Chinese dog breeds

Most Chinese dog breeds are among the oldest in the world. It's remarkable that they have been preserved in virtually their purest form. Furthermore, they all possess a distinctive appearance and distinctive character.

Content

1 Chinese dog breeds
2 Tibetan dog breeds

Chinese dog breeds

Today, scientists believe that dogs originated through the domestication of wolves around 16,000 years ago in the Yangtze River region of what is now China.

Pekingese

Height: 15-25 cm
Weight: 3-5.5 kg.

The Pekingese was developed in China over 2,000 years ago and was long considered the sacred dog of emperors. According to ancient legend, it is the offspring of a lion and a monkey.

The Pekingese has an independent and arrogant nature. He demands attention and tirelessly reminds others of his noble ancestry. He usually sees only one person as his owner. He is vigilant and distrustful of strangers.

Shar Pei

Height: 44-51 cm
Weight: 18-35 cm

One of the world's oldest breeds, the Shar Pei is known for its wrinkled skin, hippopotamus-like muzzle, blue-black tongue, and unusual coat. Even the breed's name means "sandy skin" in Chinese. Throughout its long history, the Shar Pei has been used as a guard dog, hunting dog, and fighting dog, and today it is considered a companion dog.

The Shar Pei has a calm, independent nature and average trainability. It is cautious and wary of strangers. It is devoted to its family and loyal to children. It is often aggressive toward other dogs.

Chow Chow

Height: 46-56 cm
Weight: 20-32 kg

The Chow Chow is one of the first primitive breeds, which developed in the steppes of northern China and Mongolia. These dogs, with their dark blue tongues, appear much larger due to their thick, long coat. They were used for hunting, reindeer herding, guarding, and even as sled dogs. The breed was initially bred in Buddhist monasteries. The monks maintained the purity of the bloodlines and kept journals, a kind of stud book.

The Chow Chow has a complex personality. It's not particularly active, but independent, stubborn, and somewhat aloof, with a strong sense of ownership and a pronounced distrust of strangers. It recognizes only one owner and is very difficult to train.

Chinese Chongqing Dog (Chinese Hound, Chinese Bulldog)

Height: 35-45 cm
Weight: 20-25 kg

The breed is rare even in its homeland, but has a long history dating back to 200 BC. Dogs of this type were used for guarding and hunting. According to legend, they weren't even afraid of tigers. Today, they are considered family dogs and companions.

The Chongqing is balanced, bold, and self-confident, intelligent and agile. It has quick reflexes and a strong hunting instinct. It is a capable guard dog. Although it is reserved and independent by nature, this does not prevent it from showing devotion and love to its family. It is difficult to train.

Kunming Shepherd Dog (Kunming Wolfdog)

Height: 64-68 cm
Weight: 30-38 kg

A breed of dog bred in China in the 1950s for military purposes. It is a cross between mongrel dogs, wolves, and German shepherds.

In temperament and purpose, Kunming Shepherds are not much different from German Shepherds. They are easy to train, balanced, active, self-confident, and owner-oriented. They are used in police work, as guard and watchdogs, for military purposes, and as companions.

Taiwanese Mountain Dog (Takasago, Formosan Mountain Dog)

Height: 43-53 cm
Weight: 12-18 kg

An indigenous, endemic breed native to Taiwan, descended from ancient hunting dogs of Southeast Asia. The breed is extremely rare and is not recognized by the FCI.

Formosan dogs are bold and fearless by nature, loyal only to their master. They are extremely wary of strangers. They are not well-suited for family life or playing with children. They are used for hunting, guarding territory, and search and rescue missions.

Xiasy cuan

Height: 45-55 cm
Weight: 20-30 kg

Perhaps the rarest Chinese breed, little known even in its homeland. There are only a few hundred of these white dogs. They are bred in only one village—Xiasi, Guizhou. They are used as hounds, guard dogs, and herding ducks and other animals.

