In many ways, China remains a land of mystery and great antiquity, so it is perhaps surprising to see so many familiar breeds on this list. Many of the world’s most popular toy and companion breeds originated from Chinese breeders, and demand continues to grow for several other dogs you will find on this page. Fittingly, however, there are also a number of very ancient breeds here, many descended from primitive landraces and feral populations.
Dog breeding standards are regulated in China by the China Kennel Union, established in 2006.
Table of Contents
Chinese Crested Dog
See: Other American dog breeds
Chongqing Dog
Size: Medium
Height: 35-45 cm (14-18 inches)
Weight: 15-25 kg (33-55 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and coarse; in black, red or brown
Life Expectancy: 13-15 years
Type: Mastiff
Personality
Otherwise known as an East Sichuan Hound, the distinctive Chongqing Dog is a confident, bold and playful dog. Traditionally bred as guard or hunting dogs, the muscular and strong Chongqing has a strong prey drive and a natural suspicion of strange people and other animals that can veer into aggression without proper training and socialisation. However, a well-adjusted Chongqing will make an excellent family pet, full of character and fun. They are very fond of children and will be extremely loyal to their owners, although they must be careful to guard against the Chongqing’s natural protective instincts from becoming a problem.
Chow Chow
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 43-56 cm (17-22 inches)
Weight: 16-41 kg (35-90 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Thick and coarse; in red, cinnamon, black, cream or white
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Type: Sled dog
Personality
The distinctively-maned Chow Chow is a peculiarly catlike dog, an independent soul who tends to be rather aloof and unsociable. They are a strong-willed dog with a low-maintenance personality but a rather complex temperament. However, with their human family they will be affectionate and extremely devoted, if a little domineering at times. Despite their eccentric and cuddly puffball appearance, however, Chow Chows can frequently prove aggressive towards other dogs so care needs to be taken to properly socialise this breed to make sure this doesn’t become an issue.
Kunming Dog
Size: Large
Height: 64-68 cm (25-27 inches)
Weight: 30-38 kg (66-84 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short double coat; in a mixture of grey, dark grey, black and yellow
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Type: Domesticated wild dog
Personality
Also known as a Kunming Wolfdog, the Kunming Dog is the only working dog breed to be developed in China to have gained international recognition. It was the result of the hybridisation of German Shepherds with feral or landrace dogs and wild wolves in the 1950s. Frequently employed by the police and military both in their country of origin and abroad, the Kunming Dog is in fact also a very good family pet – confident, intelligent and inquisitive, they are a quick to learn, easy-going and friendly breed. With proper training and socialisation, the only problem a Kunming Dog is likely to present to their owner is their insatiable desire for activity, be it in the form of exercise or having a task to complete.
Lhasa Apso
Size: Small
Height: 25-28 cm (10-11 inches)
Weight: 5-8 kg (11-18 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long, hard double coat; in black, brown, grizzle, grey, sandy or white, often particolour
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Type: Toy dog
Personality
The Lhasa Apso packs a lot of personality into a small body: happy, mischievous and playful, they are also extremely willful, independent and even occasionally fierce. While they are mainly now kept as lap dogs or companion animals, Lhasa Apsos were originally bred to be guard dogs and they retain their alert and suspicious nature. This said, they are also an intelligent breed who can be trained, although they may sometimes initially prove reluctant to follow new commands. Clownish or haughtily regal as they see fit, there will never be a dull day owning a Lhasa Apso!
Liangshan Dog
Size: Medium
Height: 35-50 cm (14-20 inches)
Weight: 14-21 kg (31-46 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and glossy; in black, red and yellow
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Scenthound/Domesticated wild dog
Personality
Also known as a Hushan Dog, Liangshan Dogs are fearless, tenacious and ferocious hunting dogs, prized for their ability to track wild boar in the mountains of southern China. Originally bred from feral dog populations, the Liangshan Dog is so specialised as a hunter that they are rarely kept for any other purpose. Indeed, many of this breed remain free-ranging animals largely left to fend for themselves.
Pekingese
Size: Very small
Height: 15-23 cm (6-9 inches)
Weight: 3-6.5 kg (7-14 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long; in cream, black, white, tan, black and tan or blue, with a black mask and muzzle
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Toy dog
Personality
One of the most popular breeds of toy dog in the world, the Pekingese is a friendly, outgoing and affectionate dog who forms very strong bonds with their human families. For centuries the favoured dog of Chinese Emperors, the Pekingese retain a regal and independent bearing which makes them far tougher and braver than their comical appearance would have you believe. Intelligent and alert, a Pekingese can also serve as a good watchdog thanks to a natural suspicion of strangers.
Pug
Size: Small
Height: 25-36 cm (10-14 inches)
Weight: 6-8 kg (14-18 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short, fine and glossy; in fawn and black with a black mask, ears and muzzle
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Toy dog
Personality
One of the most ubiquitous toy dog breeds in the world, the Pug makes an excellent family pet. They are laid-back, sociable and affectionate dogs who get along well with other dogs and children. However, these distinctive little dogs are also noted for their stubborn and willful streak which can make them a challenge to train. They are playful, smart and energetic companions, adaptable enough to thrive in almost any type or size of home. However, it is important to lavish enough time, praise and attention on your Pug, as they are easily distracted and prone to mischief.
