Chihuahua vs Japanese Chin

Compare the Chihuahua to the Japanese Chin. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Chihuahuas and Japanese Chins.

Quick Summary

Below are a few quick comparisons between the two breeds.
  • Owner Experience - Both the Chihuahua and Japanese Chin are excellent choices for new or inexperienced owners.
  • Children - Both breeds are child friendly, but the Chihuahua is the most friendly between the breeds.
  • Grooming - Both breeds have low maintenance coats, but the Chihuahua is easier to groom.
  • Barking - Both the Chihuahua and Japanese Chin are above average barkers.
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Chihuahua vs Japanese Chin
Chihuahua Dog Breed
Lemon & White Japanese Chin
Breed NameChihuahuaJapanese Chin
General Details
Breed TypePurebredPurebred
Is Hypo­allergenicNoNo
Lifespan15-20 yrs.10-12 yrs.
Height6-9 in.8-11 in.
Weight3-6 lb4-9 lb
IntelligenceHighAverage
History
Origin CountryMexicoChina
Origin Year1850 AD700 AD
Temperament
Overall FriendlinessVery GoodGood
Family FriendlyVery GoodGood
Kid FriendlyVery GoodGood
Pet FriendlyBelow AverageGood
Stranger FriendlyBelow AverageVery Good
Personality
  • Affectionate
  • Enjoys Attention
  • Jealous
  • Loving
  • Does Not Like Being Alone
  • Likes To Snuggle
  • Willing To Please
  • Affectionate
  • Enjoys Attention
  • Loving
  • Does Not Like Being Alone
  • Likes To Snuggle
  • Willing To Please
Living Environment
ApartmentYesYes
IndoorYesYes
Small YardNoNo
Medium YardNoNo
Large YardNoNo
Temperature Tolerance ¹50°F to 80°F55°F to 80°F
Barks/HowlsOftenOften
Exercise Needs
Energy LevelHighMedium
Exercise RequiredMediumLow-Medium
Top Running Speed18 mph12 mph
StrengthLowLow
Grooming Needs
Coat Main­tenanceLowLow
SheddingMediumLow-Medium
DanderLowLow
Drool AmountNoneNone

¹This is estimated min/max temperature range for a healthy adult dog. Dogs that live indoors, puppies, seniors, unwell dogs, and/or dogs with improperly groomed coats may overheat sooner and get cold more quickly.
Instincts & Behavior Comparison
Breed NameChihuahuaJapanese Chin
Breed Mentality
Dominant/AlphaNoNo
Family/PackYesYes
IndependentNoNo
Breed Focus
Distracted EasilyNoNo
AverageYesYes
Focused & PatientNoNo
Breed Instincts
AggressionBelow AverageVery Low
Burrow/DiggingBelow AverageVery Low
ChasingBelow AverageVery Low
Follow CommandsBelow AverageVery Low
FightingBelow AverageVery Low
GuardingBelow AverageVery Low
HerdingVery LowVery Low
HuntingAverageVery Low
ProtectionBelow AverageVery Low
Remove VerminHighBelow Average
SleddingVery LowVery Low
WatchHighAverage
Health Comparison
Breed NameChihuahuaJapanese Chin
Lifespan
Lifespan15-20 yrs.10-12 yrs.
Common Health Issues
CataractsNoYes
Collapsed TracheaYesNo
EntropionNoYes
EpilepsyNoYes
Eye ProblemsNoYes
Heart DiseaseNoYes
Heart MurmursYesYes
HydrocephalusYesNo
HypoglycemiaYesNo
HypothyroidismNoYes
Open FontanelYesNo
Patellar LuxationYesYes
Pulmonic StenosisYesNo
ShiveringYesNo
Appearance Comparison
Breed NameChihuahuaJapanese Chin
Coat
FurYesYes
Coat Type
Double CoatYesYes
Single CoatYesNo
Coat Texture
SilkyYesYes
StraightYesYes
Coat Length(s)
ShortYesNo
LongYesYes
MediumNoYes
Coat Color(s)
BlackYesNo
Black & RedYesNo
Black & SilverYesNo
Black & TanYesNo
Black & WhiteYesYes
Black Sabled FawnYesNo
Black Sabled SilverYesNo
BlueYesNo
Blue & WhiteYesNo
Blue Brindled FawnYesNo
Blue FawnYesNo
ChocolateYesNo
Chocolate & TanYesNo
Chocolate & WhiteYesNo
Chocolate BlueYesNo
Chocolate Brindled FawnYesNo
Chocolate Sabled FawnYesNo
CreamYesNo
Cream & WhiteYesNo
FawnYesNo
Fawn & WhiteYesNo
Fawn Brindled BlackYesNo
GoldYesNo
Gold & WhiteYesNo
RedYesNo
Red & WhiteYesYes
SilverYesNo
Silver & WhiteYesNo
WhiteYesNo
Black, White, & TanNoYes
Lemon & WhiteNoYes
Sable & WhiteNoYes
White & BlackNoYes