Ja-Chon

The origins of the Ja-Chon are not in the history books yet; the parent breeds stories may shed light on the background. The Japanese Chin is an ancient breed and was originally called the Japanese Spaniel, believed to be related to the Pekingese. Depicted on artifacts found in the temples of China, some think that around 1000 A.D., the Chinese emperor presented this popular dog to the Emperor of Japan as a gift. Often described as cat-like, it is also thought that the Japanese Chin may have been brought to Europe by Portuguese sailors who had traded in Japan. Princess Catherine of Braganza was given a Japanese Chin by Portuguese sailors, giving credence to the story. Commodore Matthew Perry officially brought the Chin to Europe in 1854 giving a pair to Queen Victoria. The breed eventually made its way to the United States. In 1977, the AKC officially changed the name of this breed from the Japanese Spaniel to the Japanese Chin. The exact origins of the Bichon Frise are not known. He is a member of the Barbichon family of dogs who are believed to have descended from the Barbet, a medium-sized woolly water dog. Some historians believe that the Bichon Frise was brought to the Canary Islands by Spanish seamen, and then, Italians brought the breed back to Europe. In fact, supposedly, the Bichon Frise was part of the “war booty” brought back to France after a French invasion of Italy. The breed has always been a favorite with nobility, even during the time of Napoleon. At one time, the dog was owned by organ grinders and circus performers and was a part of their acts. After WWI, French breeders took an interest in the dog and began working to preserve the breed. The Bichon Frise was brought to the United States in 1956. He is shown as a part of the non-sporting breed group.