The Japanese Chin is a breed that most likely originated in China and moved to Japan as part of a royal gift.
Images of a dog that resembles the Japanese Chin appear on ancient Chinese pottery, embroideries, and temples. They were bred to be companions and lap warmers for nobility; historical evidence suggests that the dogs could not be purchased. They were only given as gifts from one noble to another.
There are two classifications of dog in Japan: Inu (working dogs, like the Shiba Inu) and Chin (the royal lap dogs). Japanese Chin were often given as gifts to diplomats and esteemed foreigners. A pair of the lap dogs was presented to Queen Victoria in 1853 when trade with Japan was officially established.
The breed was threatened by war and natural disaster. During World War I, no Japanese Chin left the island nation. Breeders in other countries were limited to the dogs already there. Earthquakes also endangered Japanese breeding operations.
These dogs are generally intelligent, empathic, and clean — making them a good choice for the person who wants a loving lap dog. The Japanese Chin is small and lively, full of personality. With family, this dog is sensitive and smart; with strangers, the Chin can be reserved.
And when I say small, I mean small. The Japanese chin stands between eight and eleven inches high at the shoulder. The coat is a single coat — long, silky, and soft. The hair can form a ruff on the neck, shoulders, and chest. The tail makes a curved plume. Purebred Japanese Chin will be black and white, red and white, or black and white with tan points over the eyes, inside the ears, on the cheeks, and on the rump.
One minor personality flaw — these dogs are very sensitive to having their mouths touched. In the show ring, a judge may actually ask the handler to display the teeth, rather than inspect the teeth himself.