Toy Dogs Group - Japanese Chin

For more than 1,000 years, this little dog was a favorite of Japanese emperors who decreed that it should be worshipped. It is said that smaller Chins were sometimes kept in hanging cages like pet birds.

Coat: Profuse coat; long, soft, and straight.

Color: White and black, or white and red, and white (all shades, including sable, lemon and orange); never tricolor. The Japanese Chin probably shares a common ancestor with the Pekingese and the Pug.

Features: Large round head in proportion to size of dog; short muzzle; small cars, set wide apart; large dark eyes; square, compact body; well-feathered tail set high and curling over back.

Size: Weight (ideal): 4-7 lb.

Care: Requires an average amount of exercise and little grooming, except for a daily going over with a pure-bristle brush.

Care: Avoid exertion in hot weather.

Character: A popular show dog. Attractive and hardy, good with children.