According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, despite its name, the Japanese Spaniel is probably native to Korea - the breed later being developed in Japan and introduced to Europe in 1700. It became a favorite of Japanese Court, and was often offered as a royal gift. Its greatest moment of popularity came in 1853 when a pair was given as a gift to Queen Victoria from Commodore Perry when he returned from his historic mission to open Japan to world trade. The Japanese Spaniel was renamed "Japanese Chin" by the AKC in 1977. Regardless of the name, the breed has always been, first and foremost, a companion dog. The Japanese Spaniel is a charming, lively, and happy animal. Pleasant, loving and intelligent. Affectionate and extremely devoted to its master. This breed loves everyone it is familiar with, but is known to be reserved around strangers and in unfamiliar situations. With its gentle ways and charming manners, it is perhaps best suited to homes in which there are no small children. If you do have small children, teach them to be nice and gentle with the dog. They are good with other dogs and pets. The Japanese Spaniel has a mind of its own and likes to be the center of attention. This breed is not a barker. Mild mannered, elegant, yet playful. Sensitive, agile, dainty and clean. This breed is more obedient than most toy breeds and are good dogs for learning tricks. They are also good watchdogs. The Japanese Spaniel can be taught to perform tricks. They have an expected life span of about 10 years.