Ja-Chon

5-10 lbs
8-9"
United States
Bichon Frise
Japanese Chin

The Ja-Chon is a hybrid breed dog whose parent breeds are the Japanese Chin and the Bichon Frise. The Ja-Chon may have a long and curly coat, or he may have a short and dense coat. He is very affectionate and kid-friendly, and he is not likely to be hyper or overactive. He is happy to be a lap dog. He does not require much in the way of maintenance and may not shed very much at all (no more than average). He will be very sweet and loving, and, due to his size, will need to have an indoor home. He is great for apartment living, but is also comfortable in a larger home. 

purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Japanese Chin and Bichon Frise

Ja-Chon Health

Average Size
Male Ja-Chon size stats
Height: 9-11 inches Weight: 10-15 lbs
Female Ja-Chon size stats
Height: 8-9 inches Weight: 5-10 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Entropion
  • KCS
  • Cataracts
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Sensitive to Ivermectin
  • Bladder Stones and Infections
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Allergies
Occasional Tests
  • Eye Examinations
  • Full Physical Examination regarding joint movement around the hip and kneecap

Ja-Chon Breed History

The origins of the Ja-Chon are not in the history books yet; the parent breeds stories may shed light on the background. The Japanese Chin is an ancient breed and was originally called the Japanese Spaniel, believed to be related to the Pekingese. Depicted on artifacts found in the temples of China, some think that around 1000 A.D., the Chinese emperor presented this popular dog to the Emperor of Japan as a gift. Often described as cat-like, it is also thought that the Japanese Chin may have been brought to Europe by Portuguese sailors who had traded in Japan. Princess Catherine of Braganza was given a Japanese Chin by Portuguese sailors, giving credence to the story. Commodore Matthew Perry officially brought the Chin to Europe in 1854 giving a pair to Queen Victoria. The breed eventually made its way to the United States. In 1977, the AKC officially changed the name of this breed from the Japanese Spaniel to the Japanese Chin. The exact origins of the Bichon Frise are not known. He is a member of the Barbichon family of dogs who are believed to have descended from the Barbet, a medium-sized woolly water dog. Some historians believe that the Bichon Frise was brought to the Canary Islands by Spanish seamen, and then, Italians brought the breed back to Europe. In fact, supposedly, the Bichon Frise was part of the “war booty” brought back to France after a French invasion of Italy. The breed has always been a favorite with nobility, even during the time of Napoleon. At one time, the dog was owned by organ grinders and circus performers and was a part of their acts. After WWI, French breeders took an interest in the dog and began working to preserve the breed. The Bichon Frise was brought to the United States in 1956. He is shown as a part of the non-sporting breed group.

Ja-Chon Breed Appearance

The Ja-Chon will be a small dog like both parent breeds. The Japanese Chin has a broad head with large, wide-set eyes and a flat, bracheocephalic face. Its ears are small and V shaped with long hair covering them. These dogs have an underbite. The tail is curled over the Chin’s back with hair feathered down the tail. The coat is white with colored patches; the most common colors are black, red, lemon, orange, sable, black and white with tan points, or brindle. The Bichon Frise is generally all white, with a double coat. His coat is soft, but it always stands out from the body, giving the Bichon a “powder-puff” look. The Ja-Chon is likely to have medium-length hair which may be wavy. He may also have some colored patches on his body. The exact color will be dependent upon the Chin’s color scheme.

Eye Color Possibilities
hazel Ja-Chon eyes
Hazel
brown Ja-Chon eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Ja-Chon nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
white Ja-Chon coat
White
black Ja-Chon coat
Black
red Ja-Chon coat
Red
sable Ja-Chon coat
Sable
brindle Ja-Chon coat
Brindle
pied Ja-Chon coat
Pied
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Ja-Chon wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Ja-Chon Breed Maintenance

The Ja-Chon will have medium length hair, and it may be wavy. It may stand out from the body as the Bichon Frise parent breed’s hair tends to do. It may also be short and dense. Brush your Ja-Chon at least once a week to ensure that matting does not occur. Bathe only when necessary. You should brush your Ja-Chon’s teeth at least three times a week; however, if you want to prevent gum disease, brush the dog’s teeth daily. Trim your dog’s nails every other week. If the grooming time is pleasant for your Ja-Chon, he will look forward to the together time and allow adequate checking of his teeth, nails and ears.

Brushes for Ja-Chon
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Dematter
Dematter
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Ja-Chon requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Ja-Chon Temperament

The Ja-Chon will be a mixture of the personalities of his parent breeds. Owners describe their hybrid as having a sense of humor, a gift for entertaining and a streak of independence. He is no stranger to separation anxiety, though if left alone for extended periods. He loves to be the center of attention and is well-loved by all who have dealings with him. He is very intelligent, and is easily trained. With kind and considerate handling, your Ja-Chon will thrive at obedience due to his eager to please persona.

Ja-Chon Activity Requirements

The Ja-Chon is a low-activity dog. He loves to play; however, he will do well in an apartment or home as long as he gets daily exercise. This can come in the form of outdoor play in a fenced-in yard or brisk walks with the owner. He might also enjoy a trip to the dog park. However, remember that this small dog does not need to overexert himself physically but will be happiest when his inquisitive mind is given a chance to work, too. Short training sessions will allow him to excel at pleasing as he likes to do, while letting him practise his focusing skills.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
7 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Ja-Chon Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$20.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Ja-Chon Owner Experiences

BO
5 Years
2 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
EXCELLENT WITH MY OLDER SHITZU
2 years ago
Rocky
9 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
He is the friendliest dog!
6 years, 3 months ago
Lola
1 Year
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Napping
Jogging
Playing
Running
Our first dog and our best!
4 years, 2 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd