Japanese Chin
An elegant little dog of the Japanese nobility, the Japanese Chin is calm, refined and very affectionate with its family.
Japanese Chin vs Pekingese
Side by side
| Trait | Japanese Chin | Pekingese |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion and toy dogs | Companion and toy dogs |
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Weight | 1.8–3.5 kg | 3–6 kg |
| Height at withers | 20–28 cm | 15–23 cm |
| Life expectancy | 10–12 years | 12–14 years |
| Energy | ||
| With children | ||
| With other dogs | ||
| Trainability | ||
| Grooming needs | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Heat tolerance | ||
| Apartment | Yes | Yes |
Key differences
- Heavier: Pekingese (about 4.5 kg vs 2.7 kg on average)
- Taller: Japanese Chin (about 24 cm vs 19 cm on average)
- Longer life expectancy: Pekingese (about 13 years vs 11 years on average)
- Needs more grooming: Pekingese (5/5 vs 3/5)
Gaps counted as key differences: more than 20% in average weight, more than 10% in average height, at least 2 years in average life expectancy, or at least 2 points on a rating.
Which one is right for you?
A quick guide based on the ratings above. Every dog is an individual: spend time with the breed and talk to breeders, rescue organisations or a veterinarian before deciding.
- Apartment living
- Both are similarBased on apartment suitability and energy.
- Family with children
- Japanese Chin is the better fitBased on behaviour with children.
- First-time owner
- Japanese Chin is the better fitBased on trainability, energy and grooming needs.
- Hot climate
- Both are similarBased on heat tolerance.
- Active owner
- Both are similarBased on energy level.
Meet the two breeds
Pekingese
Once the dog of China's imperial palaces, the Pekingese is dignified, independent and devoted to its owners, with the look of a little lion.