Looking at your pet dog, is it of Chinese descent? Not only has China contributed to the world in terms of trade and crafts, but this country has also shared with us breeds both recognized and unrecognized by the American Kennel Club.
As ancient as the Chinese civilization, there are Chinese dog breeds that are believed to be the oldest in the world. Many Chinese dog breeds used to be owned exclusively by royalties and served as temple guards, while others belonged to the hunting and working class.
Aside from dragons and pandas, dogs have always been a part of Chinese culture. From the small and petite-bodied Pekingese to the humongous Cantonese Bear Dog (Chow Chow), you sure have fallen in love with any of these Chinese breeds.
What is China’s most popular dog breed?
The most popular among the Chinese dog breeds is the Pekingese. This golden-coated dog has also been called the “lion dog” or the “sun dog”.
The American Kennel Club has accounted their lion-like appearance to one fable on how they came into being. It has been said that the Great Buddha was responsible for it as he shrunk a mighty lion into a miniature size.
A long time ago, they were so highly regarded in China that stealing one of these dogs is considered a capital offense punishable by death. As part of Chinese culture, Fu Dog statues can be seen guarding the structures, and these lion-like dogs were believed to be Pekingese dogs.
What kinds of dogs are from China?
Here are a few Chinese dog breeds. Read along to know their sizes, temperament, grooming needs, exercise requirements, the types of homes they can fit into, and common health issues, including life expectancy.
1. Shih Tzu
A small dog with a fierce personality — that is how dog enthusiasts describe this ancient Chinese dog breed. In Chinese, “Shih Tzu” (read as SHEET Sue or SHEED Zoo) means “little dog”.
A Shih Tzu weighs 9-16 pounds on average and stands 9-10 inches to its shoulder. AKC has classified this dog breed as one belonging to toy-sized dogs.
In ancient times, the Shih Tzu was originally bred by royalties during the Ming Dynasty in ancient China not merely for companionship but status. It is a lap dog but was considered a separate Chinese breed.
The Shih Tzus of today is among the most popular house dogs though many pet owners have engaged them in sports and agility competitions. They are outgoing, affectionate, and happy dogs who love to follow their owners wherever spot of the house they would go.
Because of its size, you can always have a Shih Tzu if you live in a tiny apartment. Shih Tzus are highly adaptable to any type of household, and they get along well with other dogs and pets, for example, if you have a Burmese cat.
But housebreaking can be a little difficult, and they tend to eat their feces, a behavior known as coprophagia. For that reason, be watchful and clean the dirt right away. Crate training is recommended, and you should do it with consistency.
If you have very young children at home, you should not leave them alone to play without close supervision. Because of their size, these pups can be very fragile; when the play gets rough, the risk of suffering from unintentional injuries can be high.
Their gorgeously long and silky coats come in white and black, white and gray, white and gray, or just black. Their fur is prone to matting, so if you plan to bring home a Shih Tzu, then be ready to brush and comb them every day. Taking your Shih Tzu to a professional groomer regularly every 6-8 weeks is highly recommended.
Generally, Shih Tzus are healthy; in fact, they can live longer for 10-16 years. However, as with any breed, some common health conditions can affect your Shih Tzu, such as reverse sneezing, snuffles, allergies, umbilical hernia, dental problems, eye problems, and ear infections, among others.
2. Lhasa Apso
Another Chinese dog breed is the Lhasa Apso, which originally lived in Buddhist monasteries and palaces and served as guard dogs in Tibet thousands of years ago. According to accounts, the Dalai Lama was mainly responsible for their spread and popularity around the world after he gave them away as presents in the 1940s.
Weighing 12-18 pounds and standing 10-11 inches to their shoulder, these companion dogs have proven their loyalty to every family where they belong. If you are wondering how this dog breed got its name, the Lhasa Apso can be translated literally as the longhaired dog (Apso) from Lhasa (a sacred city in Tibet).
