"The Japanese Chin was known as the Japanese Spaniel until 1977 when the American Kennel Club officially renamed the breed Japanese Chin. The origin of the Chin is somewhat questionable. While it is widely agreed that these dogs originated in China, some maintain that the ancestors of these dogs first appeared in Japan around the year 732 as gifts from the rulers of Korea. The breed was subsequently developed in Japan and was introduced to Europe around 1700. It became a favorite of Japanese Court. In Japan there are Inu (dogs) and there are Chin. To the Japanese the distinction needs no clarification. Chin are royalty. Evidence suggests that Chins could not be purchased – they were kept in the hands of the nobility and frequently given as gifts of esteem to diplomats and to foreigners who rendered some outstanding service to Japan. There is credible evidence that the first Chin to be introduced to Europe were gifted to Commodore Matthew Perry when Perry returned from his historic mission in 1853 to open Japan to world trade. There does not appear to be any record as to the date that the first Chin came to America.
The Japanese Chin is a small, well balanced, lively, aristocratic toy dog with a distinctive oriental expression. The ideal size is 8 inches to 11 inches at the highest point of the withers. The American Kennel Club does not give a weight requirement, but the Chin should carry good weight in proportion to their height and body build, being light but stylish in movement. The Chin’s outline presents a square appearance – compact, solidly built, yet refined. The coat is profuse, silky, soft and straight. The Chin have no coat odor and do not require frequent bathing. However, they should be brushed or combed every day or two, with special attention being given to the area under the ears, legs and to the “skirt” and tail. The Chin have a slightly oversized head that is square or blocky with a slight rounding between the ears. Chin’s “oriental” appearance is attributed to the large broad head, short, upturned muzzle and large, wide set eyes that have white visible in the inner corners, creating an astonished expression.
Chin were bred for the purpose of loving and entertaining their people. They are sensitive and intelligent, but have a mind of their own and love to be the center of attention. While typically a calm little dog, the Chin are well known for performing many enjoyable antics. So long as you set rules the dog needs to follow, limits to what he/she is allowed to do and provide consistent leadership ... the Chin will be (somewhat – they do have a mind of their own) obedient. Chin are very “cat like” in attitude, performing like grooming behaviors and showing their preference to rest on high surfaces such as the backs of sofas and chairs ... and on your shoulder. Most Chin get along very well sharing their home with cats. Normally not a “barker”, Chin will bark for the purpose of alerting the household to the arrival of a visitor or something out of the ordinary, making them good watchdogs.
The Chin’s compact size, being naturally clean, intelligent and sensitive makes it an ideal companion.  However, Chin are sensitive with definite likes and dislikes. Rarely, if ever, do they forget friend or foe."   

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