The Japanese Chin Health
Welcome to the Japanese Chin Club of America’s Health page. The JCCA strives for its members and enthusiasts to understand health conditions that affect our breed and stress the importance of health testing within our breeding programs so we may continue to preserve the Japanese Chin for generations to come. Whether you are looking to add a new addition to your family home, make informed decisions when breeding, or if you are just intrigued with the Japanese Chin overall, the JCCA aims to be a reliable resource.
While the Japanese Chin is generally a healthy breed, there are some important health concerns that may arise. The Japanese Chin Club of America recommends following the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) health testing guidelines including:
An eye exam at 36 months of age by a board-certified ophthalmologist.
Heart exam at least 4 years of age with a licensed veterinarian or advance heart evaluation with a board-certified veterinary cardiologist.
Patella luxation at least 1 year of age with a licensed veterinarian.
DNA test for Gangliosidosis (GM2) thru approved OFA laboratories.
For more information and forms, please visit the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals.
The JCCA also supports studies by AKC Canine Health Foundation.
We are so glad you have taken the time to do your research. If you have specific questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to contact the Health Committee.
Health Articles:
JCCA Health Testing Recommendations
By Jennifer Baumer, Health Committee Chair Canine health testing is a vital and growing aspect of the purebred dog community. As a result of [...]
Chin Health
The Japanese Chin is a fairly healthy breed with a typical life expectancy of 10-12 years; some live to be 15 years of age [...]
Japanese Chin Coat Color Study 2007
By Dr. Leanne Bertani, Adrienne Wilder, & JP Yousha Last year, the Japanese Chin Club of America Health Committee embarked on a study of [...]
Screening hearts in the Japanese Chin, Cavalier & English Toy Spaniel
Below is a list of board-certified veterinary cardiologists by state (also including Canada, Brazil, Switzerland). When you make an appointment, state that the appointment [...]
Primary Epilepsy in the Toy Dog
by Dr. Leanne Bertani Definition Primary Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterized by recurrent seizures. The exact cause is unknown, but is [...]
Cataracts in Canines
by Dr. Leanne Bertani A cataract is any opacity in the lens of the eye or the lens capsule. The cause, size, location and [...]
Endocardiosis in the Toy Dog
by Dr. Leanne Bertani Atrioventricular Endocardiosis, or Myxomatous Valvular Disease, is a chronic degenerative disease affecting the mitral and tricuspid valves of the heart. [...]
New Approach to Vaccination of the Canine
by Leanne Bertani, MD 2001 For years, it was believed that annual vaccinations for viral diseases were necessary to keep our beloved companions out [...]
Atlantoaxial Subluxation
(hypoplasia of the dens) by Leanne Bertani This is not a common disorder, but when it does occur, it can be a very difficult [...]