If you are not very familiar with this breed, you will truly be surprised by the Lhasa Apso’s protective nature. Because they were initially royal palace guard dogs, they can be naturally suspicious of strangers.
Despite its small size, the Lhasa Apso has a mind of a large dog and is very intelligent. While they can be great family dogs, they also do their jobs seriously as protectors.
The Lhasa Apso does not mature fast. Unlike other dogs, it usually takes three years before these dogs pass their puppyhood stage.
Just like Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos are quite difficult to housetrain, and they can be great manipulators and are full of energy. Dog owners should therefore be consistent and persistent with training these dogs. Note that these dogs are “leaders” and if you don’t take the lead, they will lead you.
Maintaining their beautifully long and thick coats, which come in white, black, parti-color, slate, or honey, can be difficult and time-consuming. To keep their coats free from tangles, daily brushing and combing are required.
Generally, Lhasa Apsos are a healthy breed, and they have lived long years at 12-15 years. However, just like any dog breed, certain canine health conditions may hit them, such as patellar luxation, cherry eye, allergies, familial inherited renal dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
3. Laizhou Hong
Formerly a popular dog in China in the early and mid-20th century, the Laizhou Hong, better known as the Chinese Red Dog, is now a rare breed of dog. The Laizhou Hongs were believed to be a mix between German Shepherds and the local Shandong Xian Hounds, but some claimed that their red coat color can be attributed to the Korean Mastiff.
Weighing 77-85 pounds and standing 25-32 inches to their shoulder, these large Chinese dogs have long, muscular, lean bodies. They are covered with smooth black fur with reddish patches on the muzzle and legs.
Laizhou Hongs are highly trainable, calm, friendly, confident, and loyal, making them excellent additions to the family. Because they were originally bred as working and security dogs, they can be very protective. As a matter of fact, in China, some of them were utilized as police dogs.
Since these Chinese dogs have high stamina and energy, they needed to be exercised daily. They fit well in households with an active lifestyle, and you can take them on jogs or long walks.
Because of its size, this dog is not very suitable for apartment living. It is best suited to a home with a garden or yard for it to roam freely. Estates and farms are perfect dwelling places for this breed.
This dog breed has recorded longevity of up to 15 years. Some of the most common health problems among Laizhou Hongs include ear infections, dental problems, allergies, urinary infections, hip dysplasia, digestive problems, and obesity.
4. Formosan Mountain Dog
Although not from Mainland China, the Formosan Mountain Dog hails from Formosa or Taiwan (or The Republic of China). This Chinese dog is one of the world’s most primitive dog breeds, having traced its existence some 10,000-20,000 years ago.
These dogs are not exclusive to the mountain regions of Taiwan as they can be found anywhere in the metropolis, especially in Taipei. They are popularly trained not just as family dogs but also as guard dogs, hunting dogs, and search and rescue dogs.
Small to medium in size, the Formosan Mountain Dog weighs around 25-40 pounds and stands 25-40 inches to its shoulder. They are not, however, recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club.
Fearless, faithful, alert, bold, intelligent, loyal, and keen — are some of the outstanding characteristics of these dogs. However, because they are active dogs, they need to be occupied with lots of activities, or they will get bored easily.
While they can adapt well to apartment living, they will need much space for these dogs to exercise and are best owned by people with active lifestyles. These Formosan Mountain Dogs can be your swimming, hiking, or running buddies.
The Formosan Mountain Dog has a short, smooth coat that comes in white, brindle, fawn, and black, or it could be a combination of these colors. They shed minimally and require only weekly brushing.
The recorded lifespan for Formosan Mountain dogs is 9-13 years, and they are considered a healthy breed. Among the common health issues that this breed may suffer from are progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and some cancers.
5. Chinese Shar Pei
Literally meaning “sand skin” in Cantonese, the Chinese Shar-Pei is said to be one of the most ancient Chinese dog breeds to have lived until today. Shar Pei dogs were believed to have originated from Tai Li, a village in Southern China, during the Han Dynasty.
