The Japanese Chin is a tiny toy dog, originally bred for companionship in both the Japanese and Chinese courts. This is a sensitive breed that tends to take on the emotions of the people whom he is around. His overall personality can also depend upon the traits and behaviors of his owner (for example, outgoing owners will often bring out an outgoing nature in the dog). Overall, however, the Chin tends to keep a dignified and almost aristocratic nature about him.
The Chin often possesses a number of cat-like traits. First is their uncanny ability to climb! They love to perch up high and will figure out how to reach elevated places such as the backs of tall couches. Secondly, many groom themselves similarly to cats – licking their paws and then using their paws to clean their faces. This means that the breed can even get hairballs! Finally, Chin are relatively quiet dogs and don’t tend to be yappy like other toys.
Because of their flat faces, Japanese Chin are more sensitive to heat and humidity. Owners should make sure to never leave them outside unattended on hot days, and to provide plenty of water and shade when the dog is out and about (they generally prefer to be inside anyway). Beyond the heat sensitivity, their smushed faces also make them more likely to snort and/or breathe loudly. This said, noisier breathing doesn’t mean they are unhealthy – Chins often live 11-12 years (with some living to 15)and don’t have too many health problems as a breed. Luxating patellas, epilepsy and cataracts are the most common health issues and responsible breeders are doing their best to reduce the incidences of these issues.
The Chin is fairly easy to groom as long as the owner keeps up with coat care on a regular basis (a short brushing twice a week and semi-regular baths should do it). The medium-long, silky hair is a single coat (no undercoat) and isn’t prone to matting unless the owner neglects it altogether. With regular combing and a good dog conditioner, there should be very few tangles to deal with. The breed does shed and may need a bit of extra brushing during this time. The nails must also be clipped back regularly and it is recommended to trim the hair on the bottoms of the feet in order to keep the dog tidy. 
The Japanese Chin is a fairly active dog, although still able to live in an apartment since his tiny size means he can exercise himself in small living spaces. He is also able to get a lot of exercise from a fenced backyard, if living in a house. Either way, a short daily walk on a leash is a great way for dog and owner to bond, and is always recommended as the gold standard of exercise!
Chins can be aloof and reserved around those they don’t know, but it’s not normal for them to be outright scared unless they were under-socialized as puppies. Early socialization is crucial for this breed to make sure that they don’t become fearful. They are more likely than other breeds to feel overwhelmed in new settings and situations – which is even more reason to expose them to lots of novel things while young.
The Japanese Chin can be stubborn and prone to “selective deafness” and is not always the easiest breed to train off-leash. It may take a novice trainer a little while to figure out how to train a Chin – these dogs are easier to work with when they think training was their own idea! Some people liken training a Chin as to training a cat… if it’s not fun than the animal rarely sees the point in doing it. They also will shut down completely if the training is too harsh. This is not to say that one cannot use corrections, only that it must be done with skill and tact, and never be harsh. When done correctly, the Chin is able to learn all manner of commands and even tricks!
