7-12 lbs
7-10"
United States
The Coton Chin is a mix between a Japanese Chin and a Coton de Tulear and as such will take on the looks and characteristics of the parent breeds. Coton is French for cotton and this describes the parent breed’s coat which is usually dense and long, although can be medium in length. These dogs can be white or black and can be tri colored. They are intelligent sociable dogs who get on well with children unlike the Japanese Chin which are not great with them. Coton de Tulear’s don’t need a huge amount of exercise but are playful and love going on walks. They don’t shed a lot but will need to be trimmed quite often. Japanese Chins on the other hand have fine and silky coats with coats that can be black and white, red and white, or black and white with tan points. They also need fairly regular grooming although they don’t need to be trimmed.
There is not much known about the Coton Chin who are a mix between the Coton de Tulear and the Japanese Chin. Even the the history of the Coton de Tulear, a member of the Bichon family, is poorly documented it is believed they are descendants of dogs who survived a shipwreck near the Madagascar coast. The Merina, who were the ruling tribal monarchy in Madagascar kept them as pets in the royal court during the 17th century. It was only in the 1970s they were brought to France and North America where he has become quite popular. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2014. Also popular with royals were the Japanese Chin, whose origins are to be found in China, not Japan. Thought to have originated in the Chinese imperial palace, they were highly prized and often given as gifts. Some historians believe that the Pekingese, which also has his origins in China, was developed from the Japanese Chin, which are also known as Japanese Spaniels. In Japan the dogs were restricted to those of royal blood. There is some evidence that the first Japanese Chin were given as gifts by the Emperor of Japan to an American naval officer Commodore Matthew Perry in 1853 when he sailed into Uraga Harbor near Edo — now Tokyo — and introduced Japan to international trade. He was apparently given seven dogs, two of which survived the passage back to the USA where some of the owners included President Franklin Pierce, then-Secretary-of-War Jefferson Davis, and Perry's daughter, Caroline Perry Belmont. They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888.
The Coton Chin is a small dog and a mix between a Japanese Chin and a Coton de Tulear. They will take on many of the characteristics of the parent breeds so colors could include black, white, red and white, or black and white with tan points. If the dog take after the Coton du Tulear their coats will be cotton-like but could also have some fine and silky hair from the Japanese Chin side. Both parent breeds need fairly regular grooming, with the Coton de Tulear also needing to be trimmed. Both parent breeds are good for first time pet owners so your pet should be too.
The Coton de Tulear is hypoallergenic but the Japanese Chin is not, so it depends on who your Coton Chin most takes after whether they will be or not. Grooming for both parent breeds is not too challenging although the Coton de Tulear, also known as the "Royal Dog of Madagascar", who usually have long, white, dry, cotton-like coats, will need to be brushed quite regularly to keep looking good and to stay healthy. They also need to be trimmed and bathed quite often. The Japanese Chin needs less grooming - brushing once a week should be enough and they don’t need to be trimmed. Try to brush your dog’s teeth daily to prevent any dental issues and check ears for dirt. If necessary wipe them gently with damp cotton wool. Nails also need to be checked to see if they need clipping.
Both parent breeds are loving, intelligent dogs who make great family pets. The Coton de Tulear is better for families with children but early socialization can make all the difference. Both parent breeds get on well with other dogs although because of their small size it is important to make sure big dogs don’t injure them. Neither of the breeds needs a huge amount of exercise but do enjoy walks and play sessions. The Japanese Chin can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone so is more suited to people who can devote a lot of time to them. Your pet is likely to be suitable for first-time dog owners. The Coton de Tulear is likely to be easier to train and more responsive to commands but the Japanese Chin is trainable if you are prepared to put the time in. Both respond best to positive reinforcement and rewards.
Your Coton Chin won’t need a huge amount of exercise to keep happy and healthy but it will depend on which parent breed he takes after. Both of the parent breeds are lively dogs but don’t need a lot of exercise to be content and fit. Both enjoy and daily walk and love to play but are happy to do so inside or out. They are good for owners who are not up to strenuous activities and are home a lot for companionship. Both will adapt well to living in an apartment but do need to be taken out every day for some exercise. The Japanese Chin tolerates cold weather more than the heat but neither enjoy extreme temperatures.
Written by Loreziel Ortega
Published: 11/03/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
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