NJOY Japanese Chin

Welcome to NJOY Japanese Chin

NJOY Japanese Chin carefully selects breeding lines for quality, structure, affectionate temperament and long-term health. Our puppies are raised in a loving home environment with early socialization and individual attention to help prepare them to become wonderful family companions.

We are committed to responsible breeding practices, health testing and preserving the qualities that make the Japanese Chin such a unique and endearing breed.

Yuna, Bling & Dazzle

Why We Love the Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is often described as "a cat in a dog's body." They love heights, are naturally curious, playful and surprisingly entertaining.

Behind their regal and elegant appearance is a wonderfully comical little dog. Chin have a special ability to make everyday life entertaining with their antics and inquisitive personalities.

Despite their beautiful flowing coat, they are relatively easy to maintain and can be an excellent breed for people living in apartments or smaller homes.

Big Personality in a Small Package

Japanese Chin may look very regal, but they are actually wonderfully comical. Their families are frequently laughing at their antics.

They are curious like a cat and seem to find wonder in everything around them. Many Chin also have the very cat-like desire to find the highest available place in the room.

Another wonderful quality of the breed is that they are generally quiet. They can be alert and playful without being excessively hyper or requiring tremendous amounts of exercise.

When a Chin does have something to say, some make an endearing little sing-song "whooo whooo" sound rather than traditional barking.

More Than Just a Pretty Face

Our Chin enjoy activities outside the traditional conformation show ring as well.

Chin Coursing

Trick Dog

Health Testing

Although Japanese Chin are not generally known for a large number of breed-specific health issues, we still believe appropriate health testing is an important part of a thoughtful breeding program.

Our dogs have received breed-appropriate DNA and OFA health clearances including:

Additional evaluations may include full dentition, tracheal hypoplasia and Legg-Calvé-Perthes evaluations, as appropriate.

A Typical Day With a Japanese Chin

Japanese Chin have a remarkable way of making each day a little more entertaining.

A typical day in the life of a Japanese Chin.

The Famous Chin "Snizzle"

One unusual Chin trait is the tendency to occasionally blow air through the nose, producing a fine mist. Chin fanciers affectionately call this a "Snizzle."

Because the Japanese Chin is a flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed, owners may also occasionally see episodes of reverse sneezing.

Reverse sneezing can occur after excitement, drinking, waking from sleep or exposure to irritants. Frequency varies considerably from dog to dog.

If you are ever concerned about your dog's breathing, health or a change from what is normal for that individual dog, discuss it with a veterinarian familiar with brachycephalic toy breeds.

Watch Reverse Sneezing Video

Living With a Japanese Chin

Japanese Chin are a toy breed, generally weighing approximately 7–11 pounds.

One of the breed's best-known expressions is the charming wide-eyed look of astonishment created in part by the small amount of white showing in the inner corners of the eyes.

Chin are fearless, inquisitive and delightfully curious. Combine that curiosity with their innocent expression and it is easy to understand why their families often describe them as little clowns.

Japanese Chin can learn to ask to go outside by pacing or scratching at the door. Some owners also teach them to ring a bell. Keeping a pee pad near the exit can also be helpful, particularly with young puppies.

Dental Care

As with many toy breeds, regular dental care is particularly important for the Japanese Chin.

Teeth should be checked and cleaned regularly. Some toy dogs may eventually require professional dental cleaning or extractions as they age.

Good dental hygiene helps reduce plaque and periodontal disease and is an important part of your dog's overall long-term health.

Beautiful — Without Difficult Grooming

The Japanese Chin coat is medium length, fine and soft. Despite its elegant appearance, the coat is surprisingly manageable.

For most companion Chin, regularly running a comb through the coat helps keep it looking beautiful.

More frequent bathing and grooming can help reduce loose coat and produce the more impressive flowing appearance seen on show dogs.

Quiet, funny, clean and relatively easy to maintain — a wonderful combination for apartment and small-space living.

Japanese Chin Coat Information

Japanese Chin at a Glance

The Japanese Chin was historically also known as the Japanese Spaniel and is closely related to other Asian toy breeds including the Pekingese.

Learn More About the Japanese Chin

Breed standards, educational articles and additional Japanese Chin resources: