The Japanese Chin: Royal Japanese Presents

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The Japanese Chin has not always been known as the "Japanese Chin." In the beginning of the Japanese Chin in Europe and America he was known as the Japanese Spaniel and although called "Japanese," there is no real proof that its native land is Japan. Several Japanese Chin historians believe the term `Chin' must have been a mistranslation.





The Chin Dog in Japan was written in the early 1960s by Mr. Koichi Uoi, Dr. Hideo Wakui and Dr. Seikoh Yoshida. In this book they added a disclaimer about the name, which states: "The Chin is heretofore called "Japanese Spaniel' in Europe and America, but the term must be a mistranslation, because the Chin is neither of Spanish line, nor a house. Taking the opportunity of publishing this book, we propose you call it `Chin'." Still yet another writer feels there has been a further mis-translation and that "Spanish line" should read "spaniel." Read on at: About Toy Dogs

The Japanese Chin: One of the Most Ancient of Oriental Breeds

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Just where exactly did this sweet and adorable little lap toy dog, the Japanese Chin originate? As with many of our toy dog breeds, there are several theories for us to remember as the history of this toy dog breed.





There is plenty of evidence that the Japanese Chin can be traced back to the dogs that arrived in Japan as precious gifts from China and Korea over 1,100 years ago. The Japanese Chin is one of the most ancient breeds of dogs.





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Grooming the English Toy Spaniel

The English Toy Spaniel has a long history of royal favor. Selective breeding reduced the English Toy Spaniel down to its present size of about 9 to 12 pounds.

The coat of an English Toy Spaniel should be long, silky, soft and wavy, but not curly. There should be a profuse mane, extending well down in the front of the chest. The legs, ears and tail are feathered profusely. In fact, the feet should be feathered so thickly as to give the appearance of being webbed, and also carried well up the backs of the legs. The feather on the tail should be silky, and from 3 to 4 inches in length.

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Grooming the Chinese Crested

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The Chinese Crested was carried by sailors from Africa to China and nearly every other port of call. Fanciers are found everywhere; however the breed has never reached great popularity. It has been exhibited in circuses and carnivals as a freak. This little dog has many qualities that go unrecognized.

The Chinese Crested is seen in two types. One is the hairless type and the other is called the Powderpuff type with a full coat. The Powderpuff type is nearly identical to the hairless except for the coat. The two are interbred and shown together. Read on at: About Toy Dogs

Grooming the Chihuahua

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The Chihuahua is undoubtedly the oldest purebred canine native to the North American continent. He is known by no other name. The Chihuahua is a native of the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. He appears in a short-or smooth-coated variety and another type that has a long coat. The distinguishing features of a Chihuahua are very small size (average weight is 3 pounds) large ears, prominent eyes and a long tail.

The Chihuahua was important in the ceremonial life of both Toltec and Aztex peoples and is still a very popular pet in his native land and all around the world. He is the smallest of all dogs. His purpose is to provide loving companionship. His very small size keeps him from being a good pet to children or toddlers, or even young adolescents. He makes a wonderful little pet for the elderly. His size makes him very easy to pick up, carry around, and to take care of during grooming chores.

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Grooming the Cavalier King Charles

The Cavalier King Charles has a coat of soft, gently-waving, never curly longish hair that is silky. There should be a profuse mane extending down in the front of the chest. There should also be thick feathering on the ears and feet, and well up the back of the legs. There should be plenty of feathering in the coat of a Cavalier King Charles. The coat should not be trimmed for the show ring.

Its red and white color type is called "Blenheim" after the Duke of Marlborough's estate. Other colors include ruby, black and white and tricolor, which is a combination of black and white with russet brown accents.

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Grooming the Brussels Griffon

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There are two types of Brussels Griffon - the Rough and the Smooth. Both are equally delightful companions. The rough coated Brussels Griffon is probably the most common. The smooth coated Brussels Griffon is easier to groom.

The rough coat should be wiry and dense, the harder and more wiry the better. The Brussels Griffon should never look or feel woolly. There should be no silky hair on the Brussels Griffon. The coat of a Brussels Griffon should not be long and shaggy. The rough coated Brussels Griffon should be distinctly different all over from the smooth coated Brussels Griffon. The Brussels Griffon is a rugged little dog that should look natural and not overly trimmed. The Brussels Griffon colors are red, black and black and tan.

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Toy Dogs in Art Part IV: Toy Dogs in Pottery

One of the most favorite subjects for the craftsman in porcelain and earthenware has been toy dogs in particular. In Chinese work it has been hard to distinguish between the lion and the dog. The lion-dog and the dog-lion share a lot of Chinese myth. The dogs of Fo during the reign of K'ang Hsi were dogs, however, and not lions. In the city of Peking in 1680 the Emperor K'ang His set up an imperial kiln. At that time it was possible there were a million people working porcelain at 3,000 kilns. This production situation has never been matched.

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Toy Dogs in Art Part III: Children and the Cavalier King Charles

The artist Sir Joshua Reynolds painted dogs into his portraits especially when he was painting children, which he did often. The most frequently seen dog was the King Charles spaniels. In one of his famous paintings, a portrait of `Maria Gideon and her brother' in Viscount Cowdray's collection, the dog was a rather large long-nosed version of the King Charles. The King Charles spaniel has one paw raised as if clearly ready for a game with the boy whom he looks as if he obviously adores in spite of the fact that boy is carrying a stick. The boy is probably about to throw the stick and the King Charles spaniel is waiting anxiously for this to occur.

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Author: Connie Limon, Toy Dog Fancier. Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com and sign up for our newsletters. About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog books and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full page ad with 3 pictures, a 12 picture video, advertising in our newsletters and article promotion marketing. To my knowledge, no other toy dog breeder directory offers this same package of advertising services to the toy dog breeder.

Toy Dogs in Art Part II: The Little White Toy Dog That May Have Been a Maltese!

There is a painting at the Prado in Madrid that is almost certainly a breed that we have now lost, or just as likely, it is a crossbred resulting from the inter-mixing of the various strains of tiny toy dogs. Tiny toy dogs were the playthings of the houses of fashion and the courts of the mid-seventeenth century. This little dog is white in color with a face and eyes like our present day Maltese. The solid white coat is identical to the kind of a Maltese. The painting done in 1650 is called `The Holy Family of the Little Bird.' The artist is Murillo.

An interesting point to mention is that this little white dog in the painting has the kind of tail found on a Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Even though it had the tail like the Cavalier King Charles spaniel, it probably was not that breed, because the color was white. The subject of Murillo's paintings is biblical. He often included his own dogs in his paintings, or the dogs he saw around him, or even dogs belonging to the sponsors for whom he painted the picture.

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Toy Dogs in Art Part I: The Italian Greyhound

Fortunately for us, the members of the royal and noble families of Spain were particularly attached to dogs, especially toy dogs. Many of the famous painters of the time painted family portraits which included their dogs. Works by Velasquez, Murillo and Goya in particular painted portraits of royal families and their dogs, many of them being, "toy dogs."

The walls of Prado in Madrid are covered by portrait after portrait of dogs and their families or just dogs alone beautifully painted. Anyone very interested in dogs would certainly enjoy the experience of surveying the walls of Prado.

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Grooming the Affenpinscher

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The coat of an Affenpinscher is harsh and rough-textured. His category is short-haired breed. His hair is about one inch in length on the shoulder and body, may be shorter on the rear and tail. The head, neck, chest, stomach and legs have longer, less harsh coat. The mature Affenpinshcer has a mane or cape of strong hair which blends into the back coat at the withers area. The monkey-like expression of the Affenpinscher is created by the longer hair on the head, eyebrows and beard, which stands off and frames the face.

The Affenpinscher with a correct coat needs little attention and no trimming. He should be combed on a regular basis to keep the coat in good condition. You will need a medium- or fine-toothed comb. Brush your Affenpinscher with a nylon or bristle cushion hairbrush to remove loose hairs. One of the best kinds of brushes to use for Affenpinscher brushing is a small good-quality bristle nylon ladies hairbrush. Brushing also helps to keep the coat looking tidy. You want your Affenpinsher to have a "shaggy

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The Miniature Pinscher: Probably the Most Neatest and Cleanest of the Toy Breeds

The Miniature Pinscher is an ancient breed, although not in the form that we know today. Opinions differ about the origin of the Miniature Pinscher. He just might be the "neatest" of the toydogs. He makes an admirable, clean pet for any size home.

Most authorities agree the Miniature Pinscher is the German development of the toy terrier and has been known in Germany and other European countries for hundreds of years. There are old pictures showing the Miniature Pinscher as a ratter and it is said that he still retains his keenness as a watchdog and in his vocation of being a ratter. He looks like the Doberman, but he is not related.

