Breed Standard

For the love of the Chin

The Breed Standard for the Japanese Chin

General Appearance. - Elegant and aristocratic, smart, compact with profuse coat.

Characteristics. - Intelligent, happy, lively little dog who has look of astonishment, peculiar to this breed.

Temperament. - Gay, happy, gentle and good natured.

Head and Skull. - Fairly large in proportion to size of dog, moderately broad skull, rounded in front, and between ears, but never domed. Nose large with open nostrils, black, except in red and whites where the colour can be appropriate to markings. Muzzle short, wide, well cushioned, i.e. upper lips rounded on each side of nostrils, jaws level.

Eyes. - Moderately large, dark, set far apart. Size should be in proportion to size of skull. Small amount of white shows in the inner corners, giving characteristic look of astonishment. Eyes should be forward facing, not set on side of head.

Ears. - Small, set wide apart, high on head, carried slightly forward, V-shaped, well feathered.

Mouth. - Bite preferably level or slightly undershot; wry mouth or tongue showing highly undesirable.

Neck. - Moderate length, carried proudly.

Forequarters. - Legs straight with strong fine bone, giving slender appearance, well feathered down to the feet.

Body. - Square and compactly built, wide in chest, 'cobby'. Length of body equal to height at withers.

Hindquarters. - Straight, viewed from behind, good turn of stifle, profusely feathered from the back of thighs.

Feet. - Slender, hare-footed, feathered at tips, pointing neither in nor out.

Tail. - Set high on level back, profusely feathered, closely curved or plumed over back.

Gait/Movement. - Stylish, straight in movement, with good reach and elevation when in motion, no plaiting, and showing no weakness in hind movement.

Coat. - Profuse, long, soft, straight, of silky texture. Absolutely free from curl or wave, not too flat, having a tendency to stand out especially at frill of neck.

Colour. - Black and white or red and white. Never tricolour. Red includes all shades of sable, lemon or orange. The brighter and clearer the red the better. Colour evenly distributed on cheeks and ears and as patches on body. White should be clear, not flecked.

Size. - Daintier the better, providing type, quality and soundness are not sacrificed. Ideal weight 1.8 - 3.2 kgs (4-7 lbs)

Faults. - Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.

Note. - Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.