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, yellow, orange, sable or brindle. The feathered tail curls up over the back. The Japanese Spaniel has an elegant high-stepping gait.

Temperament
The Japanese Spaniel is a charming, lively, and happy animal. Pleasant, loving, intelligent, affectionate and extremely devoted to its master. This breed loves everyone. With its gentle ways and charming manners, it is perhaps best suited to homes in which there are no small children. If you do have small children, teach them to be nice and gentle with the dog. They are good with other dogs and pets. This breed is not a barker. Mild mannered, elegant, yet playful. Sensitive, agile, dainty and clean. This breed is more obedient than most toy breeds and are good dogs for learning tricks. They are also good watchdogs.

Size Standards
Height: 7-11 inches
Weight: up to 12 pounds

Health Problems
Like many short-faced breeds, the Japanese Spaniel tends to wheeze and snore. They are prone to eye and respiratory problems and heat prostration. Some lines are prone to distemper. Your veterinarian may choose to adjust the immunization schedule.

The Japanese chin is a rather healthy dog but is prone to heart disease, dyspnea and dislocated knees.

Living Conditions
The Japanese Spaniel is a good dog for apartment life. They are moderately active indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed is somewhat sensitive to temperature extremes.

Exercise
Chins do not require a great deal of exercise, but they do enjoy daily walks and an opportunity to play in the open yard.

Life Expectancy
An average of 12 to 14 years

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 regularly for any signs of infection. Dry shampoo occasionally and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

Origin
Despite its name, the Japanese Spaniel is probably native to Korea - the breed later being developed in Japan and introduced to Europe in 1700. It became a favorite of Japanese Court, and was often offered as a royal gift.

It's greatest moment of popularity came in 1853 when a pair was given as a gift to Queen Victoria from Commodore Perry when he returned from his historic mission to open Japan to world trade. The Japanese Spaniel was renamed "Japanese Chin" by the AKC in 1977. Regardless of the name, the breed has always been, first and foremost, a companion dog. Some of the Japanese Spaniel's talents include: watch-dogging and performing tricks.