CORRECT CONFORMA-Chin
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By Dale Martenson
he first step to breed- ing and recognizing the desired quality of Chin is to be familiar with the breed standard. With the first two descriptive
words being “A small” and the multiple references to fine boned it is clear the desired traits are with the smaller dog. Our desired size in addition to the 8" to 11" would be 5 to 7 pounds as an adult, roughly translated that puts a 7 pound adult at no more than 2 ½ pounds at 12 weeks. Th e twelve week size can be dou- bled with one additional pound for a fine boned dog and two to three pounds for a heavier boned puppy. Well balanced is the key, check the size of the head to the circumference of the ribcage as they should be close to the same. Many of times I have heard “ Th is one had the biggest head”. Th at could be a statement of quality, if only it were on a small specimen. A 10+ pound Chin with a big head is nothing more than a big dog, there is no stylish, aristocratic movement or presence. When looking at a Chin puppy or adult standing or moving there should be the appearance of a one piece dog that demonstrates the lively movement in a square package. Next is the expression, the hallmark of the breed and those dark lustrous eyes that set the Chin apart from all others. Where the pekingese standard calls for “massive” and “bold” features rather than “prettiness, daintiness or delicacy”, Chin are all about everything pretty, dainty, and delicate. No ropes, wrinkles, or folds obscure the wide eyed open look of the Chin’s astonished oriental expression. Th e amount of cush- ion should be in proportion to the age and gender of the Chin, the Chin is a work in progress that will mature 3 years before full development. Too much too soon can be a fair indication of the old adage “early ripe... early rotten”. Nostrils should be open with
clear air exchange, dogs “mouth breathing” when temperatures are not high, could be a sign of concern. In my opinion any per- son qualified to evaluate a Chin should be able to EASILY check the bite without hav- ing to subject a Chin to the indignity of a oral exam, unless there is evidence of a
wry mouth. Th e standard makes mention of their sensitivity, with eyes/nose/mouth area easily the size of a human thumb. No dog would like it and to a Chin it is just rude. Alignment with a reverse scissors bite can be easily checked by touch and visual inspection, if you touch the tongue and the 4 )08 4 *()5 . "(";*/& + "/6"3: t
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