If you're looking for a loving, devoted and intelligent little K-9 companion, I suggest you check out the Japanese Chin (also known as the Japanese Spaniel). As the parent of one of these adorable creatures, I can say that he has always been delightful, amusing and fun to be around.

My dog's name is Haiku.  Now four years old he's been with us since puppy-hood. I don't know if my dog is unique or if his qualities are related to his breed, but this dog is amazingly smart. He's the first dog that I ever litter box trained, and he took to it with incredible ease. He also knows the name of everyone in the family; if you tell him to go get someone by name, he will walk to their location in the apartment and bark to alert the person that they are being called. He is also intuitive of moods. If you're angry he stays out of your way.  If you're happy he'll smile and raise his tail.  If you're sad he'll sit next to you and put his head or his paw in you lap for comfort.  Haiku has his moods as well.  He'll ignore you if he feels he's been unduly treated (such as denying him table food, or telling him what to do).  He can also be a pest; he does what we call thumping.  If you're sitting down minding your own business, he'll run up to your legs and push them with his fore-paws to get your attention. Haiku has not been formally trained, so don't take this as a behavioral trait in all Japanese Chins.

As a breed, the Japanese Chin are said to be very much like my Haiku. Loving, intelligent, playful and loyal. They usually have long, pure white coats with black markings, but the markings can vary in a wide range of colors. They most always have large, round eyes that are dark in color and a slightly square, broad forehead. This is accompanied by a stout face with pug nose and folded v-shaped ears that are covered in hair. They are small dogs ranging anywhere from four to about fifteen pounds, their height from seven to eleven inches. Their small stature makes them great apartment dogs and they don't require much exercise (a short, daily walk will do). Don't be put off by their skinny legs; it's the breed standard.

In terms of their health, Chins are notorious for their snoring and allergy issues due to their short nasal cavities. They are also prone to have excess ear wax and if left unchecked, recurrent ear infections. Keeping their ears clean is an absolute must. Also be aware of their eyes; because they are large and protrude slightly, they have more tearing and tear stains as well as an increased risk of eye injury. Otherwise they are a generally healthy breed that live on average, about ten years.

Grooming is not much of an issue because a little daily combing and brushing is all that's really in order. On average I shampoo Haiku two to three times a month and that's all he needs. Beware: These dogs do shed! Eye and ear cleaning should be done once weekly and as needed in between. Some people brush their dogs teeth, but in my experience if you feed dry kibble it's not really necessary.

Chins should be well socialized, as they have been known to develop behavioral problems such as snapping (attempting to bite), barking and growling. I have never seen Haiku display these behaviors towards any human or animal, but he has been exposed to lots of people and animals since he was born. That being said, I would not suggest this type of dog for a family with small children; it may or may not work (my daughter was four when we got Haiku), but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Historically speaking, Japanese Chins have always been companion dogs.  They have slept in the laps of nobility ranging from Chinese aristocracy in the 1700's to ladies of the Imperial Palace in Japan.  In 1853 Commodore Perry brought Queen Victoria a pair of Chins as a gift from Japan, forever creating a place for them in history.

Presently speaking I am not royalty, but Haiku always makes me feel special.  I hope that if your situation accommodates and you're looking for a companion to adopt, you'll further research the Japanese Chin.  They are great dogs with big hearts.  And if the one you get is anything like Haiku, never disappointing.