The Chinese Shar Pei is a medium-sized dog weighing 40-55 pounds and standing 18-20 inches to its shoulder. This compact-bodied dog was initially bred for herding, hunting, and guarding. What is more interesting about Shar Peis are their black-blue tongues.
These dogs are great for families, even those with children, but they should not be left unsupervised around toddlers. They can adapt well to apartment life and have low exercise needs.
Shar Peis are intelligent dogs and have an independent streak, so they can make their own decisions. Owners may find it hard to train them; hence, you have to be firm and consistent when training these dogs.
Generally reserved and quiet, the Chinese Shar-Pei is said to have possessed the highest adaptive intelligence compared to other dog breeds. While they can be wary and suspicious when confronted with strangers, the Shar Pei will never attack without any reason like when they are being provoked.
Their short, rough, and sandy coat are commonly in cream, chocolate, black, and blue. Grooming your Shar Pei is relatively easy as they need only to be brushed whenever you want to or at least a week.
Chinese Shar-Pei Dogs are relatively healthy and can live on average for 8-12 years. Just like other Chinese dog breeds or any breed for that matter, there are certain canine health conditions that dogs of this breed might suffer from and that would include skin fold infections, cataracts, glaucoma, entropion, retinal dysplasia, patellar luxation, hip and elbow dysplasia, and autoimmune thyroiditis.
6. Tibetan Terrier
Don’t be fooled by the name, as the Tibetan terrier does not belong to the terrier breed of dogs. They are not sporting breeds.
Otherwise known as the “Holy Dog of Tibet”, as named by Lamas, these dogs hailed from the Tibetan region in China. They were bred to help the nomadic herdsmen tend their flocks and served as guards in monasteries.
Weighing 26-30 pounds and standing about 14-17 inches to its shoulder, the Tibetan terrier is classified as a medium-sized dog. This companion dog has also proved to be an efficient therapy dog.
The Tibetan terrier is a contrast between stubbornness and sweetness. Because of their intelligence, they are fast learners, but they get bored so fast if the training becomes repetitive.
They can live in apartments so long as they get enough exercise and a lot of attention. That means they are prone to suffer from separation anxiety once you leave them alone for longer times.
They are friendly with their family members, especially kids, and they can be up playing with them for hours. Never leave younger kids unsupervised because once they get hurt, as when kids would pull their tails or ears, they would do everything to stop it. They can be distrustful of kids who are strangers to them.
As these are active dogs, Tibetan terriers need a fair amount of exercises like jogging or long walks at least twice daily. Unless you give them the proper outlets to unleash their energy, the chances of becoming destructive due to boredom are high.
Their double-coated coats come in different colors and patterns of black, silver, brindle, gold, white, and tricolor. To maintain their wooly coats and avoid mats and tangles, brushing should be done daily.
Like other Chinese breeds, they are generally healthy and can live up to 15-16 years. But like other canines, they are likewise not exempted from certain health conditions which may hit them. Among the health issues include primary lens luxation, hip dysplasia, luxating patellas, cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, and allergies.
7. Tibetan Spaniel
It is not in the name as the Tibetan Spaniel is related to any spaniel dog breed. This Chinese dog breed which hailed from the Himalayan regions of Tibet is one of the oldest breeds in the doggie kingdom having existed some 2,500 years ago.
Tibetan Spaniels were so-named mainly for their close resemblance to spaniels when it comes to appearance. Weighing 9-15 pounds and standing 10 inches to their shoulders, these small dogs were bred to sit high on the walls of monasteries by monks and then bark to alert them of possible intruders.
Do you know that this Chinese dog was never up for sale? Yes, because they belonged exclusively to the Buddhist monasteries and were given only as gifts to leaders of other Buddhist nations.
These playful, intelligent, assertive yet affectionate dogs can be both companion and lap dogs. They also have cat-like tendencies as they love to stay on high grounds and climb furniture.
