The Chin-Fenpinscher is a hybrid of the Japanese Chin and the Affenpinscher. The mix is a modern designer dog intended as a companion dog and does not have a long and well-known history. As such, owners must look at the history of the breed parents to understand the history of this hybrid. The Japanese Chin is a breed from ancient times that most likely originated from the Chinese Imperial Court. A highly prized dog, the breed gained its name from Japan, where it was gifted to the emperor and looked at as a dog, but as a separate being. The Japanese bred the canine with small Spaniel-like dogs to achieve the modern-day look of the breed. The Japanese Chin was not known outside of the island nation until the 19th century. Commodore Matthew Perry began trading between Japan and the West and later, the Japanese Chin became a status symbol of wealth and nobility in the West and was known as the Japanese Spaniel until 1977. The American Kennel Club first recognized the Japanese Chin in 1888. The Affenpinscher is a toy Terrier whose name in German means monkey-like Terrier. This name was given for the monkey-like look of the head, with a prominent hairy chin, sweeping mustaches, and a broad, low brow. The Affenpinscher was bred as a companion as early as the 15th Century and continued in popularity until World War II when breeding programs in the United States were interrupted. Breeding interested resumed in the 1950’s and the Affenpinscher, though still considered a rare toy in the United States, slowly gained more popularity. Today, the Chin-Fenpinscher is recognized by the Designer Dog Kennel Club and the International Designer Canine Registry. Faithful to both parents, this mix is bred for companionship and is ideally suited to small space living due to its toy size and low to medium levels of energy.
