SOME THOUGHTS FROM THE USA by Dale and Jane Martenson
O ne of the great truths regard- ing Japanese Chin is “what was good is good!” The non-evolving quality of theChin has been care- fully guarded by its caretakers and is something that separates it from al- most any other breed. The challenges are real and not for the faint of heart, i.e., single digit of weight, brachycephalic, exacting head type, and parti-color markings with precise symmetry. “If it was easy, everybody would do it” has been the mantra of Chin breeders for centuries. Evaluating the hallmarks of breed type is relatively simple. The applica- tion of the the word “round” best de- scribes the outline of the Chin. Round eyes, rounded foreskull, rounded forechest, and rounded rib. There are simply no sharp edges on the Chin. Polite evaluation, showing respect for the extreme and delicate detail of type, will be appreciated by the Chin and its owner. The oral exam must be done with great care. In the US, we have no cri- teria for missing teeth, so only a vi- sual examination and possible touch is needed to be certain of an aligned, reverse scissors bite. If complete dentition (6x6) is required, the pro- tocol should be after the table exam is finished. Taking the pads of the fin- gertips, roll up one side of the lip and then repeat this on the other. Keep in mind that you will be closing the eye and compromising the breathing of the Chin. Never attempt to do both at once as this is very uncomfortable for the dog, and if it is even possible then the muzzle is too long to consider for an award. When encountering young- er or hesitant Chin, ask the owner
10-Pound Champion-Sired Bitch - Produced large, naturally whelped litters. Offspring includes Specialty & Group winners and some great family companions. Perfect markings, very sound, not enough type to show. Fantastic to live with, ideal for companion or new person to the breed. STRENGTH.
Champion Bitch - Shown in all-breed competition, winning multiple major wins. Good mother, average-sized litters. More uniform quality in her offspring than #1. Puppies required more assistance in weaning. Pleasant type with hallmarks. Not a specialty dog. 8 lbs.
“EVALUATING THE HALLMARKS OF BREED TYPE IS RELATIVELY SIMPLE. THE APPLICATION OF THE THE WORD ‘ROUND’ BEST DESCRIBES THE OUTLINE OF THE CHIN. ROUND EYES, ROUNDED FORESKULL, ROUNDED FORECHEST, AND ROUNDED RIB. THERE ARE SIMPLY NO SHARP EDGES ON THE CHIN.”
to show one side at a time if that is a judging requirement. While stan- dards for the Pekingese expression
will say, “combativeness rather than prettiness,” the Chin is all about dain- tiness, delicacy, and refinement.
32 • T op N otch T oys , D ecember 2021
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