The Japanese Chin is a very intelligent little dog. They can be easily housetrained. The Japanese Chin is a quite dog. They will usually bark if someone comes up. They are not chronic barkers. The Japanese Chin is very easy with grooming care. A brush once a week, and a bath when they get a little dirty, if you let them play outside. They do not carry a doggy smell. They also wash themselves like a cat. They keep themselves clean, all the time. Japanese Chin are not usually very out going, and friendly, with strangers. But mine sure are. They prefer their immediate family. Japanese Chin does not usually do well with smaller kids. Although, I have some that live with kids and love it. If your kids are rowdy kids, then this may not work. They are not the type of dog to run and play with kids, fetch the ball or go jogging with you. They are basically a lap dog. Japanese Chin can be cat like. Not all of them are this way, but they can be. Some would prefer to sit on the sofa, or chair beside you; some will want to sit on your lap. They are very comical, and alot of fun, and great entertainment to watch play. You almost have to get two just to enjoy their play. They are very different from the Shih-Tzu in play. Much faster, very agile, like a very delicate tiny horse, in their actions. They almost gallop around the house, but without breaking anything, they are very gracefull in their play. This breed is extremely intelligent for a dog. Almost human in fur, with four legs. They are also very affectionate with their owners, but at first a bit leary of strangers. But not mine, they love everyone. They are not a dog that barks alot. The are a very clean little dog too. They groom themselves, even my almost pure white Japanese Chins, are always clean, and they go outside all day, in and out, you know. Oh, I almost forgot to mention, the noises they make, are almost alien. At first, I did not know, what was making that very weird noise, it was my Japanese Chin puppies. When playing they talk, and carry on, making all sorts of weird sounds, like little human kids do, when they play. This is a very different and fun little dog to own.