At a glance the quick version
FCI sets no weight. Hill's gives 4-12 lb (about 1.8-5.4 kg) for both sexes.
Coat and looks how to spot one
long, silky single coat
A straight, silky, profuse coat with no undercoat covers everything but the face, with extra feathering on the ears, neck, thighs and plumed tail. The head is broad and rounded with large dark eyes and a very short muzzle, giving an alert, slightly astonished look. The full coat can take up to two years to grow in.124
Personality what they are like
A bright, amusing and graceful little dog, affectionate with its own people and a little reserved with strangers. It is famous for fastidious, feline habits and a quiet, dignified way of carrying itself.143
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low. Around 20-30 minutes a day of short walks and indoor play is plenty.43
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush more than once a week to keep the silky coat free of tangles; despite its look, the coat is not hard to maintain.43
Home where they are happiest
Happy in a flat or small home with a small to medium garden; an indoor companion by nature.43
Company who they like around
A true companion breed that thrives on attention and company and likes being close to its people.42
The story where it all began
Small dogs of this type are recorded as gifts from Korea to the Japanese court around 732 AD, with more arriving from China. They became treasured indoor companions of the nobility, including at Edo Castle, and Western visitors brought them to Europe from the 1600s onward, with one reaching Queen Victoria after Commodore Perry's voyage.123
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The Royal Kennel Club notes the name Chin is linked to the idea of being cat-like.4
- 2
Many Chins have a dot or line on the forehead, traditionally called the touch of Buddha.2
- 3
Commodore Matthew Perry obtained Chins in Japan in 1853.2
- 4
The coat has no undercoat and takes up to two years to mature fully.2
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 206, Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs), Section 8 (Japan Chin and Pekingese); current standard published 4 Apr 20161
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Toy Group4
- AKC
- Toy Group; recognised under the name Japanese Chin since 1977 (earlier known as Japanese Spaniel)3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Japanese Chin. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 2 days
- Bathevery month
- HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- Face foldsWipe and dry the skin foldsevery 2 days
- Eye wipeGently wipe around the eyesevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Japanese Chin, and at what times?
Feed your Japanese Chin at least two meals a day, ideally at the same times each morning and evening. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. Follow the food label and ask your vet for the right amount.15 Furry Diary plan
What should a Japanese Chin eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for small breeds. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, macadamia nuts, xylitol, and anything with caffeine or alcohol.16 Furry Diary plan
How often should I bathe a Japanese Chin?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a bath every four weeks. In general, bathe at least once every three months, or more often if your Chin gets dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo.37 Furry Diary plan
How often does a Japanese Chin need brushing?
Brush your Japanese Chin more than once a week to keep its silky coat free of tangles. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every two days. Despite its look, the coat is not hard to maintain.43 Furry Diary plan
How do I trim a Japanese Chin's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part). If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for help.47 Furry Diary plan
How much exercise does a Japanese Chin need?
Around 20 to 30 minutes a day of short walks and indoor play is plenty. This breed has low activity needs and is happy in a flat or small home.43 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Japanese Chin's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily with dog toothpaste (never human toothpaste). Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.7 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Japanese Chin live?
A Japanese Chin typically lives between 12 and 14 years. With good care, some may live even longer.432
Is a Japanese Chin good with children and other pets?
Yes, this breed is affectionate with its own people and can be good with children and other pets if socialized early. It is a little reserved with strangers but generally gentle.143
Can a Japanese Chin be left alone?
This breed thrives on attention and company, so it does not like being left alone for long periods. It is a true companion dog that prefers to be close to its people.42 Furry Diary plan
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 206 Japan Chin fci.beused for recognition, height, coat, colours, temperament, history
- Wikipedia: Japanese Chin en.wikipedia.orgused for history, colours, coat, fun facts
- Hill's Pet: Japanese Chin hillspet.comused for weight, height, lifespan, exercise, AKC name year
- The Royal Kennel Club: Japanese Chin royalkennelclub.comused for exercise, grooming, home size, lifespan, temperament
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.