Japanese Chin 169

The Japanese Chin is a dog breed with a mysterious past. What is known is that the Chin was introduced to Japan somewhere between 500-1,000 years ago. What is unknown is how the dog breed came to Japan in the first place.

Some historians claim, and maintain, that the Japanese Chin was a product of China while others claim, and maintain, their early origins lay in Korea. Buddhist monks, European merchants, Chinese emperors, and more have all been credited with bringing the Chin to Japan in one story or another. Regardless of how the Japanese Chin first got into Japan, Japanese nobles are credited with developing the Japanese Chin into the beloved modern dog breed we know today.

Although the Japanese Chin is an older dog breed, they did not come to the United States until 1854 due to Japan’s previous isolationism. Once the country reopened for trade, the Japanese Chin began to become popular in other areas. The American Kennel Club recognized the Japanese Chin in 1888 as a member of the Toy Group.