Chinese dog breeds

Why do so many dog enthusiasts choose Chinese breeds? These dogs have rich histories and distinctive characteristics in addition to being simply adorable. Every breed is a unique window into Chinese culture, making them fascinating pets.

There is a wide range of personalities and appearances among Chinese dog breeds, from the adorable Pekingese to the sophisticated Shih Tzu. There’s probably a breed out there that suits your lifestyle, whether you’re looking for a devoted protector or a playful friend.

This post will examine some of the most well-liked Chinese breeds, going over their traits, maintenance requirements, and unique qualities. Prepare to find out which of these animal companions would make the ideal addition to your house!

Breed	Description
Pekingese	Small, lion-like dog with a long coat, known for its loyalty.
Shih Tzu	Friendly and affectionate, with a distinctive flat face and long hair.
Chow Chow	Sturdy, fluffy dog with a blue-black tongue, known for its aloofness.
Chinese Cre

Chinese crested dog

• Height: 28 to 33 cm
• Weight: from 3.6 to 5.5 kg
• Expected life expectancy: 13 to 18 years
• Average Cost: $1,200 to $2,200

The Chinese Crested is a "hypoallergenic" hairless dog breed that usually weighs no more than 12 pounds. It may be of interest to those who are prone to runny noses and sore throats. Although this breed has very low allergen levels, no dog is truly hypoallergenic.

Fun Fact: Because Chinese Cresteds were good at catching rats in the hold, they were frequently brought on cruises to help stop the Black Death from spreading on board.

There are two types of Chinese Cresteds: one that is almost hairless and has smooth, soft skin with tufts of hair on the head, paws, and tail, and the other that is fully coated and has silky, soft hair. The two types are remarkably similar to one another, and they can both be born in the same litter.

Chinese Crested Dogs make up for their diminutive stature with their lively appearance and unwavering loyalty to their owners; they are frequently the perfect sleeping partners. Their small stature belies their high vital energy content; they come from long-lived breeds that can reach up to eighteen years of age.

Despite not having hair, Chinese Crested dogs can still cause skin irritation, so when they’re outside, they should wear sunscreen to prevent skin irritation. It’s also important to note that the Chinese Crested dog is sometimes referred to as a "cat dog" because it enjoys scaling tall objects, just like a cat.

Chow Chow

• Height: 43.2 to 50.8 cm
• Weight: 20.4 to 32 kg
• Life expectancy: 8 to 12 years
• Average cost: $1,000 to $4,000

The Chow Chow is one of the oldest dog breeds still in existence, having originated in the 11th century BCE and being associated with the Chinese Han Dynasty. Even relics from ancient China have been discovered that show this powerful breed. The Chow Chow is a canine breed with many uses. Hunting, herding, and guarding were its original functions. It wasn’t until the British acquired the breed in the 18th century that it became widely known.

Fun fact: It is one of only two dog breeds—the Chinese Shar Pei is the only other breed with a blue-black tongue.

The Chow Chow resembles a bear quite a bit with its fluffy fur and scowling face. For this breed, early training and socialization are crucial. The Chinese "bear dog" should not be exercised too much in warm weather because it can easily become overheated, but it should be regularly walked in the cooler months.

Chinese Shar Pei

• Height: 45.7 to 50.8 cm
• Weight: 20.4 to 27.5 kg
• Life expectancy: 8 to 12 years
• Average cost: $1,000 to $1,500

Although it was bred during the Han dynasty, the Chinese Shar Pei has a more problematic history than the Chow Chow. When the People’s Republic of China was formed, the communist government forbade dog ownership, putting the breed in danger of going extinct in 1949. Thankfully, the Chinese Shar Pei made it through and gained official recognition in 1992.

Since the Chinese Shar Pei does best with tasks requiring independent decision-making, it is crucial to emphasize obedience training with positive reinforcement in order to help the pet correctly respond to your signals.

These dogs are well-known for their wrinkled appearance in addition to their blue-black tongue. The spaces between their wrinkles should be kept dry and clean, and they should have a monthly bath. One of the most important tasks is cleaning the ears, which should be done once a week with a cleaning solution that the veterinarian recommends.

Japanese Chin

• Height: 20.5 to 28 cm
• Weight: 3.2 to 5 kg
• Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
• Average cost: $1,200 to $2,000

You did indeed read correctly! In spite of its name, the Japanese Chin is thought to have started in China and thrived for a very long period among emperors and Buddhist monks. The breed as we know it today was ultimately shaped by its introduction to Japan.

The Japanese Chin is a peaceful lap dog that is lovely and gentle. It fits in perfectly with apartment living. Japanese Chins were bred to be companions. They will gladly stay in your lap or by your side all day.

Lhasa apso

• Height: 25.4 to 28 cm
• Weight: 5.5 to 8.5 kg
• Expected lifespan: 12 to 15 years
• Average cost: from 1500 to 2500 dollars

With a millennium of history, this Chinese dog breed was first employed to guard Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas. One of the most revered breeds in China is the Lhasa Apso, which was only permitted to leave the nation if the Dalai Lama gave it to the owner as a lucky charm or lucky charm. In 1933, researcher C. Suidam Cutting received the first pair of Lhasa Apsos as a gift from abroad, and before long, the entire world was enamored with this long-haired dog.

Fascinating fact: According to Tibetan folklore, the Lhasa Apso, or "bearded lion dog," is the earthly embodiment of the mythical Snow Lion, which is said to guard China. The Tibetan holy city is called Lhasa, and the word "Apso" means "long-haired dog."

These Chinese "lion dogs," despite their diminutive size, live up to their moniker by constantly keeping a close eye on their loved ones. Is there anything better? For 12 to 15 years, the Lhasa Apso can be your faithful canine friend.

Pekingese

• Height: 15.3 to 23 cm
• Weight: up to 6.5 kg
• Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
• Average cost: $750 to $1,500

According to legend, Buddha shrunk a lion to create the Pekingese people. The Tang Dynasty’s imperial family revered the Pekingese, a dog breed well-known for its fluffy fur and regal mane in the eighth century.

It’s a funny fact that Beijing is the name of Beijes. They were originally only owned by members of the royal family, and stealing them was the basis for the death penalty.

Even today, Pekingese still exhibit excessive conceit, and they will undoubtedly ascend to the position of king or queen in your home. Given that the Beijes breed is brachicephalic, it is crucial to protect it from the sun. Veterinarians advise walking your four-legged friend in the summertime with a portable fan or an ice pack to keep them cool.

Pug

• Height: from 25.4 to 33 cm
• Weight: from 6.3 to 8.2 kg
• Expected life expectancy: from 13 to 15 years old
• Average cost: from 800 to 1,500 dollars

When people discover that pugs are Chinese dogs, it often surprises them. The breed most likely began more than 2000 years ago, during the Han dynasty. Buddhist monks bred pugs as companions, and emperors and other members of the royal family kept pugs as cherished family members. Pugs are still the perfect family dog today because of their funny appearance and loving disposition.

Fun fact: "Multum in parvo" (meaning "much in little") is the Latin motto of the Pug, which perfectly captures the essence of this compact yet robust breed.

Whether they live in the country or in the city, with kids or seniors, as the only pet or with other four-legged people, pugs are always content. Due to their natural heat intolerance, pugs shouldn’t exercise in hot or muggy conditions.

Shih Tzu

• Height: 23 to 28 cm
• Weight: 4 to 7.3 kg
• Life expectancy: 10 to 18 years
• Average cost: $1,000 to $1,800

Around 1000 BC, this immensely popular little dog was bred in ancient China, where it was owned by royalty as a pet. The Lhasa Apso and the Pekingese were crossed in order to create the Shih Tzu.

The name Shih Tzu means "little lion" in literal terms. According to legend, Buddha owned a small Shih Tzu. One day, while on the road, robbers ambushed him with the goal of killing and robbing him. The small dog transformed into a massive lion to defend his owner, frightening the criminals away!

This cute dog’s mission in life is to be cute. It’s well known that Shih Tzus are particularly loving toward kids. Small dogs like these are ideal as pets if you live in an apartment or have a big backyard because they were bred to spend the majority of their days in royal palaces. Shih Tzus are the ideal furry companion because they get along well with both cats and other dogs.

