The Japanese Chin can live up to 15 years. But this does not indicate good health. There are diseases that Japanese chins are prone to.
Like all dogs with a short snout, the Japanese Chin often suffers from respiratory problems. Moreover, the problems are not necessarily the result of violent activity. Heat is especially detrimental to pets: overheating can cause the death of the chin.
Be sure to ask the breeder about the problems encountered in previous generations.
It is worth checking Japanese Chin for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, and hypothyroidism.
Often there are eye problems: progressive retinal atrophy (fraught with blindness) and cataracts (clouding of the lens).
Heart failure can be caused by atrioventricular endocytosis, a degenerative disease that affects the tricuspid and mitral valves of the heart.
A heart murmur can be caused by a disruption in the flow of blood through the heart chambers.
Small dogs often suffer from patella dislocation.
At the age of 4-6 months, the Japanese Chin may show symptoms of Legg-Calvet-Perthes disease, an ailment associated with the collapse of the femoral head. In this case, an operation is required.
If the Japanese Chin does not eat well, behaves sluggishly, has digestive problems, lameness, or dull hair, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.