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Hound Handbook
Breed profile

Japanese Chin

Small, catlike companion from Japan with a look of permanent surprise. Quiet and affectionate, but flat-faced, so breathing and heat need care.

A black-and-white Japanese Chin standing on a patterned rug, seen from above, turning its head up towards the camera.
A black-and-white Japanese ChinPhoto: Arek Małyska / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Weight
2–5 kg4–11 lb
Height
20–28 cm8–11 in
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
Group
Toy
Origin
Japan
Popularity
#103 US#120 UK · 2025

Known for: Flat-friendlyLap dogsQuiet

Energy
Shedding
Trainability
Barking
Good with kids
Flat-friendly

Temperament

Affectionate, Dignified, Playful, Reserved.

Health problems to know about

Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed. Veterinary organisations in several countries urge buyers to choose dogs with longer muzzles or health-tested parents, because breathing problems are common and can be severe.

  • Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and heat intolerance
  • Patellar luxation
  • Mitral valve disease
  • Cataracts and other eye problems
  • GM2 gangliosidosis (DNA test)

Ask breeders for the parents' health test results, and check what your national breed club recommends screening for.

Daily care

About 30 minutes of gentle walks and play a day, kept short and cool in warm weather. Brush once or twice a week and wipe tear stains. Ask breeders for eye and knee results and a breathing (BOAS) grade.

A good fit for

Flats, quieter adult households, people who are home a lot and want a lap dog.

Probably not ideal for

Hot climates without air conditioning, homes with boisterous toddlers, anyone wanting a jogging partner.

Popularity: AKC 2025 registration rankings (US); Royal Kennel Club 2025 registrations (UK, ranked by us). Breed traits are tendencies, not guarantees. Individual dogs vary, and mixed breeds and rescues can be wonderful fits too.

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