Spaniel Japones
Breed Description

The Spaniel Japones is known by several names that reflect its rich history and widespread appreciation across different cultures and regions. The most common English name for this breed is the Japanese Chin, which has been used since the breed gained international recognition in the nineteenth century. However, the breed has also been historically referred to as the Japanese Spaniel, a name that was commonly used in Western countries before the mid-twentieth century and is still occasionally encountered in older literature and documentation. Early breed enthusiasts in England and America used this spaniel designation despite the breed having no connection to hunting or sporting dogs.

In its country of development, Japan, the breed is simply known as Chin, with the character meaning something akin to a small dog of foreign origin. This single word carries significant cultural weight and distinguishes the breed from native Japanese dogs designated as inu. The name Chin itself likely derives from the Chinese word for dog, reflecting the breed's ancient origins in China rather than Japan. Spanish-speaking countries commonly refer to the breed as Spaniel Japones, while French speakers may use Epagneul Japonais. German speakers typically call the breed Japan Chin or Japanisches Hündchen. Italian fanciers use the term Chin Giapponese, and Portuguese speakers refer to the breed as Queixo Japonês.

The breed's alternative names also include descriptive terms used throughout history such as the Japanese Pug, a name that appeared in early Western references due to the breed's flat face and compact build. Some historical texts also reference these dogs as Sleeve Dogs, referring to the practice of Japanese nobility carrying their tiniest specimens in the voluminous sleeves of their kimonos. The designation as a lapdog of the Japanese aristocracy has also led to various romantic names in different languages that translate to Palace Dog or Royal Dog. Within the Japanese court, various regional names distinguished dogs from different noble households, though these designations did not survive into modern usage.

The modern standardization of the breed name to Japanese Chin occurred gradually through the twentieth century as kennel clubs worldwide sought consistency in breed nomenclature. The American Kennel Club officially changed the breed's name from Japanese Spaniel to Japanese Chin in 1977, reflecting the breed's unique characteristics that distinguish it from true spaniel breeds. This change acknowledged that despite the spaniel designation used for centuries, the breed shares no working heritage with hunting spaniels and represents an entirely distinct type of companion dog developed in Asian courts. The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom followed suit, and today the Japanese Chin designation is used by all major registries worldwide, though the historical names occasionally appear in vintage breed literature and informal discussion among enthusiasts.

The Spaniel Japones has earned recognition from major kennel clubs worldwide, reflecting its established heritage and consistent breed type maintained over centuries of careful breeding. The breed's recognition journey in the Western world began in the late nineteenth century as specimens arrived in Europe and America through diplomatic and trade channels following the opening of Japan to international commerce.

The American Kennel Club first recognized the breed in 1888 under the name Japanese Spaniel, making it one of the earliest Asian breeds to gain AKC recognition. The breed was placed in the Toy Group, where it remains today, reflecting its historical role as a companion dog of the aristocracy rather than a working breed. The Japanese Chin Club of America serves as the AKC parent club and works diligently to preserve the breed's unique characteristics while promoting responsible breeding practices and health testing among member breeders. The club maintains a code of ethics for breeders and provides educational resources for both novice and experienced owners.

The United Kennel Club recognizes the Spaniel Japones in its Companion Dog Group, acknowledging the breed's primary purpose as a devoted companion animal. The UKC standard emphasizes the breed's aristocratic bearing and distinctive Oriental expression while maintaining requirements for sound structure and proper movement. The breed club provides guidance for breeders seeking to maintain type while prioritizing health and temperament. UKC events provide opportunities for breeders to evaluate their dogs in conformation and various performance activities.

In the United Kingdom, The Kennel Club has recognized the Spaniel Japones since the early twentieth century, placing the breed in the Toy Group. The Japanese Chin Club was established as an independent breed club in 1905 after separating from the combined Japanese and Pekinese Spaniel Club. British breeders have been instrumental in maintaining and improving the breed, with many influential bloodlines tracing back to UK kennels. The breed standard maintained by The Kennel Club provides detailed guidance on breed type and disqualifications.

The Federation Cynologique Internationale classifies the Spaniel Japones in Group 9 as a Companion and Toy Dog, specifically in Section 8 alongside the Pekingese under the designation Japan Chin and Pekingese. The FCI standard provides detailed requirements for type, structure, and temperament that serve as guidelines for member countries worldwide. This international recognition ensures consistency in breeding goals across borders and facilitates the international exchange of breeding stock.