The Tibetan Spaniel does not have high exercise needs despite being active, thus, that means they can live well in apartment dwellings. Your pup would simply be happy to run around and stay up high on furniture.
Tibetan Spaniels are good shedders and can shed for the entire year. Its smooth and silky coat does not mean brushing is not necessary. You will have to brush their coats weekly to get rid of dead hairs that may have been stuck in their coat.
When it comes to age, this breed is among those breeds with a longer lifespan. Tibetan spaniels can live from 12-15 years. There are only a few health issues that are associated with this breed and that include epilepsy, patellar luxation, progressive retinal atrophy, congenital deafness, and other eye diseases.
8. Tibetan Mastiff
The massive and intimidating Tibetan Mastiff was once associated with Alexander the Great and the Dalai Lama has served as one of their trusted guard dogs. Tibetans believed they are carriers of the souls of the months that were unable to reincarnate into human forms.
As one of the largest Chinese dog breeds, the Tibetan Mastiff weighs 75-160 pounds and stands at least 24 inches for females and 26 inches for males. It has been said that the most expensive dog ever traded was of this breed (in 2014), for which the purchase price was nearly a whopping $2 million (USD).
Intelligent and independent, the Tibetan Mastiff is best for pet lovers who allow their dogs to be themselves, especially when it comes to decision-making. With their family members, they are always protective but when it comes to strangers, they often dislike them and are quite suspicious, so it is never recommended to walk these dogs off-leash.
Because of their size, they will never be fit for apartment living. They can be cool around children, but the problem is when a child screams with delight, they might take it as a sign of aggression. Miscommunication can happen at any time causing them to respond to it and potentially harm your child.
Tibetan Mastiffs have extra high stamina and can be up and about at all times. An ample dose of exercise in the morning and afternoon is required for these dogs.
Grooming these giants is relatively easy, and they are moderate shedders. To remove loose and dead hair, all you need is a wire slicker brush, and brushing should be done at least thrice weekly.
As they are generally healthy, Tibetan Mastiffs can live for 10-14 years. Among the common canine health conditions that may affect this breed include hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, ear infections, panosteitis, and canine inherited demyelinating neuropathy.
9. Chow Chow (Cantonese Bear Dog)
As an ancient Chinese dog breed, the Chow Chow’s existence dates back to as early as 206 B.C. or during the Han Dynasty of ancient China. These fluffy and unique dogs follow the Chinese lion dog tradition and were initially bred for palaces, but their popularity grew even among nobles and peasants.
According to the American Kennel Club, during the 8th Century A.D., one of the emperors of the Tang Dynasty fell in love with these pooches. His obsession with this breed is so evident that he owned around 5,000 of them to accompany his hunters.
But do you know that aside from the Chinese Shar Pei, the Chow Chow also has a black-blue tongue? Yes, you read that right, and this characteristic is unique to these two purebred dogs.
Of all the Chinese breeds, the Chow Chows are the most independent and the most aristocratic. They seem aloof but are loyal dogs, and they may only bond with their pet owners.
Weighing 40-70 pounds and standing 17-20 inches to its shoulder, the Chow Chow can be best described as an amalgam of everything. They are loyal and devoted as a dog, are graceful and independent like a cat, possessing the appeal and looks of a teddy bear, the drollness of a panda, and the lion’s nobility.
Chow Chows have an independent streak which makes training challenging. As a hunting dog, its predatory instinct is high, so you need to train your dog to manage, if not get rid of this inclination.
The Chow Chow can be a great dog for families, but children should be taught how to be respectful with dogs as they can be impatient with children, especially those that can be rough and abusive. They can also adapt to apartment living so long as you can give them the amount of daily exercise they need.
Their rough or smooth coats come in black, blue, cinnamon, cream, and red. To keep their coats in good condition, brushing is recommended to be done twice or thrice a week.
