Japanese Chin

Book excerpt: From the Land of the Rising Sun comes the delightful and affectionate toy dog known as the Japanese Chin, revered for centuries as a palace treasure and today counted among the world’s most beloved companion dogs. This Comprehensive Owner’s Guide, written by Juliette Cunliffe, provides an entertaining portrait of the Chin’s origins and history, including Commodore Perry’s famous door-opening visit to Japan, the breed’s rise to the favor of England’s Queen Alexandra, and the Chin’s introduction to the United States. In the chapter on the breed’s characteristics, the author reveals her insight into this "happy little character with a down-to-earth, yet bumptious, personality." Potential owners are made aware that, despite his small size, the Chin has a larger-than-life approach to the world, and that as a home companion, the Chin demands affection and little else, being a naturally clean pet, often compared to a cat in cleanliness, sophistication, and self-awareness. In the home of a loving owner, the Chin will thrive and become a superb addition to the family, even one with children and cat or two! New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author’s advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.