Dog breed comparison
Japanese Chin vs Pekingese
How the two compare on size, temperament, training, grooming and health, and which suits your home. The Pekingese tends to live about 2 years longer.
At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Japanese Chin | Pekingese |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Companion Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Small | Small |
| Height | 8 to 11 inches | 6 to 9 inches |
| Weight | 4 to 9 pounds | 7 to 14 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 14 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Japanese Chin
A toy breed kept by Japanese nobility for centuries, probably descended from small dogs from China or Korea. It was given as a diplomatic gift to Western courts.
It is catlike, washing its face with its paws and perching on high places.
Health to watch
- Brachycephalic airway issues
- Patellar luxation
- Cataracts
- Heart murmurs
The Pekingese
Bred for centuries in the Chinese imperial court. Some were carried in the sleeves of courtiers. British soldiers took the first ones to Britain after looting the Summer Palace in 1860.
Its flat face makes it prone to breathing trouble and overheating.
Health to watch
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Eye injuries
- Skin fold dermatitis
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Friendly with strangers
The Japanese Chin is friendlier with strangers than the Pekingese.
Easy to groom
The Japanese Chin is easier to groom than the Pekingese.
Copes alone
The Pekingese copes better when left alone than the Japanese Chin.
Intelligence
The Pekingese is quicker to learn than the Japanese Chin.
Good with children
The Japanese Chin is better with children than the Pekingese.
Good with other dogs
The Japanese Chin gets on better with other dogs than the Pekingese.
Which to choose
Japanese Chin or Pekingese?
Choose the Japanese Chin if…
- You have lots of visitors (it is friendlier with strangers)
- You want a dog that is easier to groom
- You want a dog that is better with children
- You want a dog that gets on better with other dogs
Choose the Pekingese if…
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You want a dog that copes better when left alone
- You want a dog that is quicker to learn
Questions.
Is the Japanese Chin or the Pekingese bigger, and which lives longer?
The Pekingese tends to live about 2 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Japanese Chin or the Pekingese?
They’re similarly easy to train. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Japanese Chin or the Pekingese?
The Japanese Chin is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Pekingese can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Japanese Chin sheds less than the Pekingese. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Japanese Chin and Pekingese have?
The Japanese Chin is prone to brachycephalic airway issues, patellar luxation, cataracts. The Pekingese is prone to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, intervertebral disc disease, eye injuries. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
