unique in that the forehead and muzzle touch the same vertical plane of a right angle whose horizontal plane is the top of the skull. The nose is set on the same level between the eyes and slightly upturned. Their jaw is wide and teeth are slightly undershot. The front feet are hare-shaped and allowed the slight outward setting with long feathering about the toes. They have square body with a moderate length of neck, they are moderately wide in the chest and have round ribs and their tail is set high and carried arched over their back with a flowing plume of hair. They have a “tight fitting,” long, elegant, single, silky coat, not falling equally to the ground, but giving the little dog a unique silhou- ette. In males, they develop longer coat standing slightly off the body around the neck and chest resembling a min- iature mane. The head, face and legs have considerably shorter hair. They resemble a tiny ancient Far East Dragon with their lively movement and antics. This is a very intelligent, sensitive and loving little dog with its only purpose to serve man as a companion. They are extremely loyal and responsive to those they know, but reserved with strangers or in new surroundings. The Japanese Chin comes in sev- eral colors; black and white, sable and white, red or lemon and white and black and white with tan points. Our breed is specific in that it does not allow colors other than these, but there can be ranges of yellow lemon to “Irish Set- ter” red. Sable has black-tipped hairs which when first born look black, but as the hair and puppy grows, the tips can stay black or completely grow out to the sable red color. A sable and white Chin has black nose leather and pig- ment but a red/lemon and white has a self-colored nose ranging from liver
to flesh colored pigment. The black and white with tan points should only have the tan on the pips above the eyes, cheeks and around the anus if there is black markings there. Black, tan and white is a pattern and the afore mentioned is required to be correct markings. The “tan” points can also range in color from rust to fawn with the former being more desirable. Color patterns vary on the body, but the head should be marked or patterned as symmetrical as possible. Japanese Chin range in size from tiny to rather middle size but the pre- ferred range of size is around eight to 11 inches at the withers and around seven to 10 pounds. The average judge may miss these special characteristics in this “one-of- a-kind breed” because they would not see a plethora of Chin in a lifetime unless they would be going to Special- ties or are around a great number of Chin as these dogs are not seen much in the show ring. Those judges with a keen eye and knowledge would find, appreciate and reward a well bred Japanese Chin. Breeders, too, can miss the attri- butes of what makes a Japanese Chin a Japanese Chin due to over emotional feelings for their individual little Chin. They do have a way to “get under your skin”; emotional decisions can interfere with a breeding program. In order to have a good solid breeding program a breeder must make the hard decisions and realize there are individuals that should not be bred. Breeders call this breed a “heart- break” breed because newborns fail to thrive, bitches are not good moth- ers, vigilance is not met or just breed- ing inferior unhealthy dogs can result in loss and tragedy. Japanese Chin
breeders have a responsibility to breed healthy and tested Chin that continues to represent these breed characteris- tics. If bred with care and commitment, it is possible to have healthy dogs that carry these unique features that make it a Japanese Chin. This breed is able to live a long life without breathing prob- lems, heart disease and other maladies that have been known to plague the breed. Heart problems such as conges- tive heart failure and mitral valve pro- lapse should be monitored with breed- ing dogs. If your vet hears a murmur or even questionable sounds, an echocar- diogram is a must. The result should determine responsible decisions. Den- tal hygiene being most difficult in this breed because of the tiny teeth you can- not usually brush plus the Chin’s finicky appetite if you try to add anything to their diet. Putting them under anesthe- sia for a yearly dental is very detrimental for this breed because of their problems with intubation and the anesthesia. Col- lapsing trachea is also a grave concern for Chin and can lead to breathing dif- ficulties later in life. Being a blunt-faced breed it is imperative that they do not pant excessively, as this could cause irreparable damage to the esophagus or soft palate. As with all small dogs, patel- lar issues and eye disease are also found in Japanese Chin. Even though Chin do not have a “working” job, we still have an obligation to give them a long, healthy life free of crippling diseases and arthritis. The average life span for a Chin is 10 to 12 years. The Japanese Chin is the ultimate companion dog in almost all aspects and the breed’s temperament is no dif- ferent. This breed is supposed to be the treasured and delightful compan- ion of royalty and it certainly acts like it knows it. They can be spoiled easily
212 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , J ULY 2018
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