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The Poodle: So Loved and Famous that his Birthplace is Claimed by Many Countries

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For hundreds of years the Poodle has been one of the most popular breeds in the world. The Poodle seems to be most associated with France, however, many countries claim the breed. Denmark, France and even Russia claim the Poodle's original birthplace. Poodles probably originated in Germany so say many more authorities. The name Poodle is probably derived from the German Pudel which means to splash in water.

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Visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com and sign up for our newsletters. About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy breed dogs. We feature articles, dog books and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full page ad with 3 pictures, a 12 picture video of your breed, advertising in our newsletters and article marketing promotion. To my knowledge, no other toy dog breeder directory offers this same unique package of advertising for toy dog breeders.

The Pug: Quite A Dignified Little Fellow

The Pug is undoubtedly a very old breed, but from where they came is a bit confusing. Authorities differ very much in their opinions of the exact origin of the Pug. Some Pug authorities' feel they were brought from Holland many years ago having been imported there from the Cape of Good Hope, and later brought to England. Others say they came from Muscovy. Many writers say they are a cross between the English Bulldog and small Dane.

There were dogs resembling the Pug we know today in the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet before 400 BC. They were also seen in Japan and Europe becoming the favorite of royal courts in those countries. The Pug became popular in Holland around the mid-1500's.

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About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog books and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full page ad with 3 pictures, a 12 picture video of your breed, advertising in our newsletters and article marketing promotion. To my knowledge, no other toy dog breeder directory offers this unique package of advertising services.

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The Dainty little Yorkshire terrier ranks high in the top ten of American's favorite toy dogs. It might be a bit difficult to find a more intelligent, bright and generally attractive little guy in the doggie world. The Yorkshire terrier well deserves its rank among the American pet owners.

When we trace the origins of this famous toy dog we will have to go back to the days when he was a broken-haired terrier killing rats around and about his home. There are different opinions about how he first got to Yorkshire and Lancashire. Some say he was by Paisley weavers. Others say the broken-haired terriers known sixty years ago or more in the West of Yorkshire at Bradford and Huddersfield were the ancestors of our present breed. These were bright little guys weighing from to 10 to 20 pounds

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The Chihuahua: Perfect Apartment Companions

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One of the smallest of the toy dogs is the Chihuahua. The Chihuahua is most likely from Mexico many centuries ago. In his native land they thought he helped passage into the afterlife and was a sacred dog. The Chihuahua is known for a rounded, apple shaped head with erect, pointed ears. Chihuahuas are found in short smooth hair coats and long and soft coats. He generally weighs 2 to 5 pounds.

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The Elegant and Graceful Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a charming little dog of grace and beauty. They are usually jolly little guys. This is a breed that was kept in England as far back as the 17th century. They enjoyed the royal favor of many while in Prussia. The famous Frederick the Great simply adored his Greyhound pets and even left instructions in his will that his body should be buried among his pets in the Greyhound cemetery in the Park of Sans Souci.

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Please visit us at http://www.abouttoydogs.com and sign up for our newsletters. About Toy Dogs is a guide to the selection and care of toy dog breeds. We feature articles, dog books and a toy dog breeder directory. Purchase a full page ad with 3 pictures, a 12 picture video, advertising in our newsletters and article marketing promotion. To my knowledge no other toy dog breeder directory offers this unique package of services.

Pomeranians: Once Noisy and Snappish to Most Petted and Pampered

The Pomeranian in its early years was noted to be rather noisy, snappish and even dangerous to children. Today the Pom is one of the most petted and pampered of the toy breeds. He continues to gain popularity and is today fairly popular as a house pet.

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The Japanese Chin is a Healthy Breed with a Few Health Problems to Look Out For

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The Japanese Chin is a very old Oriental breed who was considered by many to be of royalty. They originally lived with the Chinese Aristocracy and eventually lived at the Imperial Palace. It is believed that the Chinese so admired these dogs that the Chinese Emperor gave a pair to the Emperor of Japan. In Japan the Japanese Chin was kept by the Noble who used them as gifts to very special people.

In 1853 Commodore Perry visited Japan. While he was there he was given several Japanese Chins. He gave a pair to Queen Victoria, Admiral Perry's daughter and to the President. This was the introduction of the Japanese Chin to England and North America. The Japanese Chin had been known as the Japanese Spaniel until 1977. In 1977, the name of the breed was officially changed to the Japanese Chin.

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Brussels Griffon: A Good Choice for Active, Busy People

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The Brussels Griffon (Griffon Bruxellois) is the only toy dog in which the coat should be harsh and tough. For this reason the Brussels Griffon probably has a little advantage over the other toy breeds in that he is able to scramble over rough country. He is sturdy and bright and a most useful little companion.

