How to Rescue a Japanese Chin

The Japanese Chin is a small, spry and spirited toy dog breed that brings a great deal of enjoyment to those who care for one. While this breed is normally quite heavily guarded by its owners and private breeders, Japanese Chins have unfortunately found their way to the mass-breeders that generally provide puppies to pet stores. This, along with unfortunate circumstances that force owners to give up their Chins, means more and more Chins are in need of rescue.If you're interested in owning a Japanese Chin, it's possible to rescue one from an otherwise grim fate.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Contact a Japanese Chin rescue organization or your local animal shelter. If contacting your local animal shelter, be sure the shelter knows whether or not the Chin is purebred or a mixed breed. The purebred Japanese Chin is anywhere from six to 12 pounds, with a profuse long-haired coat. The Chin's coat can be either black and white (most common), brown and white, black/brown/white or red and white. A strip of white fur is usually present between their eyes. They have a face that appears pushed in due to the short snout, skinny legs and a tail that plumes regally over the hindquarters.

2. Let the organization know you'd like to rescue a Japanese Chin, either purebred or a mixed breed.

3. Select the Japanese Chin you would like to rescue and make your companion. Japanese Chins can be quirky, but overall they possess very joyful personalities and tend to be good with children. However, it's always good to ask for a full history of the Chin you wish to rescue to find out if the animal will be compatible with your family.

4. Provide the rescue organization with your complete profile, including pet ownership history, the type of environment you live in (house, apartment), the members of your household and any other information the organization asks for. If possible, arrange for the animal to meet your family - and especially any other dogs you may currently own. It's important for the Chin to get along well with all of your family members, human or otherwise!

5. Make arrangements to have the animal safely delivered to you if you are adopting a Chin from another state or part of the country. Chins tend to react severely to extreme changes in weather and temperature, and may begin to make a honking sound known as "back-sneezing." This is due to the small airway, which is prone to get clogged with mucus. While Chins are fully capable of taking care of any congestion or blockage on their own, it's best to make sure their travel environment is consistent and temperate to ensure the animal doesn't arrive under the weather.

6. Unite with this delightful new member of your family and enjoy a long companionship.

Tips & Warnings

• If you'd like to keep your search local, check for Japanese Chins at your local animal shelters. These shelters often receive purebred animals - in fact, about a third of all animals in shelters are purebred.
• Check websites such as www.petfinder.com that aim specifically to find good homes for dogs and cats in need of rescue.
• If arranging for your new pet to travel to you, make sure you coordinate with the rescue organization and airline/freight to ensure the safe transport of your new Chin.
• While the Japanese Chin is a delightful toy breed, this dog needs a good deal of care. In addition, it's important the animal get along with children or other four-legged animals in the family. Do thorough research of the animal you're thinking about adopting, and if possible, bring family members and pets to meet the dog on neutral territory before bringing him or her home.

Resources

• www.japanesechinrescue.org
• Lucky Chin Adoptions
• www.petfinder.com