Japanese Chin – Fascinating Dog Breed
Elisabeth Legl, a long-time admirer of the Eastern Asian breeds, offers a goldmine of insights in her book The Japanese Chin: Dog from the Land of the Rising Sun.
This book covers such topics as selection, care, breeding, and the Chin Standard. Where it really shines, however, is in the discussion of breed history. The author has spent years collecting books on Chinese and Japanese dogs and studying the history and culture of Japan. This has helped her put this little breed in historical perspective.
Understanding the history and purpose of a breed can help explain its nature and temperament. “The culture of Japan…has its origin in China. The first Chin that came to Japan was probably a gift from the Emperor of China to the royal court of Japan, where he passed his days under the protection of mighty monarchs and was never seen by any but the most privilege persons, until one day he fell into the hands of the common people and – with amazing adaptability – made a new home in the West. Only those who have looked upon his illustrious past can fully comprehend his dignified character.”
About the Chin’s personality, Legl writes: “These charming, faithful and quaint little dogs make lovely pets, and I think they are the least troublesome pets you can choose, gay and assertive as they are. They love people and are extremely lowyal to the owner. In disposition they are most intelligent, but not so clever as Toy Spaniels. Intelligent as they are, many Japanese Chin have gained their titles in all-breed obedience competitions. “Because a famous dog trainer said it could not be done, I trained a Chin for obedience work,” stated Mrs. Catherine Cross, a renowned American breeder. Her Chin consistently earned high scores and finished as highest scoring dog at a large show.
“Few breeds are so quick to read your thoughts and adapt their own behavior to the mood of the moment. Chins are people oriented dogs. The most loveable of this breed’s characteristics are their almost human thoughts and actions. ‘They have a trait I have not seen in any other breed,’ Mrs. Cross says, ‘of using their front paws as hands to scoop objects off tables for closer observation.’”
The author continues with such topics as selection, breeding, training, and showing. She also includes breed standards from not only the AKC, but from Japan, Canada and England as well. The work is well illustrated with photos of Chins from various countries. This edition includes a delectable color section offering beautiful pictures of the diminutive Japanese Chin.
If you are looking for a nice toy breed, you may want to consider this intriguing breed. The Japanese Chin: Dog from the Land of the Rising Sun by Elisabeth Legl and published by Alpine Publications is a must for anyone who loves the breed or who is considering purchasing their first Chin.
Tell us about your experiences with your Chin. What activities do they do? Are they easy to train?