The Canadian Kennel Club recognizes the breed in the Toy Group, maintaining standards that align closely with those of other major kennel clubs. Canadian breeders participate actively in preserving the breed and contribute to the international gene pool through careful breeding programs. The breed standard emphasizes the importance of the distinctive Oriental expression and proper head structure that defines the breed.

Breed-specific organizations such as the Japanese Chin Club of America and the Japanese Chin Club UK work to educate prospective owners, support breed research, and maintain breeding standards. These organizations often provide breeder referral services, health information, rescue coordination, and resources for both novice and experienced owners. They also sponsor specialty shows and events that celebrate the breed and provide opportunities for breeders to evaluate their breeding programs against the standard while connecting with fellow enthusiasts who share their passion for this distinguished breed.

The Spaniel Japones presents a picture of elegance and refinement in a compact, well-balanced frame that has captivated admirers for centuries. This toy breed exhibits a distinctive Oriental expression characterized by a large, broad head with wide-set eyes and a short, broad muzzle that creates the breed's characteristic look of perpetual astonishment. The overall impression is one of aristocratic bearing combined with surprising sturdiness for such a small dog.

The head of the Spaniel Japones is perhaps its most distinctive feature, being large and broad in proportion to the body with a well-rounded skull that is slightly domed between the ears but not excessively so. The forehead is prominent and rounds toward the nose, meeting the muzzle on a vertical plane that creates the breed's characteristic flat-faced profile. The stop between the skull and muzzle is deep and clearly defined. The muzzle itself is short and broad with well-cushioned cheeks and rounded upper lips that cover the teeth completely.

The eyes of the Spaniel Japones are large, round, dark, and lustrous, set wide apart to contribute to the breed's distinctive expression. A small amount of white showing in the inner corners of the eyes is a breed characteristic that gives these dogs their look of surprise or astonishment. The eyes should be bright and intelligent without excessive protrusion or signs of irritation. The ears are small, V-shaped, and set wide apart, carried forward when alert and well-covered with silky feathering that fits into the rounded contour of the head.

The nose of the Spaniel Japones is very short with wide, open nostrils, set on a level with the middle of the eyes and distinctly upturned. Nose leather is black in black and white specimens and in tricolors, while red and white dogs may have self-colored or black nose pigmentation. The jaw is wide and slightly undershot, creating the characteristic bite that is acceptable and even desirable in this breed. The teeth should be even and healthy, though one or two missing teeth are not severely penalized given the breed's small mouth structure.

The body of the Spaniel Japones is square in outline when viewed from the side, with the length from sternum to buttock equal to the height at the withers. The neck is moderately short, carried high, and covered with a profuse mane of longer hair that is more pronounced in males. The topline is level, and the chest is moderately wide with well-sprung ribs. The tail is set high and carried arched over the back, flowing to either side with an abundant plume of silky hair.

The coat of the Spaniel Japones is single-layered, straight, and silky in texture with a resilient quality that allows it to stand out from the body. The coat lies flat on the body but is longer on the neck, shoulders, and chest where it forms a distinctive ruff or mane. The head and muzzle are covered with shorter hair, while the ears carry long, flowing feathering. The forelegs have short hair in front blending into profuse feathering on the back, and the rear legs display culottes and lighter feathering from hock to foot. The tail plume is luxurious and flowing.

Acceptable coat colors include black and white, red and white, and black and white with tan points, which is also called tricolor. The red can range from lemon to deep mahogany, with sable patterns also acceptable. Clear white markings with a colored mask and evenly distributed body markings are preferred. A blaze extending from the skull to the nose and markings that create a symmetrical face pattern are highly valued.

The ideal height for the Spaniel Japones ranges from eight to eleven inches at the highest point of the withers, with weight typically falling between seven and eleven pounds. The breed should present a solid, compact build with good substance relative to its height while maintaining refinement and avoiding coarseness. Movement is light, stylish, and straight, reflecting the breed's aristocratic heritage and sound structure.

The history of the Spaniel Japones stretches back over a thousand years, making it one of the oldest and most storied toy breeds in existence. Despite its common English name suggesting Japanese origins, the breed's roots trace to ancient China, where small companion dogs were developed in imperial courts centuries before the breed's arrival in Japan. The exact chronology remains debated among historians, but evidence suggests these dogs existed as early as the fourth century in Chinese monasteries and royal palaces.

