Introduction
Not being a popular breed of dog within the United States, the Japanese Chin is the type of dog that you either love or hate. These aloof canines are more catlike than dog. Having once graced the homes of emperors within Asia, these little palace dogs tend to have names that have a Japanese or Asian flare. Some people prefer to grace their Chin with typical small breed names such as Maggie or Mitzi, however, you may want to look beyond the traditional and go with a name such as Megumi or Yoshi that is as unique as your new Japanese Chin puppy.
Japanese Chin Dog Names in Pop Culture
Even though the Japanese Chin was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888, this breed is still not a well known breed. The Chin, as he is affectionately called by enthusiasts of the breed is ranked 108th in popularity. These smart, aloof, catlike dogs are one of the best kept secrets within the United States. Originally, the Chin was a devoted palace dog to the emperors of Japan. He can be found regally sitting on the laps of emperors and empresses in artwork depicting Asian royalty.
When you see celebrities toting their little dogs around in cute purses, you rarely see a Japanese Chin peeking out, but in 2002 a little red and white Chin appeared on a reality television show on MTV. Sharon Osbourne, the wife of eccentric heavy metal legend Ozzie Osbourne, introduced her Chin to the world on the show The Osbournes. The Chin, affectionately named Maggie, was seen accompanying Sharon Osbourne everywhere. Being avid dog lovers, the Osbourne family has had a number of pets that have stolen their hearts and the hearts of their fans.
Maggie, being the oldest of the pack, is said to have been the most pampered pooch in the Osbourne home. She was seen happily walking along with Sharon down the street and enjoying lap time in outdoor cafes. The Osbourne dogs want for absolutely nothing and as Maggie began showing signs of slowing down due to her age, it was reported that a special orthopedic bed was crafted for her as well as daily spa time to help ease any aching in her joints. Near the end of Maggie’s life, she was said to be deaf and nearly blind.
Japanese Chins have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years and when Maggie surpassed this timeframe, fans celebrated with her and the Osbournes. Sharon Osbourne’s heart was shattered when Maggie passed away at the ripe old age of 16 years. Sharon was so heartbroken over the loss of Maggie that she could not even make the announcement to her fans. Instead, Sharon’s daughter, Kelly, announced the news on her Twitter feed the morning Maggie passed away.
Joan Rivers was known for her loud opinions and her diva style. She was also known for being an animal lover who had several dogs. Each of her dogs were extremely pampered and well loved. One of these dogs was Teegan, a red and white Japanese Chin. Teegan came into Joan’s life after her beloved Pekingese, Max, passed away. Teegan became Joan’s constant companion and went almost everywhere with her, even traveling abroad.
Japanese Chin Dog Name Considerations
Since the Japanese Chin is a toy breed, many people will give him a typical toy breed name. However, this regal little pup may be more deserving of a name fit for royalty. The origins of the Japanese Chin can be found throughout Asia, although many historians believe that he originated in Korea and was imported into Japan as a devoted companion for the emperor and his family. The Chin was only allowed to be owned by royalty for many centuries, commoners found owning one of these dogs were punished. With a past this illustrious, he is deserving of a name that reflects his oriental heritage. Therefore, while you may come across Chins with Americanized names such as Maggie or Daisy, the more popular names come from the Japanese language. It is not uncommon to come across a male Chin with the name Ichiro, Akio or Takumi or a female Chin with the name Fumiko, Megumi or Miki. If you have a new Japanese Chin puppy in your family, take some time to brush up on your Japanese and see if there is a name somewhere that honors his heritage, is easy to pronounce and makes you proud to own such an eccentric toy dog.
Male Japanese Chin Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
---|---|---|
8 |
Sadao
Honorable hero
|
|
7 |
Yasu
Filled with peace
|
|
7 |
Yutaka
Rich or bountiful
|
|
6 |
Hikaru
Radiance or light
|
|
5 |
Arata
Fresh or new
|
|
5 |
Hiro
Generous
|
|
5 |
Kenichi
First son who is strong and healthy
|
|
5 |
Rikuto
Person of the land
|
|
5 |
Tadao
Faithful, loyal man
|
|
5 |
Yoshiro
A righteous son
|
|
4 |
Akio
Bright man
|
|
4 |
Katashi
Firm and strong
|
|
3 |
Takumi
Artistic nature
|
|
3 |
Yoshito
Correct person; ceremonial
|
|
2 |
Jiro
The second son
|
|
1 |
Hachiro
Eighth son
|
|
1 |
Ichiro
The first son
|
|
1 |
Kaito
Flying over the ocean
|
|
1 |
Kenta
Strong, large and healthy
|
|
0 |
Takeo
Warrior; hero
|
|
0 |
Yoshio
Life full of joy
|
|
-1 |
Hitoshi
A motivated person
|
|
-1 |
Masahiro
Prosper greatly
|
|
-1 |
Shichiro
The seventh son
|
|
-1 |
Taro
A large son
|
|
-2 |
Fumio
Scholarly hero
|
|
-2 |
Masaaki
Pleasing brightness
|
Female Japanese Chin Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
---|---|---|
8 |
Miku
Beautiful sky
|
|
7 |
Aimi
Love beautiful
|
|
7 |
Chikako
Child of a thousand perfumes
|
|
7 |
Mei
Sprouting life
|
|
7 |
Naoko
Honest child
|
|
7 |
Toshiko
Clever child
|
|
6 |
Chika
Scatter flower
|
|
6 |
Natsumi
Beautiful summer
|
|
5 |
Akiko
Bright child
|
|
5 |
Masumi
Become beautiful; true clarity
|
|
4 |
Fumiko
Child of abundant beauty
|
|
4 |
Haruko
Spring child
|
|
4 |
Katsumi
Victorious beauty
|
|
4 |
Ryuu
Imperial; dragon
|
|
3 |
Airi
Love jasmine
|
|
3 |
Kiyoko
Pure child
|
|
2 |
Kimi
Noble
|
|
2 |
Michiko
Wise, beautiful child
|
|
2 |
Miki
Beautiful princess
|
|
2 |
Saki
Blossom of hope
|
|
1 |
Chouko
Butterfly child
|
|
1 |
Daiki
Great nobility; great glory
|
|
1 |
Kazuki
Harmonious hope
|
|
1 |
Kimiko
Empress child
|
|
0 |
Hoshiko
Star child
|
|
0 |
Keiko
Respectful child or blessed child
|
|
0 |
Tamiko
Child of many beauties
|
|
-1 |
Kamiko
Superior Child
|
|
-1 |
Megumi
Blessing
|
|
-1 |
Naomi
Honestly beautiful
|
|
-1 |
Yoshi
Righteous or lucky
|
|
-3 |
Maiko
Child of dance
|
|
-3 |
Satomi
Beautiful and wise
|
Community Dogs With Japanese Chin Names
We learned Henry would be a “perfect companion” and would “travel anywhere with us” , so we named him Henry after the Portuguese explorer Prince Henry the Navigator.
Taiyo is his call name which means sun in Japanese depending on which character you use. His full show make is Lavish's Mystike Rising Sun.
We were looking for a Japanese girl’s name and Yuki means happiness. She is a very loving and happy little companion.