Unfortunately, the Japanese Chin is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Highland Malties are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Alert
Independent
Loving
Playful
Intelligent
Loyal

Active
Playful
Independent
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Friendly
Responsive
Docile
Affectionate
Gentle
Tempered
Sweet
Easygoing

Japanese Chins are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

Highland Malties shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Japanese Chins are decent watchdogs - they'll alert their owner if something seems amiss.

Avoid Highland Malties as watchdogs - they're not effective.

pug, pekingese

Maltese, West Highland White Terrier (Westie)

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club

ACHC = American Canine Hybrid Club
DBR = Designer Breed Registry
DDKC = Designer Dogs Kennel Club
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
IDCR = International Designer Canine Registry®

ancient times

Unknown

Brown

Brown

Black

Black

Black
Red
Cream
Fawn
White
Pied
Sable
Brindle

White

Japanese Chins have longer coats compared to most dogs.

Highland Malties are known for their coat length.

Straight

Wavy

A Japanese Chin can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Highland Maltie can have a litter of 3-5 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

While the Japanese Chin breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Highland Malties typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

Usually A Very Healthy Breed

Patellar Luxation
Cataract
Legg-Calve Perthes Disease

Patellar Luxation
Cataracts
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Heart Murmur

Ear Health and Infection
Eye Infections

Eye
Knee
Heart
Skeletal
X-Rays
Eye Examination

X-Rays
Eye Examinations
Urinalysis
Blood Tests
Full Physical Examination
Ear Tests and Myringotomy Tests

Japanese Chins are a good choice for a low-key lifestyle due to their low energy levels.

Highland Malties are suitable for those with a balanced lifestyle as they have an average energy level.

Japanese Chins require minimal physical activity for a healthy lifestyle.

Highland Malties require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Japanese Chins are known for their relaxed and calm nature and enjoy long periods of sleep.

Highland Malties have moderate energy levels and typical sleep patterns of 12-14 hours per day.

Japanese Chins are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.

The Highland Maltie is a vocal breed that frequently barks and howls, and may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet companion.

Sniffing, Pets, Walk

Dog Parks, Play, Fetch, Walk, Snuggle

Japanese Chins are low-energy dogs. This breed make a great companion for a relatively inactive person. Japanese Chin dogs require a few short daily walks, and then they're happy snuggling next to you for the rest of the day.

Highland Malties are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Japanese Chin, it's at least 4 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Highland Maltie, it's at least 6 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Japanese Chins usually need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Highland Malties usually need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

The Japanese Chin requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

Highland Malties require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Japanese Chin should be brushed at least once a week. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot

Ideally, Highland Maltie should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Comb
Nail Clipper

The average per month expenses of a Japanese Chin is between $28 - $42. This makes an average of $336 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of a Highland Maltie is between $35 - $45. This makes an average of $420 - $540 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Japanese Chins have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

Japanese Chins make excellent apartment dogs, being fairly active indoors and not requiring a yard.

The Highland Maltie is a great apartment dog, thriving with sufficient exercise and time outside as part of their daily routine.

Japanese Chins are not the best choice for families with kids.

Highland Malties are good with kids if socialized and trained from a young age.

Japanese Chins are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

Highland Malties are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

Japanese Chins are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Highland Malties are generally very friendly towards other dogs, with a happy and affectionate temperament.

Japanese Chins have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Highland Malties are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

Japanese Chins are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.

Highland Malties are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.