Chinese Crested Dog

Height: 23-33 cm
Weight: 2-6 kg

This small, graceful creature isn't a Chinese breed in the true sense of the word. The dogs are believed to be of Chinese origin and are thought to descend from the African Hairless Terrier, or Xoloituinzli, and the domesticated Chinese dog. In the early 20th century, hairless Chinese dogs began appearing at dog shows in the United States. They were then forgotten, and only at the end of the century did the breed begin to be actively revived by the British. Based on their coat, two types are distinguished: hairless and powderpuff.

Chinese Cresteds have a friendly nature. They are responsive, playful, and sensitive dogs. They get along well with children and other animals. They love attention and affection, and in return, they give unconditional love and devotion.

Pug

Height: 28-32 cm
Weight: 6-8 kg

Pugs originated in ancient China. The breed is likely related to the Pekingese, but has developed in Europe over the past few centuries. In the 16th century, traders brought pugs to the Netherlands, where they became very popular. In the 19th century, interest in them arose in England. The motto of the breed standard is "much in little."

Stocky pugs possess immense charm and dignity. They are even-tempered, cheerful, intelligent, and friendly.

Shih Tzu

Height: up to 27 cm
Weight: 4.5-8 kg

Shih Tzus are believed to have originated in Tibet. In the 17th century, several dogs were gifted to the Emperor by the Dalai Lama. Since then, Shih Tzus have been bred in China and, until the 20th century, were forbidden dogs for the imperial palace.

The Shih Tzu's decorative appearance can be deceptive. Beneath it lies a strong personality with a vibrant disposition. By nature, Shih Tzus are friendly, somewhat independent, and very attentive. They form strong bonds with their owners and show greater interest in human company than in that of dogs. They are intelligent, active, and quick-witted.

Tibetan dog breeds

In the harsh land of snow-capped peaks and crystal-clear lakes of Tibet, there exists a living treasure: dogs. Relative isolation and the monks' special relationship with these sacred animals have not only allowed ancient breeds to be preserved, but they have remained virtually unchanged and genetically pure.

Tibetan Mastiff

Height: 61-66 cm
Weight: 60-80 kg

One of the most ancient working dogs. Mentioned in ancient times by Aristotle, and later by Marco Polo and other travelers, who extolled the strength, natural power, and intelligence of Tibetan mastiffs. Even the bark of these dogs is considered a unique breed characteristic.

The Tibetan Mastiff is calm and reserved. It thrives in family life and is also an excellent guard dog. It is very independent. Without proper training, it can become unpredictable and dangerous.

Tibetan Terrier

Height: 36-41 cm
Weight: 8-14 kg

This small dog is actually unrelated to terriers and was given this name by European tourists, who thought it resembled dogs from a popular group. DNA analysis confirms the breed's ancient origins. The Tibetan Terrier is a herding dog and companion.

Tibetan monks called these dogs "little people" for their ability to be true family members. They are very friendly and affectionate, independent, self-assured, and somewhat stubborn. They are wary of strangers.

Tibetan Spaniel (Tibbie)

Height: about 25 cm
Weight: 4-7 kg

Like the Tibetan Terrier, it was named by foreigners, who thought it resembled the then-popular Toy Spaniel. In highland regions, monks bred these dogs in isolation. In the late 19th century, they arrived in Great Britain, where they attracted attention.

Tibbies are cheerful, self-confident, courageous, and loyal. They are friendly and affectionate with their family, forming strong bonds with their owners and getting along well with children. They can be independent and stubborn at times, and can be jealous, but generally don't give in to conflict. They are energetic and intelligent.

Lhasa Apso

Height: 23-26 cm
Weight: 5-8 kg

Another ancient breed revered by Tibetan monks, Lhasas served as guard dogs, warning people and larger dogs of approaching danger.

These small, decorative-looking dogs possess exceptional intelligence and a unique appearance. They are calm, sociable, and outgoing, adapting easily to new environments. They see only one person as their master. They remain attentive and vigilant guardians. They are so brave that they will defend others if necessary.