Chongqing (Chinese bulldog)

The rare and ancient Chinese bulldog, or Chongqing dog, is a breed that originated in the country’s mountains. This breed stands out from others due to its striking appearance, muscular build, and strong, loyal nature.

In spite of its lack of popularity outside of China, the Chongqing dog has a rich history. Its natural instincts for protection are strong because it was bred for hunting and guarding. This breed is renowned for developing close relationships with its family and for being wary of strangers.

The short hair, wrinkly face, and robust build of Chongqing dogs make them resemble bulldogs. They do, however, possess some distinctive qualities of their own, such as a high degree of intelligence and a composed yet assured manner. The Chongqing might be a wonderful choice if you’re searching for a dog that can serve as a dependable protector in addition to a devoted friend.

Brief Historical Background of the Chongqing Breed.

The Chongqing is regarded as an extremely old breed. The breed is thought to have originated in the Chongqing and Sichuan regions of southwest China. It was probably a hunting dog and guard dog. This dog’s likeness was found in figurines found in a Han Dynasty tomb discovered in 2000.

The Chongqing is also known as the bamboo rat and the hunting dog of Eastern Sichuan. The term "bamboo" refers to the peculiar and unusual tail of this species, which is thin, straight, and nearly bald, much like a stick.

Not only could Chongqings hunt small game, but also large and dangerous animals like wild boars. In addition to guarding homes and herding cattle, these dogs, regrettably, provided meat.

The Chinese Communist Party’s view of domestic dogs as "a symbol of decadence and criminal wastefulness during food shortages" caused the breed to lose significant popularity. This view resulted in a total ban on pet ownership and the mass eradication of the breed’s members. Only isolated and ungoverned mountainous regions managed to preserve the breed. Because it was categorized as a working (agricultural – edible) animal, it was not totally destroyed. After the ban was lifted in the late 1980s, some thirty years later, Chongqing’s popularity increased.

Regrettably, the 2003 atypical pneumonia outbreak in China dealt a second fatal blow to this breed. Dog deaths were widespread, and the population of dogs fell precipitously. Active efforts to increase the number of dogs of this breed were resumed after the disease’s threat was removed. Although Chinese Chongqing dogs are now extremely rare, their popularity is rising as a result of a rise in interest in regional breeds across the country.

Chongqing: Description. Appearance and character.

There are three sizes available for Chongqing dogs: small, medium, and large. In addition, the fourth type—which falls somewhere between the "average" and "large" types—should be the so-called "ideal" type that breeders aim to bring about.

Height (cm)		Weight (kg)
male	female	male	female
small	< 35	< 30	< 14	< 12
medium	35-45	30-40	14-25	12-20
large	> 45	>40	>25	>20

The breed has a single standard in spite of this height-based division of dogs.

In China, Chongqing, also called the East Sichuan Hound, are medium-sized dogs with erect tails that resemble bamboo shoots, naturally erect ears, and a compact, muscular build. They are temperamental, self-assured, and have a firm yet friendly demeanor. Their keen sense of hunting sets them apart.

These are happy, creative family canines. Chongqings adore kids. They smell very well and have a strong prey instinct. They have a lengthy lifespan—up to 15 years or longer.

Put the picture together game

Pros and cons.

Pros

• Small, easy to care for, since the coat is short, without undercoat.
• Unique appearance
• An excellent guard – will warn you about a stranger approaching the house.
• This strong dog will be an excellent companion for long walks.

Cons

• Short sparse hair – the dog will freeze in winter during long walks.
• Somewhat willful and stubborn. Not the easiest breed to train.
• Distrustful of strangers, can be aggressive.
• Former hunter, and therefore can mistake small pets for prey.
• Chongqing is a rare but increasingly popular breed. Difficult to choose a breeder.
• Physically strong, with a pronounced territorial character, often dominant, prone to aggression. Not recommended for a novice owner.

The Chongqing dog, also known as the Chinese bulldog, is a rare and historic breed with a compact, muscular build and a loyal, protective personality. These dogs, who have a close relationship with their family, make good watchdogs and are gentle and loving when they are at home. They require frequent exercise and do well in active homes, but they are relatively easy to train due to their independent and perceptive nature. Dog lovers are beginning to recognize the Chongqing’s distinct combination of toughness and devotion, even though they are still uncommon outside of China.

Breed standard.

The page that lists the most important cynological terms and concepts also contains information on what the breed standard is.

Family and companion dogs.

