Japanese Spaniel

THERE SEEMS TO BE general agreement among dog historians that the Japanese Spaniel, or "Chin," as it is known in Japan, shares ancestry with the Pug and the Pekingese. It is thought that small dogs were brought to Japan as tribute gifts to the Mikado about 500 B.C. There the forerunners of the present-day Chin underwent further development as wellas becoming the favourite pets of Japan's Imperial family.

 It is said that the Chin were carefully fed, mostly on rice, and that they were given sake, a Japanese liquor made from fermented rice, in order to stunt their growth. Some of the dogs were so small, it is reported, they were kept in hanging cages much as cage birds are.

 The Japanese Spaniel was brought to the Western world about 1860, and some were exhibited at a British dog show in 1862. Then, in 1879, further show entries were reported. This time the breed was entered under the name "Japanese Pug." The following year royal patronage set the breed on the road to popularity both in Britain and on the continent. Queen Alexandra acquired several Japanese Spaniels and the Mikado presented a pair to the Empress of Germany. Two years later the breed was introduced to America when the first Japanese Spaniels appeared in competition at a dog show held in New York City. Subsequently, breed clubs were organized on both sides of the Atlantic, and the respective breed standards adopted. Some authorities believe that the Canadian and American breed standards err in that they do not define correct expression. The English standard requires that some white be shown at the inner corners of the eyes thus imparting the characteristic look of astonishment.

In its nativeland the Chin's ownership is no longer restricted to the royal family. It has become enormously popular with the Japanese people with about 8000 registrations being recorded annually.

The Japanese Spaniel was first registered in Canada in the years 1909 - 1910.
 

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