Generally, the Chow Chow is a healthy breed with a recorded lifespan of 10-12 years. This breed however is not excused from contracting some common canine health conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament disease, gastric dilation volvulus (bloating), and entropion.
10. Chongqing Dog
Another unrecognized Chinese dog breed by the American Kennel Club is the Chongqing Dog. It is said to be one of the world’s oldest and rarest dog breeds dating back its existence to some 2,000 years ago in Southwestern China during the Han Dynasty.
Weighing 44-54 pounds and standing 16-19 inches to its shoulder, this dog breed is medium in size and has a slender and straight hairless tail resembling a bamboo. For that, this dog is sometimes called the Bamboo Ratter.
Traditionally bred as a hunting dog, the Chinese farmers have relied much on this dog not only for hunting activities but also for protecting their prized livestock. Hence, they were also called the East Sichuan Hunting dog.
Chongqing Dogs have become so rare following the massive slaughtering of this breed by the communists and the death of many of them as a result of the SARS outbreak in 2003. Today, it is believed that there are only less than 2,000 of them left around the globe.
Dogs of this breed love their family members, especially children but can be aloof when it comes to strangers. They can be wary of strangers, although not necessarily aggressive towards them.
These dogs only need moderate exercise; a 30-minute walk would suffice. They can be great hiking buddies and would love to go for long walks.
If you are looking at dog ownership for the first time, this breed is not recommended for you. They have aggressive tendencies and are quite territorial, thus, an expert has to handle their training.
A Chongqing dog’s very short coat is pretty low-maintenance. To remove any dead fur and allow its natural oils to spread evenly on its coat, weekly brushing is recommended.
As to longevity, Chongqing dogs can live from 10-13 years though some reached as old as 17 years. As to health issues common to this breed, there are not many records available because they are a very limited number.
11. Pekingese
For one who is new to dog ownership, the Pekingese can be an ideal dog for you. These aristocratic dogs were officially bred for China’s ruling class.
Their small size (weight of about 7-14 pounds and height of 6-9 inches to their shoulder) makes them fit for apartment living. Pekingese dogs are classified as toy dogs.
These lion dogs can be great dogs for the entire family especially those with children. They are champions when it comes to loyalty and is very affectionate towards kids but since they are also very fragile, vulnerable, and sensitive, they should not be left alone with very young children.
Pekingese dogs are extra intelligent, fearless, and notably stubborn, so training can be a little bit of a challenge. They do not respond to any kind of harsh training. Because of their stubborn streak, the key to successful obedience training is convincing them that following your command is to their advantage.
As to exercise requirements, Pekingese dogs need only at most 30 minutes each day. Here is a caveat for you as owner: if you go even slightly beyond what is required, your pup could end with respiratory problems.
Its very thick and long double coat has a lion-like mane that comes in cream, gold, gray, sable, tan, black, and red and is usually high maintenance. To maintain its coat’s shine and smoothness, reduce tangles, and remove extra fur, daily brushing is required.
Like most Chinese dogs, they have a longer lifespan of 13-15 years. Pekingese dogs are prone to suffer from the following health conditions: heart murmur, eye diseases, intervertebral disc disease, syringomyelia, and brachycephalic airway syndrome. So when planning to get one, you should get it only from reputable breeders.
12. Chinese Crested Dog
Renowned couch potatoes, the Chinese Crested Dog can lay in bed still for hours. Not many records about its origin are known, but some believe they came from Africa, then brought to China, and were bred with other toy-sized dogs to achieve their hairless look.
This exotic-looking dog weighs 8-12 pounds and stands 11-13 inches to its shoulder, a perfect size for an apartment dwelling. At dog shows and competitions, they can be a contrast of being both a charmer and have also won awards in the Ugly Dog Competitions.
There are, however, two types of Chinese Crested Dogs, namely the powderpuff and hairless. The former has a silky white coat with a gray and white coloring, while the latter has a hairless body and grayish-pink skin. The latter’s tail, feet, and head are the only parts with soft, silky hair.