Ancient records and temple paintings indicate that the ancestors of the Spaniel Japones share common heritage with other Asian companion breeds including the Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, and Tibetan Spaniel. Buddhist monks in Chinese monasteries are believed to have selectively bred small lion-like dogs that held symbolic religious significance, representing the lion of Buddha. These dogs were treasured possessions of royalty and religious figures, carefully bred to maintain their diminutive size and distinctive features.

The introduction of these dogs to Japan is traditionally dated to around 732 AD when rulers of the Korean Silla Dynasty presented specimens as gifts to the Japanese imperial court. Historical records also document that envoys sent to China during the Tang Dynasty and to North Korea during the Po Hai Dynasty brought back dogs of this type directly to Japan. The breed quickly became established among Japanese nobility, who refined and developed the type over subsequent centuries.

Within the Japanese imperial court, the Spaniel Japones achieved an almost sacred status reserved only for the highest classes of society. These dogs were never considered common pets but rather living treasures to be cherished, pampered, and protected. Servants in the imperial household were assigned specifically to care for these dogs, attending to their every need and want. Legend holds that commoners who dared to touch one of these aristocratic dogs faced severe punishment, with some accounts suggesting amputation of the offending hand.

The Japanese refined the breed with particular emphasis on achieving the smallest possible size while maintaining health and proper type. Historical accounts describe puppies being given sake to stunt their growth, and specimens weighing less than three pounds were especially prized as they could be carried in the voluminous sleeves of kimonos or in small decorative baskets. Each noble household developed its own bloodline with subtle variations in type, creating a diversity that would later influence modern breeding.

During the reign of Shogun Tsunayoshi Tokugawa from 1680 to 1709, the breed achieved particular prominence as an indoor toy dog in the Castle of Edo. The shogun's love for dogs led to protective laws and increased breeding of these cherished companions. However, Japan's self-imposed isolation from Western contact beginning in the 1600s meant that the breed remained virtually unknown outside the country for over two hundred years.

The opening of Japan to international trade in 1854 following the Treaty of Kanagawa marked the beginning of the breed's introduction to the Western world. Commodore Matthew Perry received several specimens as diplomatic gifts during his historic mission, and two of these dogs were presented to Queen Victoria. President Franklin Pierce also became an early American owner. These exotic little dogs quickly captured the imagination of Western aristocracy, and their popularity spread among the upper classes of Europe and America.

The first British sea captain to bring a specimen to England was named Searles, who arrived with a Chin in 1613, though this early introduction did not establish the breed in the country. More sustained importation began in the latter nineteenth century, and by 1895, enthusiasts in the Liverpool area had founded The Japanese Spaniel Club. The breed gained American Kennel Club recognition in 1888, making the Spaniel Japones one of the earliest Asian breeds registered in the United States.

The twentieth century brought both challenges and advancements for the breed. World War I significantly impacted breeding programs in Europe, with registrations dropping to just ten dogs in Britain by 1918. The breed recovered during the 1920s and 1930s only to face renewed challenges during World War II. Post-war recovery efforts by dedicated breeders on both sides of the Atlantic helped restore the breed, with careful attention to maintaining type while improving health.

The name change from Japanese Spaniel to Japanese Chin occurred gradually through the mid-twentieth century, with the American Kennel Club officially adopting the new designation in 1977. This change acknowledged that the breed bore no relationship to sporting spaniels and represented a unique type of companion dog. Today, the Spaniel Japones continues to enchant owners worldwide with the same aristocratic bearing and charming personality that captivated Japanese nobility over a millennium ago.

The temperament of the Spaniel Japones is one of its most endearing qualities, combining aristocratic dignity with playful charm and deep devotion to their human companions. Often described as cat-like in their behavior, these elegant little dogs possess a unique personality that sets them apart from other toy breeds. Their demeanor reflects centuries of development as treasured companions of nobility, resulting in a breed that expects and appreciates fine treatment while returning boundless affection to those they love.

The cat-like qualities of the Spaniel Japones manifest in several distinctive behaviors that surprise and delight their owners. Like felines, these dogs are fastidiously clean, often using their paws to wash their faces and groom themselves with meticulous care. They share the feline preference for perching on high places, frequently found resting on the backs of sofas, chairs, or windowsills where they can survey their domain. This tendency to seek elevated positions reflects their historical role as watchdogs in Japanese palaces, where they would alert servants to visitors or disturbances.

