All dogs are descended from the same breed: Canis lupus familiaris. However, over time, humans were able to domesticate dogs to have different physical features and temperaments. Today, there are around 360 officially recognized dog breeds, which come from all over the world. In this article, we’re going to look at some of the dog breeds that originated from China. Chinese dog breeds come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities. And if you’re looking for a canine, read on to find out which Chinese dog is right for you!
Chinese Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei is a medium-sized dog that is covered in velvety wrinkles all over its body- even including its face! Today, Shar-pei dogs are known for their calm, sweet, and loyal dispositions. However, they were first bred as a Chinese fighting dog breed.
The breed originated over 2,000 years ago, specifically for both hunting and the cruel sport of dogfighting. Today, with proper training, a Shar-Pei will make a sweet yet fiercely loyal companion.
Chinese Crested Dog
This Chinese crested breed is a tiny and adorable dog. Most of its body is completely hairless, except for long tufts of fur that crest its face, as well as the fur on its paws and the end of its tail. This is a fun and playful breed that will keep you entertained for many long years. It is believed that the original descendants of the Chinese Crested Dog were from Africa or even Mexico.
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is an ancient breed that originated in China between 2,000 and 3,000 years ago. It has a distinctive wrinkly face and a fluffy coat. The Chow Chow is one of the few dogs with purple tongues.
This is such a distinctive feature for Chow Chows that it is even required in any Chow Chow who is competing in a show. While they take a while to warm up to strangers, Chow Chows are devoted and loving to their owners.
Japanese Chin
Despite its name, the Japanese Chin is a Chinese dog breed, as well. This toy-sized breed was used as a companion in the imperial courts of China and Japan. Due to their royal heritage, Japanese Chin are elegant and calm little creatures, and they make wonderful lapdogs.
Kunming Wolfdog
The Kunming Wolfdog looks similar to a German Shepherd, and they were bred in China to work alongside the police and military. They have distinctive pointed ears and a long, narrow muzzle. They are large, powerful, and muscular, and they make wonderful guard dogs. This is a highly intelligent breed, and as a result, they require a lot of training.
Pekingese
The Pekingese, also known as the Chinese lion dog, is a tiny little breed with long, fluffy hair. Similar to the Japanese Chin, they were bred as lapdogs for the emperors of China. This is a calm and elegant breed, but they certainly haven’t forgotten their royal heritage! They are opinionated little dogs with an independent streak.
Pug
Pugs are famous for their flat, wrinkly faces and their short, curly tails. This is yet another breed whose origins began as lapdogs for the emperors of China some 2,000 years ago. This is a charming and playful breed that is well-suited to life in an apartment.
Tugou
The name “Tugou” literally translates to “Native Dog” in Chinese. Tugou dogs include several different similar dog breeds that are common across China. Usually, the term Tugou refers to the Chinese Field Dog, the Chinese Chongqing Dog, or the Xiasi Dog. These breeds are all medium in size and native to China.
Shih Tzu
This small, fluffy Chinese dog breed is a popular dog in many households. This royal breed was kept safe in the palaces of Chinese emperors until the 1930’s when they were traded to the rest of the world. Nowadays, a Shih Tzu is easy to find, and this breed makes a charming and playful little companion.
Chinese Chongqing Dog
The Chinese Chongqing Dog is likely the rarest of the Chinese dog breeds on this list. The breed took a devastating impact during the SARS outbreak, and conservation efforts are being made to preserve the breed. If you are lucky enough to find a Chinese Chongqing Dog, it will make a fiercely loyal companion.
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