Mini Schnauzer Chin

The Japanese Chin is a small, well-balanced toy dog that presents a distinctive Oriental expression and aristocratic bearing. Standing ideally between 8 and 11 inches at the shoulder and weighing 7 to 11 pounds, this breed combines delicate elegance with a surprisingly sturdy constitution. The body outline is square, with the length from sternum to buttock equal to the height at the withers. Despite their dainty appearance, Japanese Chins are solidly built and compact, carrying good weight proportionate to their size. The breed moves with a stylish, light action that enthusiasts often describe as dancing rather than walking. The breed's large, broad head is one of its most striking features, characterized by a rounded skull that is slightly domed between the ears but not excessively so. The forehead is prominent and rounds toward the nose, creating the characteristic brachycephalic profile. The muzzle is extremely short, broad, and well-cushioned, with the nose set on a level with the eyes and tilted slightly upward. The lower jaw is wide with a slightly undershot bite, and the rounded upper lips fully cover the teeth. The eyes are the breed's most captivating feature, being large, round, dark, and set wide apart, giving the dog its characteristic look of perpetual astonishment and wonder. The Japanese Chin possesses a single coat that is profuse, silky, soft, and straight with a resilient texture. The coat stands out from the body, particularly on the neck, shoulders, and chest where it forms a thick mane or ruff. The ears are small, V-shaped, and set wide apart, hanging and heavily feathered. The plumed tail is carried over the back, curving to either side in an elegant arc. Acceptable colors include black and white, red and white, and black and white with tan points. Red encompasses all shades including orange, lemon, and sable. The evenly patterned facial markings and ear feathering contribute significantly to the breed's distinctive Oriental expression.

The Miniature Schnauzer is a small, robust terrier-type dog that presents a distinctive square-built appearance with a sturdy, compact frame. Standing between 12 and 14 inches at the shoulder and weighing 11 to 20 pounds, this breed combines small size with muscular strength. The body is nearly square in proportion, with a short back that slopes slightly downward from the withers to the base of the tail. The chest is moderately broad and deep, reaching to the elbows, while the ribs are well sprung. The legs are straight and parallel when viewed from the front, with the forelegs appearing muscular and strong. The feet are short, round, and compact with thick black pads. The breed's most recognizable feature is its wiry double coat, consisting of a hard, harsh outer coat and a dense, soft undercoat. The coat is longer on the legs and around the face, creating the characteristic beard and bushy eyebrows that give the breed its distinctive expression. Standard colors include salt and pepper, solid black, and black and silver. The salt and pepper coloring features banded hairs that create a gray appearance, while black and silver dogs have distinct black and silver markings. Some dogs may also appear in white, though this color is less common in show standards. The head is strong and rectangular, with a flat skull and moderately long muzzle. The eyes are small, dark brown, and deep-set, conveying an alert and keen expression. The ears may be cropped or left natural, with natural ears being small V-shaped folds that sit high on the head. The eyebrows are arched and wiry, enhancing the breed's intelligent appearance. The tail is traditionally docked but may be left natural in regions where docking is prohibited. The overall impression is of an alert, spirited dog with a robust constitution and elegant bearing.