Japeke

6-11 lbs
7-10"
United States
Japanese Chin
Pekinese
The alert, affectionate, and sometimes mischevious Japeke is a modern designer mix between two dogs of Chinese origins, the Japanese Chin and the Pekingese.  The resulting hybrid is a regal looking and courageous companion in the toy size.  Though this hybrid is an excellent alarm barker, most owners can expect the Japeke to lead a quiet life full of naps on their owner's lap.
purpose Purpose
Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Japanese Chin and Pekingese

Japeke Health

Average Size
Male Japeke size stats
Height: 7-10 inches Weight: 6-11 lbs
Female Japeke size stats
Height: 7-10 inches Weight: 6-11 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Minor Concerns
  • Cataracts
  • Brachycephalic Syndrome
  • Cleft Palate
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Occasional Tests
  • Physical Examination
  • Respiratory Tests
  • Eye examination
  • Radiographs

Japeke Breed History

The Japeke is a toy-sized hybrid of two ancient and well-loved Chinese breeds, the Japanese Chin and the Pekingese.  As a designer dog, the tale of the Japeke is not yet written; however, both parent breeds have royal histories to share with the Japeke. The Japanese Chin, despite its nomenclatural ties to Japan, is an ancient breed of China.  Like other Chinese breeds, the Japanese Chin was well-regarded by the Imperial nobility who maintained secret breeding programs.  However, the Chinese court often gifted the Japanese Chin to foreign dignitaries; thus, the small dog made its way to Japan.  In Japan, the dog was regarded as a separate being above all other dogs (inu) and gained its title, chin.  The Japanese Chin made its way to Europe and the United States through trade with the West beginning in the 19th Century but maintained a rare status for several years though it gained American Kennel Club recognition in 1888. The Pekingese is one of these most well-known breeds of China, partly due to its reference to the Imperial capital, Peking, now modern-day Beijing, and partly due to its long and once-secret history as an Imperial favorite.  The breed was well-guarded and not allowed to leave the Imperial Palace, which gave it mystique.  The Pekingese was first discovered by the West during the Opium War in 1860 when British troops found a set of five guarding the body of their mistress, who had committed suicide rather than be captured.  The five dogs were taken to England and gifted to nobility, including one to Queen Victoria.  Despite its secret beginning in China and its subsequent introduction in the West, the Pekingese quickly gained recognition.  The Pekingese join the American Kennel Club ranks in 1906, and the breed enjoys moderate popularity.           

Japeke Breed Appearance

The Japeke is a mix of two Chinese breeds and may lean more toward one or the other, but this hybrid is a toy-sized dog with long, soft hair.  The Japanese Chin adds a little more height and delicacy to the Japeke, whose stocky, compact Pekingese parent is low to the ground.  However, the Japeke is not as delicate as the Japanese Chin.  Both parents have brachycephalic skulls, and the nose will be on the same plane as the forehead for the Japeke.  The eyes are large for its size and dark brown to black, and the nose is black.  The nose may occasionally appear brown in brown-coated varieties.  The Japeke's coat may or may not have an undercoat, depending on which parent the mix most resembles.  The Japanese Chin only has a soft, silky outer coat while the Pekingese has a dense, double coat.  Regardless of coats, the hair on a Japeke is soft and long and carries extensive plumage on the tail, which is often curled over the back.
Eye Color Possibilities
brown Japeke eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Japeke nose
Black
brown Japeke nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
black Japeke coat
Black
white Japeke coat
White
brown Japeke coat
Brown
red Japeke coat
Red
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Japeke straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Japeke Breed Maintenance

Neither parent breed is considered hypoallergenic, so the Japeke is not a hypoallergenic hybrid.  Additionally, the Japeke is a moderate shedding dog with a thick, dense coat.  Weekly brushing with a small bristle brush is ideal but giving the coat a little spritz of water before brushing will prevent breakage.  The Japeke drools very little but given its flat face, this hybrid pants more often than others due to difficulties with breathing.  Keeping his teeth cleaned with twice-weekly tooth brushing will also help keep the Japeke's breath fresh; though daily tooth brushing is recommended.  Owners should avoid frequent bathing and use grooming techniques to keep the coat clean and free of debris.  The long hair on the hind legs and rear of the Japeke needs particular attention as do the ears, which are often hidden under thick, long hair.
Brushes for Japeke
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Japeke requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Japeke Temperament

