Cava-Chin

While there is not much information on the Cava-chin breed itself, one can still learn much about the breed by studying the parent breeds.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel itself is a relatively new breed who has gone though several transitions, in looks especially, to become the dog he is today. A treasured companion to nobility and royalty alike, he was the favorite palace attendant to Mary Queen of Scots and her grandson and great-grandson, Charles I  and II, owned many of the spaniels, eventually giving their name to the breed. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels migrated to the United States in the 1940s and soon after, in the 1950s, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club was formed. Once an excellent hunter, the breed is often called the "comforter spaniel" and they have become the chosen addition to many families. They joined the American Kennel Club in 1995. The Japanese Chin was originally called the Japanese Spaniel. While the exact origin of the breed is unknown, some believe the breed is related to the Pekingese and was brought to Japan by Buddhist teachers sometime around 520 A.D. Others think that around 1000 A.D., the Chinese emperor presented the dogs to the Emperor of Japan as a gift. From the time it was brought to Japan, it became a highly popular dog. Japanese nobility were quite fond of the dog. Most believe that Chin was brought to Europe by Portuguese sailors who had traded in Japan. We know for certain that Princess Catherine of Braganza was given a Japanese Chin by Portuguese sailors. Commodore Matthew Perry officially brought the Chin to Europe in 1854. Perry gave a pair to Queen Victoria and would later give another pair to the president of the United States. In the late 1800s, the Chin was recognized by American Kennel Club under the name Japanese Spaniel. In 1977, the AKC officially changed the name to Japanese Chin. The dog is still held in high regard in Japan.