FCI-Standard No 206
CHARACTERISTICS: The Japanese Chin is a lively little dog of dainty appearance, smart compact carriage and profuse coat. These dogs should be essentially stylish in movement, lifting the feet high when in motion carrying the tail, which is heavily feathered, closely curved or plumed over the back.
Head: Large but in proportion to size of dog, broad skull rounded in front, rounded between ears but in no way domed.
Nostrils: Should be large and black, except in the case of the red and white where the colour can be the same as the markings.
Eyes: Should be large, dark, set far apart. It is desirable that the white shows in the inner corners, this gives the Japanese Chin that characteristic look of astonishment (wrongly called squint) which should on no account be lost.
Muzzle: Muzzle very short and wide and well cushioned, i.e. upper lips rounded on each side of nostrils and mouth level.
Ears: Small, set wide apart and high on the head, carried slightly forward, V-shaped and well feathered.
Neck: Moderate length held up proudly.
Body: Should be squarely and compactly built, wide in chest, "cobby" in shape. The length of the dog's body should be equal to its height at the withers.
Forequarters: Legs straight, and bone fine, giving them a slender appearance, well feathered to the feet.
Hindquarters: Straight viewed from behind, good turn of stifle, profusely feathered from the back of the thighs.
Feet: Should be slender and hare shaped, feathered at tips. Tail: Set high on a straight back, profusely feathered, closely curved or plumed over the back.
Coat: Profuse coat, long soft and straight of silky texture. Absolutely free from curl or wave, not too flat, having a tendency to stand out especially at the frill of the neck.
Colour: Black and white or red and white. Red includes all shades, sable brindle, lemon or orange. The brighter and clearer the red the better. Colour evenly distributed on the cheeks and ears, and as patches on the body. Not too heavily marked desirable. White should be clear, not flecked.
Size: The daintier they are the better, providing type, quality and soundness are not sacrificed. As a guide suggested size 1.8 to 3.2 kg. (4-7 lbs).
Faults: Flying ears, wry mouth, tongue showing, tri-colour.
Note: Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.