Colors: Black and white, red and white, or black and white with tan points.

Living: The japanese chin is very good for apartment living. its quiet and well behaved manners make this on

Recognized: CKC, FCI, AKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Description

The Japanese Spaniel is also called the Japanese Chin or Chin. It is a dainty little spaniel with a short, broad face, and a soft, feathered coat. A thick ruff covers the neck and chest. The forehead is quite round, with a well-defined stop. The nose is wide and the nostrils open. It has an extremely short nasal canal. Black & white Japanese Spaniels must have black noses. In other dogs, the nose color should match the color of the coat markings. The expressive, protruding eyes are dark and almond- shaped. The teeth form a level or undershot bite. The upside-down, v-shaped ears are well covered with hair. The body is about the same length as it is high. The front legs are straight and fine-boned. The coat comes in white with colored patches, most often black, but sometimes red, lemon, orange, sable or brindle. The feathered tail curls up over the back. Smaller dogs are preferred. The Japanese Spaniel has an elegant high-stepping gait.

Temperament

The Japanese Chin is a devoted companion, relishing a warm lap as much as a boisterous game. It is sensitive and willing to please, tending to shadow its owner. It is a friend to all: strangers, dogs and pets. Its playfulness and gentleness make it a good child"s companion for equally gentle children. The breed has been described as almost catlike ? some even climb.

Excercise

The Japanese Chin is lively but small enough that its exercise needs can be met with a short walk, romp or game. This is not a breed that can live outside. It does not do well in hot humid weather. Some Chins tend to wheeze. The long coat needs combing twice weekly.

Grooming

A few minutes each day will keep the coat looking beautiful. Comb out tangles and brush lightly, lifting the hair to leave it standing out a little. A professional dog groomer can show you the correct technique. Clean the eyes every day and check the ears

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: patellar luxation, KCS, entropion

Occasionally seen: achondroplasia, epilepsy

Suggested tests: knee, (eye)

Note: The breed is sensitive to anesthesia.