Shar Pei
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 44-51 cm (17-20 inches)
Weight: 16-29 kg (35-64 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short, harsh and bristly; in any colour except white
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Type: Guard dog
Personality
Also known as a Chinese Fighting Dog, the Shar Pei comes in two distinct types: the smooth-skinned “bone-mouth” variety, today largely confined to its country of origin, and the unique deeply wrinkled “wrinkle mouth” variety which is far more familiar around the world. Originally bred as a guard dog, Shar Pei are strong, independent and loyal dogs who are devoted to their human families but aloof with unfamiliar people. While this breed generally requires little training, they are not recommended for novice owners: Shar Pei have been known to be aggressive without proper socialisation, while their characteristic wrinkled skin can present a unique challenge with regard to grooming and hygiene.
Shih Tzu
Size: Small
Height: 20-28 cm (8-11 inches)
Weight: 4-7.5 kg (9-17 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long and silky; in any colour, pattern or combination
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Type: Toy dog
Personality
Perky, lively and cheerful, the Shih Tzu is one of the world’s most popular toy dog breeds. They are friendly dogs, whose affection only tends to grow the longer their relationship persists. With their owners, Shih Tzu are noted for being velcro dogs, following their favoured person from room to room and never wanting to be apart. However, care still needs to be taken with this breed, particularly around other animals or younger children, as they can occasionally be a little feisty.
Taiwan Dog
Size: Medium
Height: 43-52 cm (17-20 inches)
Weight: 12-18 kg (26-40 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short and hard; in black, brown or dark yellow
Life Expectancy: 10-13 years
Type: Domesticated wild dog
Personality
Also known as a Formosan Mountain Dog, the Taiwan Dog is an alert, energetic and highly intelligent breed. Their heritage as feral animals makes them extremely eager and efficient hunters, whose fearlessness has also seen them widely employed as guard dogs. In the home, Taiwan Dogs make for affectionate, easily trainable and loyal pets but they are best recommended for active people who can make their pet a part of their day-to-day life, due to this breed’s near-insatiable desire for activity and adventure.
Tibetan Mastiff
Size: Large to Giant
Height: 61-66 cm (24-26 inches)
Weight: 34-68 kg (75-150 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Medium to long double coat; in black, black and tan, red or blue-grey with lighter coloured extremities
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Livestock Guardian
Personality
The imposing and watchful Tibetan Mastiff can be one of the most intimidating dog breeds, implacable and immovable guardians with a territorial nature that deters all but the most reckless interlopers. However, when these ancient dogs are kept as family pets, you will find a mellow, gentle and calm dog with a devotion to their family. Tibetan Mastiffs are very intelligent and highly sensitive dogs who are keenly attuned to judging human moods. Their natural stubborn streak and independent natures can make them challenging to train, with positive reinforcement very much the best method to use. These dogs are very much not recommended for inexperienced owners.
Tibetan Spaniel
Size: Small
Height: 25-26 cm (10 inches)
Weight: 4-7 kg (9-15 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Flat and silky double coat; in any colour, pattern or combination
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Toy dog
Personality
Happy, playful and alert, the diminutive Tibetan Spaniel is a devoted companion. They are bright dogs whose eagerness to please makes them relatively easy to train, and this breed often does well in dog agility and obedience. They are a sociable breed who love to spend time with their family, although they can be aloof around unfamiliar people. While they are usually happy to co-exist with other pets, Tibetan Spaniels should be supervised around younger children as they can be a rather assertive – although rarely aggressive – dog.
Tibetan Terrier
Size: Small/Medium
Height: 35-41 cm (14-16 inches)
Weight: 8-14 kg (18-30 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Long and shaggy; in any colour, pattern or combination
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Herding dog
Personality
The Tibetan Terrier is a characterful little dog that in many ways resembles a miniature Old English Sheepdog. They are happy, sociable and good-natured pets who are also very clever, alert and up for anything. While they are generally reserved with new people, Tibetan Terriers are extremely affectionate with those they know well. They are not a breed who does particularly well being left alone for extended periods, thriving on human company and plenty of regular activity. Their name is deceptive: a Tibetan Terrier is not a true terrier, it was instead named as such by European travellers due to their visual similarity to known terrier breeds at the time.
Xigou
Size: Medium/Large
Height: 60-78 cm (24-31 inches)
Weight: 20-30 kg (44-66 lbs)
Coat and Colour: Short to long; in any colour, pattern or combination
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Type: Sighthound
Personality
Otherwise known as a Chinese Hound or a Chinese Saluki, Xigou have much in common with greyhounds although are significantly more muscular in build. This ancient breed are tenacious hunters and spirited runners whose wariness of strangers makes them far more effective as guard dogs than many sighthound breeds. They are rather noble and independent-minded dogs who can be aloof with unfamiliar people but are very devoted to their owners. Xigou are very athletic dogs and require plenty of daily exercise in open spaces.