Japeke

The Japanese Chin is a small, elegant toy breed that presents a distinctly aristocratic appearance combined with a square, well-balanced body structure. Standing approximately eight to eleven inches at the withers and weighing between four and eleven pounds, this breed exhibits a compact frame with the height roughly equal to the body length when measured from the point of the shoulder to the buttocks. The overall impression is one of stylish refinement, with the breed carrying itself with the dignified bearing befitting its royal heritage as a companion to Japanese nobility. The head is the Japanese Chin's most distinctive feature, being large in proportion to the body with a broad, rounded skull that is moderately wide between the ears. The face displays the characteristic look of astonishment that defines the breed, created by the large, round, dark eyes set wide apart with a small amount of white showing in the inner corners. The muzzle is very short, broad, and well-cushioned with rounded upper lips, while the nose is set on a level with the middle of the eyes and features wide, open nostrils. A prominent forehead rounds toward an upturned nose, and the slightly undershot jaw should not show teeth or tongue when the mouth is closed. The Japanese Chin possesses a luxurious single coat that is long, silky, straight, and profuse, standing away from the body particularly around the neck and shoulders where it forms a thick mane or ruff. Unlike many breeds, the Japanese Chin lacks an undercoat, contributing to the silky texture and flowing appearance of the fur. Acceptable colors include black and white, red and white in all shades from lemon to sable, or tricolor with black, white, and tan points. The small, V-shaped ears are set wide apart and carried forward, heavily feathered, while the plumed tail curls over the back to either side.

The Pekingese is a compact toy companion with a regal bearing and distinctive rolling gait, created for the ruling classes of ancient China. Standing six to nine inches at the withers and weighing up to fourteen pounds, this breed feels surprisingly heavy for its size due to substantial bone and a sturdy, muscular body. The overall outline presents an approximate ratio of three high to five long, with the breed being slightly longer than tall when measured from forechest to buttocks. Despite their small stature, Pekingese possess a well-built frame with a heavy front and lighter hindquarters that creates their characteristic movement. The head is large in proportion to the body, with a massive, broad, flat topskull that is wider than it is deep, creating the desired rectangular, envelope-shaped appearance. When viewed in profile, the face is flat with the chin, nose leather, and brow all lying in one plane that slants slightly backward from chin to forehead. The eyes are large, very dark, round, lustrous, and set wide apart, projecting a bold expression without bulging. A prominent wrinkle, consisting of a hair-covered fold of skin, extends from one cheek over the bridge of the nose in a wide inverted V to the other cheek, effectively separating the upper and lower facial areas. Heart-shaped ears are set on the front corners of the topskull, lying flat against the head with heavy feathering and long fringing. The Pekingese possesses a magnificent double coat with a long, straight, coarse outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat that creates the breed's characteristic lion-like mane around the neck and shoulders. The coat is longest at the neck and shoulders, forming a cape, with abundant feathering on the ears, back of the legs, tail, and toes. All coat colors and markings are equally acceptable, including gold, red, sable, cream, black, white, tan, and parti-colors. A black mask or self-colored face is equally permissible. The exposed skin of the muzzle, nose, lips, and eye rims is black regardless of coat color.