The Japanese Chin Information Center

Tri-Color

The Tri-color Japanese Chin is probably the most rare of any of the color combinations. Most likely the reason why is that there are only a few countries, such as the United States and Canada, that recognize the tri-color. Please let it be understood that just because a dog is a less then common color, it does not mean that is a reason for it to be bred. Overall quality and type must come before any particular color or pattern, for it is the entire package that maintains the breed. The tri-color is basically a black dog with tan points. These markings are distinctive and should not be confused with sables that may be heavily "tri-factored" (carry the tri-color gene). While we refer to this color as "tri" it is genetically a "bi" color, black and tan, paired with the white gene. The "bi" color (black and tan) is one gene, so the colors are inherited together, and the white spotting a separate gene. However for simplicity sake it is simply referred to as a tri-colored dog.