Despite their aristocratic bearing, the Spaniel Japones possesses a surprisingly playful and entertaining personality. These dogs are known for their amusing antics and ability to make their owners laugh with their charming behavior. They may perform tricks to gain attention, dance on their hind legs, or engage in spirited play with toys and companions. This entertaining quality made them prized companions in the Japanese court, where they were expected to amuse and delight their noble owners.

The Spaniel Japones forms exceptionally strong bonds with their primary caregivers, often becoming devoted to one person above all others. This intense loyalty means they thrive on close contact and may become distressed when separated from their favorite human for extended periods. They are sensitive to the moods and emotions of their owners, often providing comfort when their person is sad or celebrating with them during happy times. This empathetic nature makes them excellent emotional support companions.

With strangers, the Spaniel Japones typically displays the reserve characteristic of their aristocratic heritage. They may be initially aloof or cautious when meeting new people, preferring to observe and assess before offering their friendship. This is not fearfulness but rather a discriminating nature that chooses companions carefully. Once they decide to accept someone, they can be quite affectionate, but they retain the right to withhold their approval from those they find unsuitable.

The breed generally exhibits a quiet, dignified demeanor indoors, making them excellent apartment companions. While they will bark to alert their owners to visitors or unusual occurrences, they are not typically excessive barkers like some toy breeds. They possess a moderate alarm bark that serves its purpose without becoming a nuisance. A unique vocalization known as a snizzle, where the dog blows hard through its nose creating a fine mist, is characteristic of the breed and not a sign of respiratory distress.

Intelligence is another hallmark of the Spaniel Japones, though it comes paired with an independent streak that can make training interesting. These dogs learn quickly and understand far more than they sometimes let on, but they may choose not to comply if they find a request unreasonable or if they simply have other plans. This independence requires patience and creativity in training, with positive reinforcement and short, engaging sessions yielding the best results.

The Spaniel Japones generally gets along well with other pets when properly introduced and socialized. They can form close friendships with cats, perhaps owing to their own feline qualities, and usually coexist peacefully with other dogs. However, their small size means they should be protected from larger, more boisterous dogs who might accidentally injure them during play. They do best with calm, gentle animal companions who match their dignified energy.

With children, the Spaniel Japones can be a wonderful companion, though they are best suited to households with older, respectful children who understand how to interact gently with small dogs. Their delicate build makes them vulnerable to injury from rough handling, and their dignified nature may not tolerate the unpredictable behavior of very young children. Families with young children should always supervise interactions and teach children appropriate ways to handle and play with these elegant little dogs.

The Spaniel Japones adapts remarkably well to various living situations, making it an excellent choice for many different types of households. Their small size, moderate exercise needs, and relatively quiet nature suit them particularly well to apartment living, though they are equally content in larger homes with yards. What matters most to this breed is not the size of their living space but the quality of their relationship with their human family.

As companion dogs developed specifically for life in palaces and noble households, the Spaniel Japones has an innate understanding of indoor living. They are naturally clean, housebreak relatively easily, and do not require extensive outdoor space to be happy and healthy. Their moderate energy level means they do not become destructive when kept indoors, though they appreciate having a comfortable spot near a window where they can observe the outside world from their preferred elevated position.

The ideal home for a Spaniel Japones provides consistent companionship and attention. These dogs form deep attachments to their families and do not thrive when left alone for extended periods. Households where at least one family member is home for much of the day or where the dog can accompany their owner to work or other activities are ideal. Families who travel frequently or work long hours away from home should consider whether they can adequately meet this breed's need for companionship.

The Spaniel Japones typically bonds most closely with one person but can be affectionate with all family members. In multi-person households, the dog will usually select a favorite while still enjoying the attention of others. This tendency makes them excellent companions for singles or couples, though they can adapt to family life when properly socialized to all household members from an early age.

Families with children should carefully consider whether the Spaniel Japones is the right choice, particularly if the children are young or active. While these dogs can form loving relationships with respectful children, their small size and delicate build put them at risk of injury from rough play or accidental dropping. Older children who can be taught to handle the dog gently and respect its space make better companions for this breed. All interactions between children and the dog should be supervised until the child demonstrates consistent appropriate behavior.

