Japanese Spaniel

Profile

The Japanese Chin is a small-sized, poised, lively, and aristocratic toy dog with a unique and oriental expression. Its movements are light and elegant. Its plumy tail curls over its back, resting on one side of its body. The coat is dense, silky smooth, soft, and straight. The profile is square in shape. The ideal shoulder height is between 8-11 inches. Body length (from chest to rump) equals the shoulder height. The structure is robust, compact, and well-proportioned. The weight is proportionate to the body’s height and structure.

Head

The expression is lively, curious, alert, and intelligent. A broad head, widely spaced large eyes, short and broad muzzle, ears, and facial markings make up the distinct oriental expression of the Japanese Chin. Eyes: set wide apart, large, round, deep in color, and shiny. A slight white corner in the eyes, unique to this breed, gives them a surprised look.

Ears: pendant, small, V-shaped, set far apart and located slightly below the top of the head. When alert, the ears move forward and downward. The ears are covered in ornamental hair, complementing the round profile of the head.

Skull: broad and slightly rounded between the ears.

Forehead: protruding, level with the nose bridge. Its width is about the same as the distance between the eyes. From the side, the forehead and muzzle are on the same vertical plane, making a right angle with the horizontal plane of the head. Stop: deep.

Muzzle: short and broad with folded cheeks and lips wrapping around the teeth. Nose: very short, wide, with open nostrils. The tip of the nose is level with the eyes and is centered, with an upward tilt.

Nose color: black for black & white or black, white & tan dogs; flesh-colored or black for red & white dogs.

Bite: Broad lower jaw with a slight underbite. Missing 1-2 teeth or slight misalignment is not a severe fault. Evaluations of Japanese Chins pay attention to oral presentations. If a dog shows hesitation, judges will inquire and refer to the owner’s statement about the bite.

Neck, Topline, Body

The neck is of moderate length and thickness. It is set on the shoulders in a way that allows the dog to carry its head high with pride. The topline is level. The body is square-shaped, and the round ribs give a moderately wide chest. The chest depth is moderate, level with the elbows. The tail is set high, curling over the back and resting on one side of the body.

Forequarters

Legs are straight, with slender bones. Elbows are close to the body. Dewclaws may be removed. Feet are hare-footed, with ornamental hair at the tips of mature dog toes. Toes are straight or slightly out-turned.

Hindquarters

From behind, legs are straight with slender bones. The hocks are moderately bent. Dewclaws may be removed. Feet are hare-footed, with ornamental hair at the tips of mature dog toes. Toes are straight.

Coat

Dense coat, straight and single-layered, silky smooth. The hair is springy and stands off the body, especially forming a dense mane or collar around the neck, shoulders, and chest. The tail is heavily feathered. The rump is covered in thick hair, forming culottes or pants. The head and muzzle are covered in short hair, except for the ears which have dense ornamental hair. The front legs have short hair but are mixed with longer ornamental hair on the back of the legs. The hind leg hair is the described pants, and mature dogs have light ornamental hair from the hocks to the toe tips.

Color

Three colors: black & white, red & white, and black & white with tan markings.

Tan markings range from tan to red, such as spots around the eyes, inside the ears, on the cheeks, and around the anus (if showing black). The red includes various intensities of red, including orange, lemon, purple, and a mix of the mentioned reds. In all permissible colors, all colors are scored equally. For facial patterns, a clear white muzzle and white facial stripe are preferred; symmetrical facial patterns are ideal. Regarding body patterns, the scale, shape, location, or number are not important. Speckled white spots are not required.

Gait

The movement is elegant and light. Moves in a straight line, with fore and hind legs moving on the same plane.

Temperament

A sensitive and intelligent dog, its sole purpose is to be a loyal companion. Full of affection towards familiar and loved ones, but reserved with strangers or new situations.