Japanese Chin Hokusai Fine Art Postcard

The Japanese Chin (狆), also known as the Japanese Spaniel, is the dog of Japanese royalty. A lap dog and companion dog, this toy breed has a distinctive heritage. Japanese Chin stand about 20 to 27 cm (8 to 11 in) in height at the withers and weight can vary from a low of 3 lbs to a high of 27 lbs, with an average of 7 to 9 pounds being the most common. The American Kennel Club and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale give no weight requirement for the Chin. This breed is considered one of the most cat-like of the dog breeds in attitude: it is alert, intelligent, and independant, and uses its paws to wash and wipe its face. Other cat-like traits include their preference for resting on high surfaces such as the backs of sofas and chairs, their ability to walk across a coffee table without disturbing an item, and some of the surprising places their owners often find them in. They rank 62nd in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, being of fair working/obedience intelligence. A companion dog, it is loving and loyal to its owner and typically happy to see other people, though a few are distrustful of strangers. Chin prefer familiar surroundings, but do quite well in new situations and are often used as therapy dogs because of this trait and their love of people. Very early socialisation of Chin puppies leads to a more emotionally well-balanced Chin that is more accepting of different situations and people. Katsushika Hokusai (October or November 1760 - May 10, 1849) was a Japanese artist, ukiyo-e painter and printmaker of the Edo period. In his time, he was Japan's leading expert on Chinese painting. Born in Edo (now Tokyo), Hokusai is best-known as author of the woodblock print series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji, c. 1831, which includes the iconic and internationally recognised print, The Great Wave off Kanagawa, created during the 1820s. Vintage animal fine art.