Because they love heights, they are also called feline dogs. They are friendly, loyal, well-manned, gentle, and very affectionate but have a stubborn streak.
When training the Chinese Crested Dog, you need to have a heavy dose of patience, plus be extra gentle if possible because they are extra sensitive. Show them you are angry, raise your voice, or try hitting them and you will surely lose their loyalty.
Special care should be given to Chinese Crested Dogs’ skin when you take these doggos for a walk on warmer days. Exposing their skin to direct sunlight can cause sunburns on their skin, so you need to use sunscreen and give them enough water to hydrate themselves.
On colder days, these dogs do not have any fur to keep them warm. Be sure to provide them with cozy blankets to keep them warm and protected. If you are going outdoors, dog clothes can help.
Like many Chinese breeds, they have a longer lifespan of 13-18 years. What is even more challenging for owners of this dog breed is the fact that they have extra sensitive skin, so they are prone to skin problems and allergies. This breed may also be prone to patellar luxation, eye diseases, and some cancers.
13. Bone Mouth Dog
Also called Guzui in Mandarin, which means “bony snout”, this breed is not a breed on its own but a variation of the Chinese Shar Pei. This variety was used in fighting, guarding, and hunting.
Weighing 40-65 pounds and standing 19-23 inches to its shoulders, the Bone Mouth dog is agile, active, affectionate, loyal, independent, and calm. Like the Shar Peis, they also have bluish-black tongues.
As its name suggests, this dog has lesser flaps and meat around its snout. Unlike Shar Peis, Bone Mouth Dogs have roof-tiled muzzles, shorter hairs, pointed balls, and lesser wrinkles.
Because these are still Shar Peis, they share the same training and exercise requirements, grooming needs, and other breed information, including life expectancy and health problems.
14. Japanese Chin
Although this breed’s name suggests that it came from Japan, the Japanese Chin is one from China as it closely resembles a Pekingnese. However, this breed grew in popularity in Japan after they were made to multiply by leaders who received them as gifts from the Chinese emperors.
This small dog weighing 11-12 pounds and standing 8-11 inches to its shoulder, is ideal for apartment life. Intelligent, loyal, and sweet, the Japanese Chin is just the perfect dog for the family if you are looking for a lap dog. You sure will have a doggo that follows you around.
These pooches have the traits of a cat. They are curious, love climbing up the stairs and furniture, and the way they groom themselves is very cat-like!
The Japanese Chin is an ideal dog for families with older kids who are mature enough to handle dogs. Younger kids can sometimes become rough at play, and unexpected things may happen.
When it comes to training, these intelligent dogs are relatively easy to train though they also have an independent streak. Like the Pekingese, they do not respond to harsh voices and acts because they are extra sensitive but love to be praised in any way.
Although small in size, they still need to be exercised regularly. Taking these dogs for a 20-minute walk will suffice, but you have to be very patient as they have a short stride, and the pace can be slow.
Japanese Chins are average shedders. To remove dead or loose hair as well as prevent tangles, their single-layered long and silky hair needs to be brushed once or twice weekly.
The Japanese Chin has a recorded lifespan of 10-14 years. One major health issue for this pup is its extra sensitive skin. Especially during spring, skin allergies can be more prevalent, causing these dogs to have bald spots. Some other health conditions which may affect your pup are strabismus, portosystemic shunt, patellar luxation, and heart disease.
*photo by – depositphotos
Conclusion
If you are wondering whether Chinese dog breeds are among the best, they probably are! Each of the dog breeds presented has unique qualities, and some of them are even very rare. Only the Chongqing Dogs, Chows, and Shar Peis have tongues that are blue-black.
Dogs are auspicious animals to the Chinese, representing good fortune, protection, and loyalty, and this is evidenced by placing a pair of Fu Dog statues in their homes’ entrances. But above all, dogs have always been man’s best friends.
Related topic: All about the canaan dog
*photo by ZigicDrazen – depositphotos
