Exploring the Most Popular Chinese Dog Breeds
China's rich history with dogs stretches back thousands of years. Throughout dynasties and cultural shifts, canines have been companions to emperors, monks, hunters, and families. The country's vast geography and diverse cultures have given rise to a remarkable variety of dog breeds—each with its own story, appearance, and temperament.
Pug: The Royal Companion
The Pug is one of China's oldest breeds, believed to have originated around 400 B.C. These small dogs were cherished by Buddhist monks and Chinese royalty alike. Their signature flat faces, curled tails, and affectionate personalities made them ideal lap dogs for palace life. Pugs are sociable and adapt well to apartment living due to their compact size. However, their flat noses can lead to breathing issues that owners should monitor.
Pekingese: The Lion Dog
Bred exclusively for Chinese royalty, the Pekingese earned its nickname "lion dog" thanks to its long mane-like coat and regal bearing. With a proud demeanor and stubborn streak, these small dogs are fiercely loyal and intelligent. They were once so prized that commoners could be punished for owning one without imperial permission.
Shih Tzu: The Little Lion
The name Shih Tzu literally means "lion dog" in Chinese. Developed as a companion for nobility, Shih Tzus are playful lap dogs with hypoallergenic coats—making them great for people with allergies. They're intelligent and affectionate but may display an independent streak from time to time.
Chinese Shar-Pei: The Wrinkled Guardian
The Shar-Pei stands out thanks to its deep wrinkles and blue-black tongue. Originating over 2,000 years ago in southern China, this breed was used for hunting and guarding property. Shar-Peis are devoted but reserved; they require early socialization and experienced handling due to their independent nature. The breed nearly vanished in the 20th century but has since recovered.
Chow Chow: The Ancient Protector
The Chow Chow, documented as far back as 206 B.C., is famous for its lion-like mane, deep-set eyes, thick coat (either rough or smooth), and distinctive blue-black tongue. Originally bred for hunting and guarding homes or temples, Chow Chows are loyal but often aloof with strangers—bonding closely with their families instead.
Chinese Crested: The Unique Toy Breed
The Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: hairless (with tufts on head, feet, tail) or powderpuff (with a full soft coat). While their precise origins remain debated, Chinese sailors made them famous as ratters on ships. Cresteds are friendly, playful companions who need moderate grooming based on their coat type.
Lesser-Known Native Breeds
- Kunming Wolfdog: Developed in the 1950s by crossing local dogs with wolves and German Shepherds; used by police/military.
- Xiasi Quan: A lean hunting/guard dog from Guizhou province with a wiry white coat; considered lucky locally.
- Chongqing Dog: Ancient guardian breed from Sichuan; recognized by its wrinkled face and bamboo-like tail.
- Tang Dog: Possibly China's first domesticated breed; popular during the Tang Dynasty.
- Lhasa Apso & Tibetan Breeds: Though Tibetan in origin (now part of China), these include sentinel Lhasa Apsos, alert Tibetan Spaniels/ Terriers, and powerful Tibetan Mastiffs—each bred for specific roles in monasteries or herding/guarding livestock.
- Formosan Mountain Dog: From Taiwan's mountains; adaptable hunters/guardians with short coats.
- Japanese Chin: Believed to have originated in China before becoming associated with Japanese royalty; known for cat-like grace.
- Xiasi Quan & Xi Gou: Rare regional breeds used historically for hunting or as sighthounds.
- Laizhou Red: Modern working dog developed for strength/stamina in China.
The Modern Scene: Popularity Today in China
The landscape of dog ownership has changed rapidly in modern China. Urbanization means many people prefer smaller breeds that suit apartment living—and local regulations often restrict larger or "aggressive" types. While traditional breeds like Pekingese have become rarer (sometimes overshadowed by imported breeds), others remain symbols of heritage.
- Poodles ('贵宾犬'/'泰迪犬'): Extremely popular due to intelligence/easy grooming/adaptability.
- Bichon Frise ('比熊'): Loved for fluffy white coats/friendly nature.
- Corgi ('柯基'): Adored for expressive faces/short legs/playful attitude.
- Maltese/Chihuahua/Pomeranian: Favored foreign toy breeds perfect for city apartments.
- Labrador Retriever/Samoyed: Well-liked where space allows larger pets.
- Tugou (Chinese Field Dog): Native mixed-breed dogs found throughout rural areas.
- Siberian Husky/Alaskan Malamute: Popular among younger owners despite size restrictions in some cities.
Poodles top popularity charts thanks to their adaptability—many urban pet owners refer affectionately to them as "Teddy Dogs." Meanwhile Bichons' cheerful personalities make them favorites among families seeking gentle companions. Corgis' quirky looks have earned them celebrity status online. Larger breeds like Golden Retrievers remain common where space permits but face more restrictions than smaller types.
Cultural Significance & Modern Trends
Dogs continue to play important roles as companions—and sometimes status symbols—in contemporary Chinese society. Legal restrictions shape which breeds thrive; small size is often key due to urban living constraints.
- Pekingese remains an iconic symbol despite declining numbers among pet owners today.
- Toy/small breeds dominate city life due to practical considerations.
No matter the era or region—from ancient palaces to bustling metropolises—China's beloved dog breeds reflect both tradition and adaptation through centuries of change.
