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Find out all about Japanese Chins and their common health conditions, then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

Written by , updated on September 20th, 2023

Price range

$300 – $1,200

Height

18–28cm

Weight

2–7kg

Personality

Affectionate, gentle, sensitive

Coat length

Long, silky

Exercise needs

Low

Kid-friendly?

Yes – with supervision, and better suited to older children

Life expectancy

10–14 years

Overview

The Japanese Chin, also known as the Japanese Spaniel, is a toy breed known for its silky coat and regal demeanour. Originally from China, the Japanese Chin is steeped in history, finding favour first among Japanese nobility before being introduced to Europe in the 17^th century. Today, Japanese Chins are beloved worldwide for their affectionate and devoted nature.

The breed’s distinct appearance features a broad head, wide-set eyes, short, broad muzzle and a profuse coat. While small in size, they have big personalities and enjoy being the centre of attention. They are also notable for their ‘cat-like’ qualities such as their independent attitude, cleaning themselves with their paws and their preference for high surfaces.

Although they may be reserved around strangers, Japanese Chins are loyal and friendly animals that thrive on companionship. They form deep bonds with their families, often seeking out their owners for attention.

Common diseases and conditions of Japanese Chins

Luxating patella: this is a common condition where the kneecap dislocates from its normal position, causing discomfort and mobility problems.

Brachycephalic syndrome: Japanese Chins have short noses and flat faces, which can lead to breathing difficulties and other respiratory issues.
Heart conditions: some Japanese Chins may be prone to heart problems such as mitral valve disease.
Eye conditions: Japanese Chins are susceptible to various eye issues like cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and corneal ulcers.
Dental problems: due to their small mouths, Japanese Chins can be prone to dental issues, including tooth loss and gum disease.

Breed-specific issues:

Japanese Chins can be reserved around strangers, so early and consistent socialisation is crucial to help them become more comfortable in unfamiliar situations. This breed can be sensitive to abrupt movements or rough handling, so interactions with small children should be supervised.

Owners of Japanese Chins should be mindful of their small size and take precautions to prevent accidental injuries. As intelligent dogs, they can also be prone to boredom. Mental stimulation is essential to keep them engaged and prevent undesirable behaviours like excessive barking or destructive chewing.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Japanese Chin?

There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Japanese Chin, including the following:

Age: the older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because older dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.
Type of insurance you choose: there are three basic types of pet insurance for dogs available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.
The policy annual limit: each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.
Sub limits: in addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub limits that apply to the policy, for example a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.
Benefit percentage: pet insurance may not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies up to 90% for top-of-the-range cover.
Excess amount: this is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, while others do.
Any add-ons you choose: it’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.
Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Accident-only

This is the most basic type of pet insurance, covering costs for accidental injuries such as car accidents, poisoning, burns, fractures, snake and spider bites, but not illnesses and other conditions.

Accident and illness

This type of insurance provides cover for accidental injuries as well as illnesses like cancer, gastrointestinal problems and eye, ear and skin conditions, but not routine care for your pet.

Comprehensive

This offers the highest level of protection, covering accident and illness and potentially routine care such as vaccinations, dental care, worm and flea treatments and microchipping.

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Common questions about Japanese Chins

Are Japanese Chins good with children?

Yes – Japanese Chins are generally well-suited for families with older, considerate children. However, due to their small size and delicate bone structure, it's crucial to supervise interactions with young children to prevent accidental rough handling. Teaching children how to properly interact with and handle the Chin can foster a positive and safe relationship.

How much exercise does a Japanese Chin need?

Japanese Chins have low exercise requirements. They enjoy short daily walks of about 20 minutes and indoor play sessions. Their playful nature means they also benefit from interactive toys and mentally stimulating activities. While they may have bursts of energy, they are not overly demanding in terms of exercise and can adapt well to varying activity levels.

Do Japanese Chins make good apartment dogs?

Yes – Japanese Chins are well-suited for apartment living. Their small size and moderate exercise needs make them adaptable to compact living spaces. They are generally quiet dogs, which is an advantage in shared living environments. Providing them with indoor playtime and regular walks will help meet their activity requirements.

What are the grooming requirements for a Japanese Chin?

Japanese Chins have a luxurious, silky coat that requires regular grooming. Daily brushing helps prevent tangles and mats. Additionally, they should have their eyes and ears cleaned regularly. Bathing should be done on an as-needed basis. Due to their flat faces, it's important to be cautious during grooming to avoid getting water in their nasal passages. Overall, their grooming routine helps maintain their elegant appearance and keeps them comfortable and healthy.

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Disclaimer and important things you should know

Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.

We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.

For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.