club in America dates from 1912, and the breed's entry into Canada was about the same time. His ownership now encompasses more than Japanese nobility. The breed is a beloved pet in its homeland and other countries.

The Chin is a charming and sensitive companion, adapting well to almost any indoor lifestyle. He is clean and intelligent. The thickly feathered tail plumes up over the back.