What Dog Breeds Come from China? A Guide to Common Native Chinese Dog Breeds
Many people love keeping dogs because they bring us joy and keep us from feeling lonely. Some people like keeping foreign dogs, such as the Husky. In fact, China also has many lovely dogs. So, what dog breeds come from China?
Chinese dog breeds include the Chinese Rural Dog, Tibetan Mastiff, Shih Tzu, Chow Chow, Shar-Pei, Pug, Pekingese, Sleeve Dog (Tibetan Spaniel), Tibetan Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Chinese Crested Dog and others.
1. Chinese Rural Dog
The Chinese Rural Dog, also known as the “native dog” or “firewood dog”, is one of the oldest native dog breeds in China and was once honored as the “national dog”. It has a fairly gentle temperament and is not prone to attacking people on its own; it can live in groups, is easy to keep, and is highly loyal. It is widely used in rural areas for guarding homes and in early hunting.
2. Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff originated on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is a large, fierce-tempered dog and is universally recognized as the oldest rare dog breed still in existence, known in Tibet as the “heavenly dog”. It is highly alert, guards its territory and food, is good at attacking, is extremely loyal to its owner, shows strong hostility toward strangers, and is skilled at protecting its owner and their property.
3. Shar-Pei
The Shar-Pei, also called the “Dali Dog” or “fighting dog”, originates from the area of Dali Town, Nanhai, Guangdong, China, and is one of the world's famous fighting dog breeds. It gets its name from its short, stiff coat, which feels rough to the touch, like sandpaper used for polishing. It has a regal air, is alert, clever, dignified, with a noble temperament, a perpetually frowning look, calm and proud, neutral by nature and somewhat aloof with strangers, yet it pours all its love into its family.
4. Pekingese
The Pekingese, also called the Beijing Dog or Lion Dog, is an ancient Chinese breed that originated in China and continued from the era of Qin Shi Huang to the Qing Dynasty, always serving as a palace toy dog. It is forthright, independent, eager to show off, docile and quiet, delicate in feeling, with self-esteem that surpasses its beauty, and has now become one of the most widespread companion and ornamental pets in China.
5. Chinese Crested Dog
The Chinese Crested Dog, also called the Chinese Hairless Dog or Chinese Naked Dog, is one of the few hairless dog breeds in the world, and gets its name from the crest of hair on top of its head, which closely resembles the hat of a Qing Dynasty official. It is cheerful, lively, clever and brave, highly alert, neither bites nor makes noise, loves cleanliness, does not shed, has a gentle temperament, and likes to be close to people, making it a toy dog very suitable for keeping at home.