The breed's compatibility with other pets is generally good, especially with cats and other small dogs. The cat-like qualities of the Spaniel Japones often allow them to establish friendly relationships with feline housemates, and they may even adopt some of the cat's behaviors and preferences. When introducing a Spaniel Japones to existing pets or bringing new pets into a home with a Chin, gradual introductions and supervision during the adjustment period help ensure harmonious relationships.

Climate considerations are important for the Spaniel Japones due to their brachycephalic structure. Their shortened muzzles make them susceptible to overheating in hot, humid weather, and they should not be exercised vigorously in warm conditions. Air conditioning during summer months is strongly recommended for households in warm climates. Conversely, their single coat provides limited protection against extreme cold, and they may need a sweater or coat during winter walks in cold climates.

The Spaniel Japones's exercise needs are modest compared to more active breeds, making them suitable for less active owners or those with limited mobility. Daily walks of fifteen to twenty minutes combined with some indoor play typically satisfy their physical needs. They enjoy gentle games and can be quite entertaining in their play style, but they are equally content to spend significant time resting on a comfortable cushion or their owner's lap.

Travel can be relatively easy with a Spaniel Japones due to their small size and adaptable nature. They fit comfortably in airline-approved carriers and generally handle car travel well when properly conditioned. Their tendency to bond closely with their owner often makes them good travel companions who prefer accompanying their person rather than being left behind. Hotels and vacation rentals that accept small dogs can provide opportunities for including the dog in family travels.

Training the Spaniel Japones requires understanding and respecting the unique personality traits that make this breed both charming and occasionally challenging. These intelligent dogs learn quickly but possess an independent streak that reflects their aristocratic heritage. They were developed as companions to royalty who catered to their every whim, and this background shows in their expectation that humans should accommodate their preferences rather than the other way around.

Positive reinforcement methods work best with the Spaniel Japones, who responds poorly to harsh corrections or forceful training techniques. Their sensitive nature means they can become stubborn, withdrawn, or anxious when faced with punishment-based training approaches. Instead, reward-based training using treats, praise, and play motivates these dogs while maintaining their trust and willingness to engage. Short training sessions of five to ten minutes prevent boredom and maintain their interest.

Basic obedience training should begin early with the Spaniel Japones puppy, focusing on fundamental commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Consistency is essential, as these intelligent dogs quickly learn to exploit inconsistencies in rules or expectations. All family members should use the same commands and maintain the same expectations to prevent confusion and selective obedience where the dog complies with some people but not others.

Socialization is particularly important for the Spaniel Japones given their tendency toward reserve with strangers. Exposing puppies to a wide variety of people, places, sounds, and experiences during the critical socialization period helps develop a confident, well-adjusted adult dog. Without adequate socialization, the breed's natural reserve can develop into excessive shyness or suspicious behavior around unfamiliar people and situations.

Housetraining the Spaniel Japones generally proceeds smoothly thanks to the breed's naturally clean disposition. Consistent schedules, appropriate confinement when unsupervised, and positive reinforcement for eliminating in appropriate locations typically result in reliable house manners. Some individuals may be more challenging due to their small bladder capacity and occasional willful behavior, requiring patience and consistency throughout the training process.

The exercise needs of the Spaniel Japones are moderate and easily met through daily walks and indoor play. Two walks of fifteen to twenty minutes each day, combined with some interactive play sessions, typically satisfy their physical requirements. These dogs enjoy chasing toys, playing gentle games with their owners, and exploring their environment at a leisurely pace. Their small size means that even indoor activities can provide meaningful exercise.

Despite their companion dog heritage, the Spaniel Japones can enjoy and excel at various activities when training is approached appropriately. Agility can be particularly suitable given the breed's surprising athleticism and cat-like balance, though courses and equipment should be scaled appropriately for their small size. Rally obedience provides mental stimulation while strengthening the bond between dog and handler. These activities should always remain fun and low-pressure rather than competitive to maintain the breed's enjoyment.

Mental stimulation is important for the intelligent Spaniel Japones to prevent boredom and potential behavioral issues. Puzzle toys, food-dispensing toys, and training sessions that teach new tricks provide cognitive enrichment. Teaching the dog to perform entertaining tricks plays to their natural inclination to amuse their owners while providing mental exercise. Hide and seek games where the dog finds hidden treats or toys engage their problem-solving abilities.