The Japeke is a cheerful, alert hybrid that is excellent for the family.  As a toy-sized dog, this hybrid is much better suited to families with older children, but the Japeke displays affection for children of all ages.  Despite its small stature, the Japeke is a good guard dog that will alert the family to strangers and threats.  This hybrid much prefers being the only dog in the home and is not particularly friendly toward other pets.  However, with early and consistent socialization, the Japeke can adapt to a multi-pet household.  Training may be a little tricky as this hybrid tends to be stubborn but a calm, consistent, and soft-spoken voice will help the Japeke learn.  The Japeke prefers the quiet life of a lap dog and typically has low energy levels.  As an indoor hybrid, the Japeke can usually get all its exercise needs in a short time, while inside.

Japeke Activity Requirements

The Japeke is not very active and has low energy levels.  However, daily exercise is still required since this hybrid has a moderate tendency for weight gain.  Given the low energy levels, the Japeke does not need high-intensity activity and should not be pushed to exercise hard or long.  This is partly due to the hybrid's size but more so with the Japeke's breathing issues.  The brachycephalic face means the airways are some restricted than in other dogs and intense exercise may lead to respiratory issues, including overheating.
Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
5 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
30 minutes
activity minutes

Japeke Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
0.5 cups
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$20.00 - $30.00
food bag monthly cost

Japeke Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Japeke size stats at six months
Height: 7.5 inches Weight: 7.5 lbs
Female Japeke size stats at six months
Height: 7.5 inches Weight: 7.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Japeke size stats at 12 months
Height: 8.5 inches Weight: 8.5 lbs
Female Japeke size stats at 12 months
Height: 8.5 inches Weight: 8.5 lbs
18 Months
Male Japeke size stats at 18 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 10.0 lbs
Female Japeke size stats at 18 months
Height: 9.0 inches Weight: 10.0 lbs

