Dogs in China have had a complicated history, to put it mildly. On the one hand, they have been revered as guardians, and small dogs like the Pekingese were symbols of royalty. Conversely, dogs were initially bred for labor and livestock, and keeping them as pets came with a stigma. Dog ownership was banned in the 1980s, relaxed to allow small breeds about a foot long before finally being allowed as “companion animals” from 2020 onwards.
While its name indicates otherwise, the Chinese Crested dog originated somewhere in Africa, not China. Similarly, the Japanese Chin is believed to have come from China, the actual origins of the dog cannot be concluded decisively.
List of Dog Breeds from China
Chinese Dog Breeds
- Chongqing Dog
- Chow Chow
- Chuandong Hound
- Hebei Xigou
- Kunming Dog
- Laizhou Hong
- Liangshan Dog
- Mongolian Xigou
- Pug
- Shandong Xigou
- Shanxi Xigou
- Shar-Pei
- Tang Dog
- Tugou
Tibetan Dog Breeds
Taiwanese Dog Breeds
Chinese Dogs by Size
Large Chinese Dog Breeds: Laizhou Hong, Tibetan Kyi Apso, Kunming Dog, etc.
Medium Chinese Dog Breeds: Taiwan Dog, Chongqing Dog, Chuandong Hound, etc.
Small Chinese Dog Breeds: Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Pug, etc.
FAQ’s
Several
small dog breeds originate from China, where they were often symbols of royalty. Well-known examples include the Pug, Shih Tzu, and Pekingese. These breeds are recognized for their compact size and suitability as companion animals, a role they have filled for centuries within Chinese imperial courts.
No, the Chinese Crested dog does not originate from China despite its name. Breed historians believe this unique hairless dog actually originated in Africa or Mexico. It was later transported on Chinese trading ships, which is how it likely acquired its misleading name, but its genetic roots are not Chinese.
Dogs in ancient China held diverse roles based on their breed and social context. Many were bred for practical purposes such as guarding property and managing livestock. In contrast, smaller breeds like the Pekingese were highly revered as imperial companions and symbols of nobility, living exclusively within palace walls.
The China region is home to several large and powerful dog breeds, often developed for guarding. Notable examples include the formidable
Tibetan Mastiff, the athletic Kunming Dog, and the rare Laizhou Hong. These breeds are known for their impressive size, strength, and historically protective roles in their native land.
Dog ownership was banned in China during the 1980s as part of broader government policies. At the time, keeping dogs purely as pets carried a social stigma and was seen as a bourgeois luxury. The ban was later relaxed to allow small breeds before being fully lifted in 2020.
Yes, both the Chow Chow and the Shar-Pei are ancient dog breeds that originate from China. The Chow Chow is known for its distinctive blue-black tongue and thick coat, while the Shar-Pei is famous for its deep wrinkles and loyal temperament. Both have long, documented histories within the country.
A primary characteristic of the Chongqing Dog is its unique appearance, including a short, sparse coat often described as feeling like bamboo, and a distinctive tail. This ancient and rare breed from the Chongqing region of China is known for its muscular build, loyalty, and natural hunting instincts.
