Boston Chin
12-15 yrs
10-13 lbs
10-13"
United States

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Boston Chin

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Dog Breeds
Boston Chin

10-13 lbs

10-13"

United States

Boston Terrier

Japanese Chin

The Boston Chin is a small hybrid dog that is the result of crossing the Boston Terrier with the Japanese Chin. The hybrid that results (the Boston Chin) is an ideal apartment size dog that is a good fit for many families. The Boston Terrier influence can be seen in their appearance although there are some longer haired Boston Chins. The hybrid combines the Japanese Chins perky, proud and playful nature with the gentleness and intelligence of the Boston Terrier. Quick to please, devoted to their family, these dogs are a good all-round dog for a family. They are quick to learn, responding best to firm but kind training, praise and little treats to encourage them. The Boston Chin is best with a strong leader, if left to be the boss they can develop small dog syndrome where they think they are the leader and can become difficult to manage. This attractive dog is gaining popularity because of its size, attractiveness, and pleasant loving nature.

                
                Purpose
              
Companion Dog

                Date of Origin
              
Unknown

                Ancestry
              
Boston Terrier and Japanese Chin

Boston Chin Health

Average Size

Height: 11-15 inches Weight: 12-14 lbs

Height: 10-13 inches Weight: 10-13 lbs

Major Concerns

Cherry Eye
Congenital Heart Defect

Minor Concerns

Patellar Luxation
Glaucoma

Occasional Diagnoses

Otitis Interna and Media
Breathing Difficulties

Occasional Tests

X-Rays
Urinalysis
Full Blood Work
General Physical Examination

Boston Chin Breed History

The Boston Chin is a new hybrid that is a delightful result from crossing a Boston Terrier with a Japanese Chin. They are becoming a popular breed for families living in apartments although the dog still needs daily exercise. While not much data exists on the breeding history of the Boston Chin, it is easy to see the parent characteristics displayed in both appearance and temperament. The Boston Chin is an old toy breed that has evolved from the Tibetan spaniel. The dogs seem to have originated in Chine where dogs with similar appearance are found on ancient pottery and decorated ancient Chinese temples. The first records we have are European and they go back as far as the 1600s when Princess Catherine of Braganza was presented with some Chins as a gift from Portuguese sailors. It was in 1853 that Admiral Commodore Perry gave Queen Victoria a pair of Japanese Chins after his warships had visited Japan. The event of World War 1 and Japanese earthquakes depleted their numbers in Japan. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1977. The Boston Chins other parentage, the Boston Terrier, was a result of adjusting their breeding from the pit fighting bull and terrier type of dogs. It is hard today to accept today that the Boston Terrier had such an aggressive background, as they are such gentle and affectionate dogs. The Boston Terrier is one of the first breeds developed in the USA, having originated in Boston, Massachusetts. During 1865, coachmen of wealthy Boston businessmen began to interbreed some of the dogs owned by their employers. This experiment finally resulted in providing the foundation for the Boston Terrier. The breed was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1893. Terrier in name only, the Boston Terrier was far removed and more mellow than the pit fighting dogs of the past. Now combined with the Japanese Chin, the result is the beautiful Boston Chin which carries the best attributes from its parent breeds.

Boston Chin Breed Appearance

The appearance of the Boston Chin depends on the percentage of the parent breed that makes up the hybrid breed. They are small and well formed, with a more refined build than the square appearance of the Boston Terrier. The head is broad with well-set almond eyes, often taking on a distinct Oriental expression. The muzzle is short as is both parent dogs and is proportion to their head. They have triangle shaped ears that are held semi erect or floppy, depending on the genetic makeup. The Boston Chin may have fringing on his ears, a gift from his Oriental heritage. They are a graceful dog, with a long-tapered tail, again it may have fringing and may be carried high over its back. Their limbs are straight with short legs, and rounded small paws.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Black

White

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Boston Chin Breed Maintenance

The Boston Chin dog requires brushing each week to control shedding. A good firm brush will remove any loose hair and keep the home clean. If your Boston Chin has fringing on his body, the brushing will keep it from becoming matted. The Boston Chin inherits is grooming habits from the Japanese Chin dog, habitually grooming itself to keep clean. While it gets its sturdiness from the Boston Terrier. An occasional bath when required with a quality dog shampoo, or in-between a rub down with a damp towel is all that is needed to keep your Boston Chin looking good. Other maintenance issues are checking the ears for excess debris, and brushing their teeth. Nail trimming on a regular basis will complete the care. These dogs do need daily exercise to remain fit, but don’t require long walks or hour long runs. They are companion dogs who thrive when they are with the family they love.

Brushes for Boston Chin

Dematter

Comb

Deshedder

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

Boston Chin Temperament

The Bostin Chin is a good companion, a little sensitive, and intelligent with a streak of independence. They are an elegant small dog with a large personality. The Boston Chin is well mannered and learns quickly, although if bored they may choose to do something more interesting. Training sessions need to be fun and offer variety, and if you persist and are patient, they will learn quickly. They are a happy dog who is enthusiastic and ready for action with the family. These dogs are very playful and are reliable with small children and mix well with other pets. Although small, they can be willful if they don’t have a strong leader, so they need to be trained and taught acceptable behavior. Fun loving and charming, the Boston Chin become an integral part of family life.

Boston Chin Activity Requirements

The Boston Chin does like a bit of exercise each day, especially if they take after the Boston Terrier. They enjoy a stroll through the park, or a game with the family. Because they are a small dog, be careful not to injure them by falling or stepping on them. The Boston Chin likes a bit of mental stimulation with games of hide and seek, or a variety of training. These dogs are fully devoted to their master, and will happily sit upon your lap and enjoy your attention. If left alone for too long, they may pine or suffer separation anxiety unless they have company of another dog or cat. The Boston Chin is well suited to apartment living, although it can readily adjust to a house and yard just as easily.

Activity Level

                  Low
                  Medium
                  High
                
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
5 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
40 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Boston Chin

Similarly Sized Breeds to Boston Chin

Boston Chin Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
1 cups
Daily Cost
$0.75 - $1.00
Monthly Cost
$25.00 - $30.00

Written by Kathleen Egger

Published: 10/23/2017, edited: 02/24/2021

Boston Chin Owner Experiences

Janis Joplin

2 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Very good dog,,very affectionate,tons of energy,stays close when off the leash..Meets other dogs touch noses and then attacks,barking and growling much the aggressor..

6 years, 4 months ago

Max

12 Years

5 People

House

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

relax

Walk

Max is an amazing family dog. He doesn't require much maintenance but loves attention. He spends most of his day relaxing with his family.

3 years ago

Bonnie

14 Years

6 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Loved to play fetch. Now sitting with us.

She is the friendliest dog and very loyal. She used to jump 3 feet or more in the air! As she has aged she is more territorial and grumpy, but still thinks she is our protector. My faithful forever friend.

2 years, 10 months ago

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