Coton Chin

The Coton de Tulear is a small, sturdy companion breed that displays a distinctive rectangular body outline, with the length from point of shoulder to point of buttock being approximately one and a half times the height at the withers. Male Cotons typically stand 10 to 11 inches tall and weigh between 9 and 15 pounds, while females are slightly smaller at 9 to 10 inches and 8 to 13 pounds. Despite their delicate appearance, these dogs possess solid bone structure and should never appear fragile or fine-boned. The head is triangular when viewed from above, with a slightly rounded skull that is wider than it is long and a moderate stop leading to a straight, well-proportioned muzzle. The Coton's namesake cotton-like coat is its most distinctive feature and sets it apart from other companion breeds. The texture is unique, feeling soft and supple with a natural fluffiness that stands away from the body rather than lying flat. The coat can be slightly wavy but should never be woolly, curly, coarse, or silky. The predominant color is white, though slight shadings of light grey or light tan on the ears are permitted, and these shadings may also appear on other parts of the body if they do not alter the overall white appearance. Unlike many breeds, the Coton's coat is considered hair rather than fur and lacks a wooly undercoat. The eyes are round, dark brown or black, set wide apart, and convey a lively, intelligent expression that reflects the breed's cheerful nature. The ears are triangular, set high on the skull above the line of the eyes, and hang close to the cheeks with fine tips covered in long white hairs. The nose is black with open nostrils, and the dark pigmentation extends to the eye rims and lips. The tail is set low and carried gracefully curved over the back when the dog is in motion, with the tip resting near the back or loin and covered with abundant white hair forming a flowing plume.

The Japanese Chin is a small, well-balanced toy breed that exudes an unmistakably aristocratic bearing and distinctive Oriental expression. These elegant dogs typically stand 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 7 and 11 pounds, with their square body outline presenting equal length and height measurements. The head is large, broad, and slightly rounded between the ears without being domed, featuring a prominent forehead that rounds toward the nose. The most striking facial feature is the very short, broad muzzle with wide-open nostrils, creating the characteristic flat-faced appearance that gives the breed its unique look. The Japanese Chin possesses a profuse, silky single coat that is soft, straight, and has a resilient texture with a tendency to stand out from the body. Unlike many breeds, the Chin lacks an undercoat, which means their magnificent coat can take up to two years to fully develop. The coat forms a thick mane or ruff around the neck, shoulders, and chest, while the rump area is heavily coated forming distinctive culottes or pants. The head and muzzle are covered with shorter hair except for the heavily feathered ears that hang flat against the head. Accepted colors include black and white, red and white including all shades of red, orange, lemon, and sable, and tricolor with black and white plus tan points. The eyes are one of the Chin's most captivating features, being large, round, dark, and lustrous with an expression that is bright, inquisitive, and intelligent. A distinctive facial marking called the blaze or line on the forehead is traditionally believed to represent the touch of Buddha. The small V-shaped ears are well-feathered and set wide apart. The plumed tail is carried proudly over the back, curving to either side and covered with abundant silky hair. When the Japanese Chin moves, it displays a light, stylish gait that reflects its elegant nature and aristocratic heritage.