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Playful, agile and friendly, with a wonderful sense of humor, this breed makes a charming pet. A beautiful long-coated toy breed, the Japanese Chin was a favorite of the Japanese imperial family and was distinguished from other dogs by its royal status. In 1853, a pair of these dogs was given to Commodore Perry while he was visiting Japan on a trade mission. First exhibited under the breed name Japanese Pug in 1862, the Chin's charm, plus the patronage of the English royal family, quickly brought it into public favor. For show purposes classes may be divided by weight: under and over 7 pounds. The tail is carried over the back and covered profusely with hair. The coat is long, straight and silky, and may be red and white, black and white, or black and white with tan points. Weekly grooming will keep it beautiful. The eyes are large and prominent. Needing minimal outdoor exercise, Chins fit well into any size living accommodations and are a good choice for families whose children are old enough to handle them carefully.