Tibetan Terrier

• Height: 35.5 to 43.2 cm
• Weight: 8.2 to 13.6 kg
• Expected Life life: 15 to 16 years
• Average cost: $1,000 to $1,500

This Chinese dog, known as "the sacred dog of Tibet," has been connected to the Dalai Lama and historical Buddhist monasteries. It has performed a number of functions as a shepherd, companion, and security dog. thought to have started in Tibet’s Lost Valley.

Interesting fact: The Tibetan Terrier is not a true terrier. Travelers from Europe gave the breed its name because they thought it resembled European terriers a lot.

The Tibetan Terrier is thought to bring good fortune in Chinese culture. Naturally, the owner of one of these long-haired beauties feels fortunate, as they are a highly adaptive breed that works well in a family setting. Tibetan Terriers are great therapy dogs because they love interacting with people.

The Tibetan Terrier is an excellent choice for life in the snowy region because of its protective double fur and large, flat, round feet that can provide excellent traction, almost like snowshoes.

Tibetan Spaniel

• Height: 21 to 26 cm
• Weight: 4.1 to 6.8 kg
• Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
• Average cost: $1,500 to $3,500

Another extremely ancient Chinese dog breed that isn’t actually a spaniel is the Tibetan Spaniel! One of the greatest dogs for guarding Buddhist monasteries was the Tibetan Spaniel, which originated in the Himalayas approximately 2,500 years ago. The Tibetan Spaniel, despite its diminutive size, was a very good worker; when strangers approached, the dogs would sit high on the walls and bark loudly. Owing to its innate instinct to defend, the Tibetan Spaniel makes a great and diligent house protector.

Chinese dog breeds are distinctive and varied, mirroring China’s long history and rich culture. Every breed, from the energetic Pekingese to the devoted Shih Tzu, has unique qualities and charms of its own. This article explains the traits, maintenance requirements, and intriguing history of these adored canines, emphasizing why they are excellent companions for both individuals and families.

Tibetan Mastiff

• Height: 61 to 66 cm
• Weight: 32 to 68 kg
• Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years
• Average cost: $2,000 to $6,000

The belief held by many Tibetans is that Tibetan Mastiffs hold the souls of monks and nuns who either passed away or were reborn as humans. This Chinese dog, despite its impressive size, was mainly employed to protect the people living in the Himalayan villages. According to legend, the breed guarded both the Dalai Lama and Alexander the Great!

Interesting fact: In 2014, a Tibetan Mastiff sold for nearly $2 million, making it the most expensive dog ever.

The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the priciest dog breeds since it is frequently regarded as a status symbol in China. Tibetan Mastiffs have a thick double coat, but they don’t need as much maintenance as other breeds; however, they do have a significant shedding season in the spring or summer.

Taiwanese Dog

• Height: 43 to 52 cm
• Weight: 12 to 18 kg
• Life expectancy: 10 to 13 years
• Average cost: $3,000 to $4,000

Among the rarest dogs on our list is this one. Due to inadequate conservation efforts and the dog-eating culture that the Chinese Nationalist Party introduced in 1945, this Chinese dog breed was once in danger of going extinct. In order to protect the breed, purebred Taiwanese dogs are now uncommon and mostly restricted to Taiwan. On the other hand, markets are a free-for-all for many crossbreeds.

Chinese dog breeds provide an intriguing window into China’s rich past and vibrant present. Because every breed is different, they are all wonderful companions for dog lovers. These dogs, which range in size from the energetic Pekingese to the solemn Shih Tzu, have endearing personalities that suit a variety of lifestyles.

The various environments and customs of their respective regions are also reflected in these breeds. Numerous dogs were bred for particular purposes, such as hunting, guarding, or companionship, demonstrating the useful roles that dogs have played throughout history. These breeds are becoming more and more well-known worldwide as more people learn about them.

It’s critical to comprehend the unique needs and maintenance requirements of Chinese breeds if you’re thinking about bringing one into your home. These dogs can flourish and brighten your life if they receive the right care, training, and socialization. Bringing a Chinese dog breed into your home is like bringing a little bit of the past and culture inside.

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