Japanese Chin at a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height
- 20–27 cm
- Weight
- 1.8–3.2 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 10 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog.
Is the Japanese Chin right for you?
Like every breed, the Japanese Chin is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You live in a flat or smaller home: the breed often adapts well.
- This would be your first dog and you are ready to learn.
- You would like a dog usually content with short daily walks.
- You would like a dog that tends to be quiet.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You have young children at home.
- You cannot commit to brushing several times a week.
How would the Japanese Chin fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a compact, aristocratic little dog with a profuse, long, silky coat, a short face and large eyes. A small amount of white showing in the inner corners of the eyes gives the breed its typical look of astonishment. It is a happy, intelligent and lively companion that thrives on human company.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Small
A small dog.
- Exercise
Low
Usually content with short daily walks and play.
- Energy level
Moderate
Moderately energetic, with bursts of play.
- Grooming
Moderate
The coat usually needs brushing several times a week.
- Shedding
Moderate
Sheds a moderate amount, varying by dog and season.
- Trainability
Moderate
Generally trainable with patience and consistency.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Good with cats
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Often
Often suits first-time owners.
- Barking / vocality
Tends to be quiet
Usually a fairly quiet dog around the home.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
Despite its name, the breed's origins lie in China. A dog given by the Empress of China to her counterpart in Japan saw the breed introduced to Japan, where it was further developed and treasured. Various theories exist about its earlier history, but all link these dogs closely with royalty and nobility, and they were given as diplomatic gifts.
The word "Chin" is said to mean cat-like, which may refer to the shape of the head and the breed's fastidious habits: Chins often wipe their faces with their paws. The breed reached Europe with Portuguese traders in the 17th century and was first shown in England in 1873.
Japanese Chin temperament
Japanese Chins are typically affectionate, gentle and full of character despite their tiny size. They were bred to be companions and struggle to cope when separated from their family, so most will follow their owner everywhere.
They are usually quiet, remarkably silent dogs, although they will alert you to visitors or anything unusual. They are delicate and sensitive, and tend to thrive in a calm home.
Size and appearance
Japanese Chins are small dogs. Adults typically stand around 20–27 cm at the shoulder and weigh around 1.8–3.2 kg.
The coat is long, straight, soft and silky. Breed standard colours are black and white, red and white, sable and white, and white and black.
How much exercise does a Japanese Chin need?
Japanese Chins do not need much exercise. Around half an hour a day, often as a couple of short walks, is usually enough, with most of the rest coming from following their people around the house.
They are clever little dogs, so daily training, tricks and simple puzzle toys help keep their minds busy. Their flattened faces can cause breathing problems, which is worth keeping in mind on walks and in poor weather.
Training a Japanese Chin
Japanese Chins are perfectly capable of learning quickly and should be taught all the useful life skills, and many enjoy learning tricks too.
- Use positive reinforcement with food, toys and enjoyable activities.
- Socialise them well with other dogs, household pets and children to build confidence.
- Add fun tricks and puzzle games to everyday training.
- Make sure your garden is secure, as they can slip through tiny gaps.
Japanese Chin grooming
The long coat needs brushing two or three times a week to keep it tangle-free. Keep the corners of the eyes clean, wiping them with damp cotton wool if needed.
Pay attention to the paws, eyes, ears and mouth, which can gather debris. The breed does shed.
Living with a Japanese Chin
Being small, delicate and sensitive, the Japanese Chin is better suited to adult homes or families with older, sensible children. It can live in a busy or a quiet household as long as it can stay close to its owners.
Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Varies with the individual dog.
Cats and small pets
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Often suits first-time owners.
Japanese Chin health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
The Japanese Chin is described as a generally healthy breed, but it is brachycephalic (flat-faced), and dogs with a very flat face and short muzzle have a higher risk of certain health problems.
Breathing difficulties
In some flat-faced dogs, the soft tissue in the nose and throat is too much for the airways, which can cause heavy panting or noisy breathing. Narrow nostrils can make this worse. The Royal Kennel Club recognised breathing testing under the KC Respiratory Function Grading scheme for BOAS as a new best-practice test in 2026.
Teeth problems
A shortened jaw keeps the same number and size of teeth, so they can become overcrowded, leading to dental and gum problems.
Patellar luxation
The breed is also prone to patellar luxation, which affects the kneecaps. It is one of the conditions to ask a breeder about.
Eye testing
The Royal Kennel Club recommends eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme as part of best-practice health testing.
Genetic diversity
The Royal Kennel Club lists prioritising genetic diversity as a key part of responsible breeding in this breed.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Japanese Chin home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Japanese Chin cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Japanese Chin home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 10 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Japanese Chin
If you have decided the Japanese Chin suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Japanese Chin
Japanese Chins do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Japanese Chins looking for homes
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Japanese Chin FAQs
Is the Japanese Chin good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Japanese Chin live in a flat?
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Japanese Chin need?
Low: usually content with short daily walks. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Japanese Chin shed?
Moderate shedding.
How much grooming does the Japanese Chin need?
Typically: several times a week.
Is the Japanese Chin easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistency. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Japanese Chin be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Japanese Chin bark a lot?
Tends to be quiet. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Japanese Chin good with cats?
Varies with the individual dog. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Japanese Chin live?
Typically from 10 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Japanese Chin get?
Adults typically stand 20–27 cm at the shoulder and weigh 1.8–3.2 kg.