The chief characteristics of a Brussels Griffon are:

* A large head; * Short undershot jaw; * Full black eyes; * Bristling whiskers; * Rough red coat; * Cobby body; * The more monkeyish in expression the better; * Ears are cropped adding a smart, alert expression. Breeding the Brussels Griffon

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Japanese Chin: A Simply Delightful Oriental Breed

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The Japanese Chin comes from the land of Chrysanthemums and sunshine like their short-faced prototypes the King Charles Spaniel and Pekingese. They can trace their descent far into a dim past and share the distinction of being Court favorites in their own country for centuries. The Japanese people like to breed very small dogs appropriate for carrying in the big sleeves of their flowing costumes. The Japanese Chin was also called a sleeve or chin dog. The Japanese sometimes held these little dogs under their chin. The Japanese Chin is such a sweetie of a breed. It continues to increase in popularity.

Description of the Pekingese Breed

The proper type of Pekingese has been a subject over which there has been considerable controversy. The most debated point is the size. At one point in the Pekingese history it looked as if there would be two types. Lady Algernon Gordon Lennox suggested one should be called "The Peking Palace dog" and the other should be called "The Peking Spaniel." It was felt this would cause too much confusion and the suggestion was not implemented. One might guess The Peking Palace Dog was a small version of the Pekingese, and the Peking Spaniel was the larger version.

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The First Pekingese Secured From the Summer Palace and Brought to England

The Pekingese breed is of the Royal breed of dog that existed in the Imperial palaces of the Celestial Empire. When the Summer Palace at Peking was looted by "foreign devils" bronze effigies of the Pekingese dogs were discovered known to be 2,000 years old. The Pekingese breed can also be found represented in all kinds of antique Chinese art. They may be seen carved in stone at the entrance of many an old temple. They are exquisitely portrayed in rare porcelains and tapestries. These little Pekingese creatures have always been jealously guarded and very few found their way into the outer world. The Pekingese were kept under the care of special attendants. These attendants were answerable for their safety with their lives. During this time it was impossible to obtain a specimen of the true Palace dog for any amount of money or love. It was only at the looting of the summer palace at Peking, during the occupation of the city by the Allies in 1860, that five of these exquisite creatures were forgotten in the hurried flight out of the Court. These five Pekingese were discovered in a part of the garden that was said to be the favorite place of the Emperor's Aunt, who committed suicide on the approach of the troops, the Princess Dowager.

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The Pomeranian Makes a Good Therapy Dog

The Pomeranian is a toy-sized member of the German Spitz family of dogs. Some of the Pomeranian's relatives include the Samoyed, Keeshond, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Norwegian Elkhound, Finnish Spitz, Chow Chow and American Eskimo.

The Pomeranian had ancestors who were used by the Nordic people as sled pulling dogs and to herd reindeer. Of course, these ancestors were much larger than our present day Pomeranian.

Today's Pomeranian is well suited to city and suburban households. They are alert and highly intelligent, very active little dogs, which are easily trained. Many Pomeranians successfully compete in obedience, agility, tracking and flyball.

You won't see a 3 to 7 pound Pomeranian pulling a sled in Iceland or herding reindeer. That would certainly be a spectacular event, but it is very doubtful the little Pomeranians of today are hired to do such jobs as these. The Pomeranians we know today have indoor jobs as therapy dogs. They make excellent therapy dogs while visiting the sick and elderly in hospitals and nursing homes. It is my personal opinion that the ministers need to take along a little Pom while making their rounds visiting the sick and elderly in hospitals and nursing homes.

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The Papillon as a Service Dog?

The Papillon continues to be among the less popular breeds in North America. Papillon production in the United States has increased in recent years. A Papillon, Ch. Loteki Supernatural Being, won Best in Show in 1999 at the Westminster Kennel Club show. He also won many hearts. Kirby, who won the most in breed history also won the World Dog Show in Helsinki Finland, and the Royal Invitational in Canada in 1998, which has also attracted many new admirers of the Papillon.

As for the Papillon's ability as a service dog, yes most definitely, the Papillon dog can be well-suited for service work. The Papillon has been bred for centuries as a companion dog and possesses one of the most important assets of a good service dog. This asset is how the Papillon enjoys spending the majority of time with his human partner and creates the ultimate in human-animal bonding. Although larger dogs are required for some tasks for the disabled such as providing brace and balance, pulling wheelchairs, opening heavy doors, the Papillons are able to perform the majority of required tasks for a variety of disabilities. These tasks may include but are not limited to:

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