The breed's cat-like nature extends to their approach to exercise and activity. Like cats, the Spaniel Japones may have bursts of playful energy followed by extended periods of rest and relaxation. Owners should respect this natural rhythm rather than forcing activity when the dog prefers to rest. Providing opportunities for activity while allowing the dog to choose when to engage honors their independent nature while ensuring adequate exercise.

Heat sensitivity must be considered when exercising the Spaniel Japones. Their brachycephalic structure makes breathing difficult during vigorous activity or in warm conditions. Exercise should be scheduled for cooler parts of the day during warm weather, and activities should be kept low-intensity. Signs of overheating including excessive panting, drooling, or reluctance to continue should prompt immediate rest and access to water and cooling. In very hot or humid conditions, indoor exercise is safest.

The Spaniel Japones generally enjoys good health with proper care and responsible breeding, with a typical lifespan of ten to twelve years though some individuals live into their mid-teens with excellent care. Like all purebred dogs, they have predispositions to certain health conditions that prospective owners should understand and discuss with breeders before bringing a puppy home.

With proper preventive care, attention to breed-specific health concerns, and a loving home environment, the Spaniel Japones can be a healthy, happy companion for many years. The bond between this devoted breed and their caring owner creates a relationship that enriches both lives throughout the years they share together, making the commitment to their health well worthwhile.

Grooming the Spaniel Japones is a pleasant and manageable task that helps maintain the breed's elegant appearance while providing bonding time between dog and owner. Despite their luxurious-looking coat, these dogs are surprisingly easy to maintain compared to many other long-coated breeds. Their single coat lacks the dense undercoat that creates matting problems in double-coated breeds, making regular care straightforward for most owners.

Brushing should occur at least weekly, though two to three times per week is ideal for keeping the coat in optimal condition. A pin brush works well for the body coat, while a metal comb helps work through the feathering on the ears, legs, tail, and chest. Particular attention should be paid to areas prone to tangling, including behind the ears, under the armpits, and around the culottes. Gentle detangling of any mats should be done before they become severe and require cutting.

Bathing frequency depends on the individual dog's lifestyle and coat condition, but monthly baths are typically sufficient for most Spaniel Japones. A high-quality dog shampoo that does not strip the coat's natural oils maintains the silky texture characteristic of the breed. Conditioning after shampooing helps prevent tangles and keeps the coat soft and manageable. Thorough drying after bathing prevents skin problems and helps the coat lay properly.

The Spaniel Japones coat goes through periods of heavier shedding, typically in spring and fall. During these times, more frequent brushing helps manage the increased hair loss and prevents the shed coat from matting into the remaining coat. Some owners notice that their dog's coat appears thinner during adolescence before filling out to adult fullness, which is normal and not cause for concern.

Facial care is important for the Spaniel Japones due to their flat-faced structure and prominent eyes. The skin folds around the nose can trap moisture and debris, potentially leading to skin irritation or fungal growth. Regular cleaning of these folds with a damp cloth followed by thorough drying helps prevent problems. The area around the eyes should be kept clean to prevent tear staining and irritation.

Ear care requires regular attention given the breed's pendant ears with heavy feathering. The ear leather should be checked weekly for signs of infection such as redness, odor, or discharge. Gentle cleaning with an appropriate ear cleaning solution keeps the ear canal healthy. The feathering on the ears should be combed regularly to prevent matting, which can trap moisture and debris near the ear canal.

Dental care is particularly important for the Spaniel Japones due to their small mouths and crowded teeth. Daily brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste and appropriately sized brush helps prevent periodontal disease, which is common in small breeds. Dental treats and chews can supplement brushing but should not replace it. Regular professional dental cleanings may be necessary to maintain oral health throughout the dog's life.

Nail trimming should occur every two to three weeks or as needed to prevent overgrowth. Long nails can cause discomfort and affect the dog's gait, potentially leading to structural problems over time. If owners can hear nails clicking on hard floors, trimming is overdue. Many owners prefer to have their veterinarian or groomer perform nail trims if they are uncomfortable doing so themselves.

The Spaniel Japones does not require professional grooming or elaborate trimming to maintain their appearance. The only areas that may need occasional trimming are the hair between the paw pads, which can grow long enough to collect debris or cause slipping on smooth floors. Some owners also neaten the hair around the feet and pasterns for a tidier appearance, though this is optional. The breed should never be clipped short, as their coat provides important protection and is essential to their proper appearance.