Group 9 · Companion dogs
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin is a small, elegant companion dog with a flat face, large eyes and a silky coat. It is calm, cat-like in its cleanliness and closely bonded to its people.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Japanse Chin by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 3 examinations:
- 1 DNA test
- 1 eye examination
- 1 kneecap examination
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (3)
-
Gangliosidosis 2 (Japanese Chin) (GM2js)
DNA test Once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- HEXA; XM_544758.6:c.967G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination Once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- Palpation of the kneecap
-
Eye disorders
Eye examination Valid for 2 years at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- General eye examination
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Japanse Chin, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 17/07/2026.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Gangliosidosis 2 (Japanese Chin) (GM2js), Patellar luxation (PT) and Eye disorders. According to the breeding programme, BOAS is a hereditary condition for which no generally recognised scientific test is currently available. Dogs with severe breathing problems, too short a stop and narrow nostrils (stenotic nares), diagnosed by a vet, are not used for breeding. A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Japanese Chin is happy with short walks and play indoors. In warm weather, plan walks for the cooler parts of the day. Its silky coat needs brushing a few times a week.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- Is the general eye examination of both parent dogs still valid? According to the breeding programme: Valid for 2 years.
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
This little companion dog is calm, sensitive and strongly attached to its people. It does not like being alone. The breeding programme also mentions BOAS for this breed: ask the breeder about the breathing of the parent dogs.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
