Probably the first comment one hears upon introducing a Japanese Chin to a person unfamiliar with the breed is 'Oh, what a delightful little chap, so quaint, and isn't he oriental!'
An apt description of these Imperial aristocrats which for hundreds of years were bred exclusively as companions to be cosseted, petted, and cherished by all who encounter them. Chin are believed to have originated in Tibet or western China, and by about 500
AD were known to the Chinese Royal Court, one being sent by the Emperor to the Japanese Mikado as a gift of friendship. Japanese Chin were used for this purpose also by the royal court of Korea; while many are believed to have entered Japan with the successive waves of Buddhist monks who crossed from China to introduce the new religion in the early centuries AD.
The little dogs were swiftly assimilated into Japanese culture where they were 'ennobled', which permitted only the Royal family and high officials to own them. The smallest specimens were the most prized, and it was said that to miniaturise the pups they were fed a diet of rice and
Saki. These tiny Royal pets had their own attendants and were dressed in
jewelled robes.
Japanese Chin arrived in Europe in the early 16th century, when Portuguese traders signed the first western trade agreements with the hitherto unapproachable Japanese nation. It is believed that Catherine of Braganza brought several with her to England when she became the wife of Charles the second.
In 1982 Japanese Chin were first exhibited in England, and in 1895 the Japanese Chin Club of England was formed to further promote this increasingly popular breed. The beautiful Queen Alexandra became a royal ambassador for them, owning 26 herself and rarely photographed without one or two on her lap or in her arms. Although Chin made their appearance in Australia in 1904, it was not until the 1960's with the arrival of several imports from New Zealand and England that a slow increase in popularity began in this country.
Japanese Chin are small, active dogs brimming over with personality and merriment, yet at the same time manage to display a remarkable dignity and a sense of their own importance. Rarely out of sorts, and never cross or bad tempered; behaviour such as growling and snapping would be most untypical, as would be expected from a breed who's entire history has been spent in intimate association with man. While Chin can bark they do so rarely. The usual means of communication consists of a series of soft snorts, purring and chirping noises.
Their eyes are a prominent feature a large, dark and round, with the whites showing in the inner corners giving a 'look or astonishment'. Their hare-shaped feet are likened by the Japanese to the sable brushes used in calligraphy and painting. Chin often use their front paws to wash, groom and hold morsels of food.
Because of their slender bone structure, elegance, and small size, Japanese Chin are considered to be delicate when, in fact, they are a surprisingly robust little dog, not particularly susceptible to illness other then the usual 'doggy' problems.
Living with a Chin is a constant source of amusement and interest, and being a custodian of this delightful breed is rewarded with many years of affection, pleasure and fun.
Article kindly supplied by Dee
Byster-Graham
