Is a Japanese Chin the right dog for you?

If you are single and live in an apartment, the Japanese Chin may be the perfect dog breed for you. Once beloved by Buddhist monks and Japanese royalty, the Chin has many agreeable characteristics.

Needs little exercise

One of the reasons that a Japanese Chin is great for apartment dwellers is that it needs minimal exercise. Following your every move as you go from room to room is probably enough for its little legs. Although a Chin will enjoy daily outings with you, it would hate belonging to an owner who expected jogging or vigorous frisbee games.

A Chin’s two favorite activities are catching up on its (beauty) dog sleep and cuddling with you on the couch while you read or watch TV. Your Japanese Chin will probably not wake you at dawn to go out or bother you with other demands, just as your movie gets interesting.

If you enjoy your sleep and quiet entertainment, a Chin will quickly go along with that. After all, these dogs were delighted to be still while monks meditated or Japanese aristocratic women kept them in their kimonos. They will certainly be willing to take a Sunday afternoon nap with you.

Charming and empathetic demeanor

Japanese Chins are great companions, especially for those living alone. They genuinely adore their owners and want to please them above all. That is why a Chin will be easy to train. Whether it’s learning not to “go” until both of you have made it outside or doing a cute trick like sitting up. A Chin wants to please above all else and has a little bit of clown in its personality that makes it happy to perform.

The Japanese Chin is empathetic and can instantly tune into its owner’s mood and act accordingly. If you’ve had a bad day at work, your Chin will not leave your side but give you lots of cuddles and kisses to make you feel better. If you’re sick or hurt, your Chin will stay extra close to you until you’re well again. When there’s cause for celebration, though, the Japanese Chin is the life of the party and will be happy to celebrate with you in any way you choose.

You won’t ever feel lonely with this little companion around.

An additional perk for the apartment dweller is that these little guys are quiet. Your neighbors won’t complain that your dog barks whenever you go out.

Fun to groom

If you enjoyed brushing doll hair or the tails of your stuffed animals as a child, grooming your Chin should be fun. The Chin has long, silky fur that doesn’t tend to tangle and a patient personality to go along with it.

Purchase a cushion or other comfortable sitting space and put it on a table that makes your dog a comfortable height for your back. Even though there probably won’t be tangles, you might want to start with some pleasant-smelling detangler spray. Next, make sure you have the right grooming tools. The Chin’s hair is long and silky, so you’ll want to use gentle brushes that won’t harm your dog’s hair or skin.

The Chin are calm and love pampering. Don’t be surprised if your dog falls asleep while you brush it.

Since the Chin’s exercise routine will most likely not involve the woods, muddy streams, or pastures full of burrs, you’ll need to provide a few baths. Your Chin, however, might enjoy an occasional bath.

Is the Japanese Chin the perfect dog?

The Japanese Chin is a sweet little companion loyal and helpful to its owner. This dog breed might be just what you want if you’re worried about the noise, mess, or energy needed to care for a dog properly.

Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer and expert in pets and pet health. When she isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading a good book or hitting the gym.

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