Japanese Chin

No mistaking the origin of this breed, from its Oriental-looking face and its toy dog body itself. The Japanese Chin is an aristocratic breed, one to certainly uncover

- 

At first glance, you might wonder, 'Shih-Tzu' or 'Pekingese'? There's a bit of both features in this breed, which originates not in Japan, as the name would suggest, but in China or possibly Korea. Noble dogs from the Chin dynasty, these lap dogs soon became companions to the royals of Japan, when they were presented as gifts. China or Korea, the Japanese Chin have long since flourished and are today, companion dogs who fit perfectly in your lap.

ORIGIN:

It is said the breed originated in China and was brought to Japan as gifts for royalty, when the Chin dynasty made their way to Japan around 1000 AD or even earlier. Some research points to their arrival in Japan as presents from the Korean envoy to the Japanese royals back in 700 AD. Whichever way the breed made its way to Japan, its claim can undoubtedly lie with Japanese nobility that developed the breed as aristocratic dogs.