A succinct historical résumé

The history of this breed dates back to the Western Han dynasty, whose age is calculated for two millennia (202 BC.e. – 8 years n.e.). On April 20, 2000, in the Jianbay area in Chunzin, archaeologists discovered a huge cemetery of the West Han dynasty, where a large number of clay figures of dogs were found. Some of them performed the functions of protectors who accompanied the noble family from the place of burial to the afterlife. In ancient Chunchin, such dogs are most widespread. It is from them that native rocks, united by the general name Chuncin, from the neighboring regions of Daju, Hechuan, Yunchuan, Linshui, Guanan. All of them were bred for use in hunting in the mountains of the eastern part of Sichuan Province. As a result of the urbanization process, the main purpose of Chongqing dogs was lost and the population decreased sharply. Only in the 70s of the last century, effective measures were taken to restore the breed. In Chongqing, these dogs again gained popularity as representatives of a utility breed.

This breed is characterized by loyalty, intelligence, bravery, and agility. Chongqing is a square-framed, medium-sized dog with strong, well-developed muscles for its height. The hair on the body is coarse and short. Extremely sparse hair forms a strip up to 3 cm wide on both sides of the spine, extending from the withers along the top line to the croup, hips, and tail, from the base to the very tip.

Chongqing is a fearless, muscular, determined, and agile guardian of family and property. It was used for hunting in the past.

• The length of the skull relates to the length of the muzzle as 2:1.
• The height at the elbow is approximately equal to half the height at the withers.
• Females are more elongated than males.

The muzzle ought to be as robustly developed and broad as feasible. It is typical for the muzzle to have a dark mask that contrasts sharply with the color of the head.

• CRANIAL REGION:

• Skull: Flat between the ears. The upper part of the skull is square. Forehead usually wrinkled.
• Transition from forehead to muzzle: Well defined.
• Forehead: Forms a clear transition to the bridge of the nose. The folds of skin on the skull are loose and thin, not overly developed.

• Nose lobe: Black, with wide open large nostrils, in no case liver, red or brown.
• Muzzle: With strongly developed jaws, square in shape, noticeably shorter than the skull. Wide from the base to the tip of the nose, not narrowed, with moderately developed flews. In profile, the lines of the muzzle form a very obtuse angle.
• Mouth: The most preferable color is bluish-black tongue, flews, gums and palate. Spotted tongue is allowed. A completely pink tongue is highly undesirable.
• Lips: Close fitting, well pigmented.
• Jaws/Teeth: Jaws strongly developed, square in shape, with an undershot bite. An undershot bite of more than 5 mm is undesirable.
• Cheeks: Prominent due to strongly developed chewing muscles.

Strong, medium-length, and well-connected to the limbs’ shoulder girdle.

• Body slightly longer than the height at the withers. Moderately developed folds of skin in the withers area.
• Topline: Sloping slightly towards the withers, rising to the highest point of the croup.
• Loin: Strong, broad, slightly convex.
• Crop: Moderately sloping.
• Chest: Broad, prominent in front and deep, reaching the level of the elbows. Chest depth equal to half the height at the withers. Distinctly let down between the forelegs.
• Underline and belly: Without excessive tuck-up.

Straight, high-set, and carried high. Medium in length, with a rounded cross section and a tapering end to tip.

• FRONT LIMBS:
• Shoulder blades: Well -fed back, not overloaded with muscles.
• Elbows: Durable, not deployed either inward or out.
• Forearm: Straight, set vertically under the dog’s body, thorough, round in cross section, do not narrow in the direction of the paws.
• Heels: short, slightly inclined.
• Hind limbs:
• Hips: Well developed, with strong muscles.
• Knee joints: Well formed.
• Hocks: Firm, well laid back, parallel.
• Forefeet and Hindfeet: Strong and firm. Close, with firm pads. Not hare-like. With short nails.

Dynamic and practical; free and having a good reach in front; parallel and straight at the back. The front legs should be raking, tied, or braided, while the rear legs should not be narrow.

Black and red in a range of tones from dark to light.

Coat: Very coarse, short, and shows no signs of undercoat.

For men, 40–45 cm is the ideal growth, and for women, 35–40 cm.

Any departure from the aforementioned guidelines should be viewed as a disadvantage, the severity of which should be evaluated in strict accordance with the effect it will have on the dog’s health and well-being as well as its potential for traditional use.

• Snacking more than 5 mm;
• Visible teeth of the lower jaw with a closed mouth.

• Aggressiveness or excessive timidity;
• Any dog ​​clearly showing physical or behavioral deviations.

Characteristic	Description
Origin	China
Size	Medium
Coat	Short and smooth
Temperament	Loyal, protective, confident
Exercise needs	Moderate
Lifespan	12-15 years
Training	Requires consistent training
Good with families	Yes, but supervision with small children
Common health issues	Skin and joint problems

Chinese bulldogs, also known as Chongqing dogs, are uncommon and devoted friends with a long history in China. In addition to having a powerful, muscular physique, this breed is renowned for its intense loyalty and protectiveness toward family.

The Chongqing dog is gentle and loving toward those it loves, despite its rugged exterior. This breed can be a wonderful addition to the right home because it thrives on company.

If you’re looking for a rare, intelligent, and courageous dog, the Chongqing might just be the perfect match for you.

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