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The Japanese Chin Pekingese Mix is a unique and adorable breed that combines the gentle nature of the Japanese Chin with the outgoing personality of the Pekingese.
They typically weigh between 7-12 pounds and stand about 8-10 inches tall.
These small dogs have a short, easy-to-maintain coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting.
Their calm and affectionate nature makes them a great choice for apartment living.
History and Origin
The Japanese Chin Pekingese mix has a rich and fascinating history. The Japanese Chin is an ancient breed that originated in China, more than likely in the Chinese imperial court.
Both parent breeds, the Japanese Chin and the Pekingese, have royal histories to share with the Japeke. The Japanese Chin was a highly prized little dog in China, given as a gift to the emperor of Japan. It was then crossbred with other breeds in Japan to give it the look it has today.
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The Pekingese, on the other hand, is an ancient breed of toy dog originating in Western China. It's thought to be nearly 2,000 years old, making it one of the oldest dog breeds. The breed was initially a proud companion of Chinese Buddhist monks.
The Pekingese was not allowed to leave the palace let alone the country, but it eventually came to the attention of the Western world after the Opium War in 1860. British troops discovered five Pekingese dogs guarding the body of their mistress, who had committed suicide rather than face capture.
The Japanese Chin made its way to Europe and the United States through trade with the West beginning in the 19th Century, but it maintained a rare status for several years. The breed gained American Kennel Club recognition in 1888, while the Pekingese joined the American Kennel Club ranks in 1906.
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Breed Characteristics
The Japanese Chin is known for their silky fur and large wide-set eyes, which have endeared them to people for centuries. They were bred to be small companion dogs to Chinese and Japanese emperors, so they tend to remember their royal roots and can put on aristocratic airs.
They are extremely affectionate to their family, including other dogs in the household. This means they make great companions for families with multiple pets.
Their personalities can be a bit cat-like, which is likely why they often get along with felines.
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Health and Care
When buying a Japanese Chin Pekingese mix from a breeder, make sure they offer a health guarantee on puppies. A reputable breeder will be honest about health problems in the breed and provide health clearances to prove a dog has been tested for and cleared of certain conditions.
The Japanese Chin mixed with the Pekingese may be prone to joint dysplasia, luxating patellas, and cataracts, among others. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify potential health issues early on.
To prevent knots and tangles in their coats, it's essential to spend some time grooming your Japanese Chin Pekingese mix regularly, especially if you have a Peke. Both breeds shed a lot of hair, especially during the spring and autumn when new coats grow in.
Here are some common health problems to watch out for in Japanese Chin Pekingese mixes:
- Tay-Sachs disease, a fatal neurodegenerative illness that can be prevented with a DNA test
- Patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap pops out of place
- Cataracts, which can be caused by genetics or acquired conditions
- Epilepsy, a condition characterized by seizures with no known cause
Regular exercise is crucial to prevent weight gain in Japanese Chin Pekingese mixes, so make sure to keep an eye on your dog's waistline and provide plenty of physical activity.
Health
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The health of a Japanese Chin Pekingese Mix is a top priority, and it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can arise. This breed may be prone to joint dysplasia, luxating patellas, and cataracts, among other conditions.
Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any health problems early on, and a reputable breeder should offer a health guarantee on puppies. This ensures that you're getting a dog that's been tested for and cleared of certain conditions.
A good diet is crucial for maintaining your dog's overall health, and a Raw Food Diet may be beneficial for this breed, particularly due to its wolf background.
Some common health issues that affect Japanese Chins include progressive retinal atrophy, Legg Calve Perthes disease, and atrioventricular endocardiosis. These conditions can be inherited, so it's essential to work with a reputable breeder who's transparent about the breed's health.
