Comparison: Japanese Chin and Tibetan Spaniel

Japanese Chin and Tibetan Spaniel are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Japanese Chin
Photo: Tom Mooring, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Tibetan Spaniel
Photo: marfloshe, CC BY 2.0, source
Japanese ChinTibetan Spaniel
FCI group9. Companion and Toy Dogs9. Companion and Toy Dogs
Country of originJapanChina
CategoryVery small (toy)Small
Height at withers20–27 cm25–26 cm
Weight1.8–3.5 kg4.1–6.8 kg
Life span10–12 years–
Recognition features
  • Black-and-white or red-and-white long silky coat
  • Wide-set eyes and short muzzle
  • Feathered tail carried over the back
  • Small dog, slightly longer than tall, with a high-set, richly plumed tail carried curled over the back
  • Silky, moderate-length coat lying rather flat, with a mane in dogs
  • All colours except merle
CoatLong, silky, straight coat.Topcoat silky, smooth on face and front of legs, moderate length on body, lying rather flat; undercoat fine and dense. Ears and backs of forelegs feathered, tail and buttocks with longer hair. Bitches tend to carry less coat and mane than dogs. All colours and mixtures permissible, except merle, which is unacceptable.
PurposeA companion dog of Japanese and Chinese noble courts; brought to Europe by sailors in the 19th century.A companion dog; small, active and alert.

Breed page: Japanese Chin · Breed page: Tibetan Spaniel

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.