The photo posted here is the American Kennel Club standard of the breed. "Cooper" is named after the British Mini-Cooper because he was less that 1 lb. at 8 weeks when I first saw him. He is almost 3 years-old now and only weighs 4 lbs. And bad as hell to be so tiny! His AKC registered name is "Raidonichi Emperor Pitty Patt". His father is "D'Vigne's Dai Raidon", son of Ch. "Toshi Kyogi Taisho V Kinchi". Both his dam and sire come from a long line of champion Japanese Chins, most notably Ch. "Accerber's Tennessee Tuxedo". Raidonichi means "First Son of the Thunder God".
Cooper was born July 4, 2004 in Griffin, GA. He is the 4th pedigreed AKC Chin that I've owned since my late husband bought me one in 1977 - her name was "McCall's Nichi Kyjima O Ra", followed by "McCall's Miko Akasaka Mugen" both of Covington, GA and "Chisai Double-Chin" of Petaluma, CA. At first I couldn't find a Chin when I moved to Georgia, so in 1997 I bought a "Summa Dog" ("Summa Dis, Summa Dat") a female Brussels Griffon/Japanese Chin mix named "Mase" from Helen, GA, who we still have.
Chins are best in pairs and I'd like to find Cooper a girlfriend so he can stop humping on EVERYTHING!!
According to the The Japanese Chin Club of American, this is an ancient toy breed, whose earliest history is shrouded in mystery. Various theories abound: that the breed originated in Korea, that it originated in China, that it was brought by traders, by Buddhist monks, or by Emperor's emissaries. The most common belief is that the Emperor of China presented the Emperor of Japan with a pairof these dogs, and that they developed as they are today, under the difference of cultural and climatic conditions. Whichever is correct, we do know that there was much traveling between China, Korea, and Japan as far back as the fifth century, and both Korea and China constantly presented small pet dogs to Japan.
It is safe to say that the breed that we recognize today was developed in Japan. These toy dogs were highly prized in Japan, they were always kept among the people of noble birth, and occasionally presented to a noted person, a diplomat, or to a foreigner who was in favor with the members of nobility. Each noble house kept and bred the Chin, each breeding to their own standards. For this reason, several distinct sizes and styles were developed, each independent of the others. Japan is well known for its ability to create unique things. They are famous for their bonsai, the miniature trees, and for their goldfish. Inbreeding the Japanese Chin, they tried for a blend of cat and dog; a dog with many catlike characteristics. In this they succeeded; ask anyone owned by a Chin, and they will tell you incredible tales of climbing and jumping feats, of fastidious cleaning habits, of using their front feet to bat and explore, and of finding their Chin in the most unlikely of spots!
Those who know this breed will never again live without one or more. To the fans of the Chin, they represent all that is ideal in a pet. Elegant yet comical, dignified yet silly at times, luxuriant coat that requires little care, and a personality that meshes perfectly with its owner, the Chin makes a perfect companion. The caretakers of this breed are eager to share their love of the breed, but are unwilling to let this marvelous little companion become compromised by becoming too popular. They remain exclusive members of royalty, for anyone who is fortunate enough to be owned by a Chin is considered "royal" by their Chin!
That said, I can attest to the beauty and intelligence of this breed. I had a hanko created for him by a calligrapher in Japan (below). It means "Tiny Warrior". Although Cooper is the tiniest thing in the house but he rules!
He is fiercely independent with the attributes of a cat. I HATE CATS! But unlike a cat, Cooper loves attention. He will lay across my neck when I'm lying down, in the true tradition of the Japanese Chin, who were carried under chins of royal wives and concubines in China to keep their necks warm. If can find a very old Oriental print, you will often see a Chin somewhere in the picture, standing proud with his tail curled regally over his back.
Since I was a young child, we have had one breed of dog or another: 2 German Shepherds, 2 Doberman Pinschers, a Great Dane, a Collie, a toy Poodle, and various "Summa" dogs. In addition to "Cooper" and "Mase", we also have a Rottweiler/Bull Mastiff female named "Rubi". But the Chin is, by far, my favorite breed. Not cheap, they can cost anywhere from $600 to $2,000, depending on the pedigree. I would love to get a female for "Cooper" but small dogs have a great deal of difficulty having pups and, then, you may only get one or two in a litter.
Cooper is a black & white, but they also come in red and white, or black and white with tan points. I have to watch him because he is a climber. As long as there is a "path" for him to bounce from one thing to another, he will keep going up until he runs out of levels. We have found him on the top of bookcases. His other distinct trait is the "Chin Spin" where he just takes off running through the house, around furniture, in and out of doors, until he collapses. No one knows when he will take off but it will happen at least once a day.
Reputable breeders are hard to find and you may have to have one shipped to you from another state. But, if you are lucky to get one of these dogs, you will never want another breed. Their sole purpose in life is to be your companion. And you will never have a better one.