Here are some common health issues that can affect Japanese Chin Pekingese Mixes:
- Tay-Sachs disease: a fatal neurodegenerative illness that can be prevented through a DNA test
- Patellar luxation: a condition where the kneecap pops out of place, sometimes requiring surgery
- Cataracts: a condition that can be caused by genetics or acquired conditions, and may require surgical removal
- Epilepsy: a condition that can cause seizures, and may require medication to control
By being aware of these potential health issues, you can take steps to prevent or manage them, ensuring your Japanese Chin Pekingese Mix lives a happy and healthy life.
Weight Gain Tendency
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The Japanese Chin's tendency to gain weight is a common issue if they don't get enough exercise. Japanese Chins can gain a little too much weight if they are not given enough exercise to burn off their calorie intake. This means it's essential to keep a close eye on your dog's waistline. A little extra exercise can go a long way in preventing weight gain in Japanese Chins.
Life Expectancy
A Japanese Chin's life expectancy is between 10 and 12 years. This is a relatively short lifespan compared to some other breeds, so it's essential to prioritize their health and care from an early age.
Japanese Chins are prone to certain health issues, such as patellar luxation and eye problems, which can affect their quality of life and longevity. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify these issues early on.
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Grooming and Maintenance
Japanese chins are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming, thanks to their single coats.
However, they do shed steadily throughout the year, and like Pekes, they shed a lot more hair during the spring and autumn when new coats grow through.
Regular brushing is a must, especially with a pin brush a few times a week to prevent tangles in their fine, silky coats.
Japanese chins also require frequent nail trims, ear cleanings, and teeth brushing, just like most breeds.
This means setting aside time each week for these tasks to keep your Japanese chin healthy and happy.
Breed Information
The Japeke is a toy-sized hybrid of two ancient and well-loved Chinese breeds, the Japanese Chin and the Pekingese.
Both parent breeds have royal histories that date back centuries. The Japanese Chin was well-regarded by the Imperial nobility of China, while the Pekingese was the exclusive property of the Chinese emperor.
The Japanese Chin originated in China, not Japan, and was brought to Japan many centuries ago, where it became a popular companion dog for the nobility.
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The Pekingese has a history of over 2000 years and was revered as a guard of the imperial palace, receiving royal treatment.
The Japanese Chin was gifted to foreign dignitaries by the Chinese court, which is how it made its way to Japan and eventually to Europe and the United States.
The Pekingese was first discovered by the West during the Opium War in 1860, when British troops found a set of five guarding the body of their mistress.
The Japanese Chin gained American Kennel Club recognition in 1888, while the Pekingese joined the American Kennel Club ranks in 1906.
Both parent breeds have a long and fascinating history that makes the Japeke a unique companion.
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Breeds Similar to
If you're considering adopting a Japanese Chin but aren't sure it's the right fit, there are some other breeds you might want to look into.
The Shih Tzu is a great alternative, as it shares a similar history and regal heritage with the Japanese Chin. They were also a favorite among royal families in China and Tibet.
The Pekingese is another breed with a similar history and appearance to the Japanese Chin and Shih Tzu. They're a bit smaller and have a double coat, but they're just as charming.
The Papillon is a playful and lively breed with a multicolored coat and silky ears that point upwards. They're known as the "butterfly dog" due to their unique ear shape.
If you're looking for a breed that's similar to the Japanese Chin, here are a few options to consider:
Does the Shed?
The Japanese Chin sheds, but not as much as you might think. Their single coat is fairly rare in the canine kingdom and sheds less than average dogs with a double coat.
You can expect some shedding from your Japanese Chin, but it's not as profuse as from similar dogs with a double coat, such as the Pekingese. They might not shed as much as you'd expect from a breed with a single coat.
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Their hair is easily damaged due to its fine texture, so you'll need to brush their coat with a pin brush a few times a week to prevent tangles. Regular brushing will help reduce shedding and keep their coat healthy.
Japanese Chins have a silky single coat, which is a beautiful but delicate feature that requires special care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pros and cons of Japanese Chins?
Japanese Chins are loving companions with loyal and sensitive nature, but may require gentle handling and attention to thrive. They can be a great fit for experienced owners who provide proper care and training.
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