Japanese Chin

Japan's classic companion breed, whose ancestors most likely came from China, was a pampered house dog of the elite long before the West took notice; one reached England in 1613 and Commodore Perry acquired one in 1853. It is nothing like the native hunting dogs: small, silky, moderately active and content in a small flat. Its reputation is distinctly cat-like, fastidious and self-possessed, with a stubborn streak that makes it a poor candidate for off-lead walks, and some are prone to separation anxiety. The very short muzzle calls for care in hot weather, and luxating kneecaps, cataracts and early heart murmurs are worth checking in both parents.