Japeke Owner Experiences

Midnight
15 Years
9+ People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I had Midnight since he was 6 weeks old. He was pure black, and took after the Pekenese side. He was a lap dog but at 6 months, already weighed 30 lbs. Sadly, while I was at work, my ex took him for a ride. He got out on a busy road, and got hit. He had both hips out of place, front leg broke, and his back leg ad to come off because it was crushed. He never cried out in pain. The Vet said he should have been screaming in pain. But, he just looked at me with so much wisdom and trust in his eyes. He was down for six weeks and never looked back. He could do anything the other dogs could do. Run, play, snuggle. He didn't let it get to him. He died last year, at the age of 15. He was that same calm dog, full of wisdom in his eyes, until the end.
3 weeks, 3 days ago
Midnight
15 Years
9+ People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I had Midnight since he was 6 weeks old. He was pure black, and took after the Pekenese side. He was a lap dog but at 6 months, already weighed 30 lbs. Sadly, while I was at work, my ex took him for a ride. He got out on a busy road, and got hit. He had both hips out of place, front leg broke, and his back leg ad to come off because it was crushed. He never cried out in pain. The Vet said he should have been screaming in pain. But, he just looked at me with so much wisdom and trust in his eyes. He was down for six weeks and never looked back. He could do anything the other dogs could do. Run, play, snuggle. He didn't let it get to him. He died last year, at the age of 15. He was that same calm dog, full of wisdom in his eyes, until the end.
4 weeks ago
Midnight
15 Years
9+ People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I had Midnight since he was 6 weeks old. He was pure black, and took after the Pekenese side. He was a lap dog but at 6 months, already weighed 30 lbs. Sadly, while I was at work, my ex took him for a ride. He got out on a busy road, and got hit. He had both hips out of place, front leg broke, and his back leg ad to come off because it was crushed. He never cried out in pain. The Vet said he should have been screaming in pain. But, he just looked at me with so much wisdom and trust in his eyes. He was down for six weeks and never looked back. He could do anything the other dogs could do. Run, play, snuggle. He didn't let it get to him. He died last year, at the age of 15. He was that same calm dog, full of wisdom in his eyes, until the end.
1 month, 1 week ago
Midnight
15 Years
9+ People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I had Midnight since he was 6 weeks old. He was pure black, and took after the Pekenese side. He was a lap dog but at 6 months, already weighed 30 lbs. Sadly, while I was at work, my ex took him for a ride. He got out on a busy road, and got hit. He had both hips out of place, front leg broke, and his back leg ad to come off because it was crushed. He never cried out in pain. The Vet said he should have been screaming in pain. But, he just looked at me with so much wisdom and trust in his eyes. He was down for six weeks and never looked back. He could do anything the other dogs could do. Run, play, snuggle. He didn't let it get to him. He died last year, at the age of 15. He was that same calm dog, full of wisdom in his eyes, until the end.
1 month, 1 week ago
Athena
4 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Everything
Trips
natur
Taking her grocery shopping
Fetch
My Japeke lost one eye due to a infection and irresponsible medical assistance but fortunately, We found a vet that help us save her by a hair shes alive and happy only eith one eye but she got used to it we did everything to show her love and affection even tho she felt rlly bad with the eye situation and felt like a outcast we showed her that shes part of the family and always waggs her tail and protects us from every moving athom
4 months ago
Sadie Mae
14 Years
3 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I have had Sadie since she was 3 mos or less. She is a beautiful little dog who loves to be petted yet doesn’t like to sit on my lap. I love Sadie! She enjoys walking and nosing around so when we walk she loves checking out her surroundings. She has a double coat so in the Spring I give her a puppy cut. Even in hot weather Sadie enjoys walking for 30 minutes to 45 minutes a day. Sadie’s health has been easy to deal with. Occasional ear infections in the last 14 years. That’s it! She loves taking naps on the sofa next to my 12 year old Japanese Chin, Theo. The funny part of Sadie is that she is stubborn sometimes and likes to ignore me. This has shown up as she ages. I would love having another Jaleel!
2 years, 7 months ago
Asia
6 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Asia is 6 years old and I have had her since she was only 5 months. She is highly intelligent and intuitive and has been a joy to train. She has the longer body and low to the ground short legs but the coloring and single coat of a japanese chin. She is quiet unless she alerts me for situations that she has been trained for. The only challenge is her fear of thunderstorms.
3 years, 3 months ago
Max
4 Years
4 People
Studio
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Mood Swings ( Problems with his thoracal Discs Loves to learn trics Loves to play Loves bad weather Is very adicted to one person
6 years, 5 months ago
Max
4 Years
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Learn a new trick
Play
Has problems with disc hernia Loves to play Adicted to one person, frendly to everyone Loves Children Dont like firework Can be treacherous
6 years, 5 months ago
Cookie
11 Months
4 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cookie is very aggressive on the outside but shy and naïve in the inside personally having him in our house hold is one of the most unique and fun times ever.
6 years, 5 months ago
Rita
13 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Daily Life
Teasing
Playing
Cuddling
Walking
No amount of money can bring an amount of happiness as this dog breed. She is 13 now and still as fit as ever. Absolutely affectionate and stubborn. Refuses to learn anything and has to be held on high places right next to us. Whenever she wants something, she quietly barks at it. Best 13 years of my life.
5 years ago
Sadie
11 Years
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fun, loving female dog. Sadie has been difficult to house train, although she is now puppy pad trained. Sadie does better if she is taken on walks 2-3 times a day. My 10 year old granddaughter has grown up with Sadie and they love each other dearly.
5 years ago
Gizmo
5 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
We love our guy! We never expected him to have such a long body for how short and chubby he was as a baby. He enjoys the outdoors, but is definitely an indoor dog, and a big 12 lbs lap dog. His coat is always long and shiny, and when his toe hair gets long, his hair turns brown instead of the black. He's got a terrible under bite, crooked teeth and bad breath. Let's you do anything to him, except brush his teeth. He's extremely sensitive to noise, he has a thunder jacket that helps him calm down, but easily gets the jitters from thunder, rain, tv being too loud, talking too loud, ect. He's great with anyone and everyone, just doesnt do well with other males/bigger dogs than him. But LOVES cats (his nickname is kitty lol)
4 years, 9 months ago
Moccie
9 Months
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Slightly larger than predicted at 15.4 lbs. & not overweight. Very intelligent & easy to train.Well socialized early & likes all dogs & people. Very lively. Shorter legs more like the Peke, but the coloring & coat of the Chin, only denser.
3 years, 6 months ago
Rita
15 Years
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Cuddling
Relaxing walks,
Sadly, she passed away at the age of 15. She was the best dog a man can ask for. She always held her head up high and demanded respect but showed most love one can possibly imagine. She was a big part of my upbringing and I'll miss her forever.
3 years, 4 months ago
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