The Japanese Chin is a small breed of dog from Japan.  Once kept exclusively by the royal family, only within the last few centuries were these little dogs given to outsiders as gifts.  It is thought the Japanese Chin is a relatively old breed of dog.
   
    Japanese Chins stand between 7-11 inches at the withers and can greatly vary in weight, anywhere from 4-15 pounds.  They have long silky coat with a feathered tail that curls over their backs.  Their muzzles are short, as with most oriental dogs, leading to the belief that many of them are related.  The coat on the Japanese Chin is white with colored patches that are normally black, but may also be red, yellow, orange, sable, or brindle.
   
    The history and exact origin of the Japanese Chin is unknown, but many believe its ancestors came from China.  It is thought they were once kept by the Chinese Imperial family and given to the Japanese some time later.  Most believe they share a common ancestry with the Pekingese and the Pug.  In 1853 the first Japanese Chins were brought to England from Japan by Commodore Perry and given to Queen Victoria.  Later he also gave a pair of Japanese Chins to the president of the United States.
   
    Japanese Chins are lively and happy dogs; they are devoted to their owners, but can be distrusting of strangers.  They do not do well in unfamiliar surroundings or new situations.  Although they get along well with children, it is best if they are around children that know how to act around dogs, due to their size.  An affectionate breed, they have no difficulties around other dogs and household pets.  They are also a very clean breed, cat-like with its cleanliness, known to clean their faces with their paws.  Japanese Chin are also generally a quiet breed, although they will alert their owners at the arrival of strangers.