Would you believe that some of the most popular breeds in America actually originated from China? Each Chinese breed, although similar in certain ways- such as having a flat face or blue tongue- has its own distinct identity. If you wish to own a dog, however, you should learn which breed may work well for you. Let’s shed light on the 6 special dog breeds from China.
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Pug, Small but cuddly friend
Very well-known for its flat face, short hair, and curly tail, the Pug is a popular Chinese breed. It’s because of their friendly and affectionate nature that these breeds used to be favorite pets among emperors in China. Sometimes, even soldiers were posted to guard them.
Being small and needing lesser exercise, pugs are perfectly suited for a person living in an apartment- just one light walk or a little indoor play and they feel fulfilled.
Their flat faces, however, predispose them to conditions like brachycephalic airway syndrome (breathing problems). So really, keeping their health fit is quite a key.
Chinese Crested A world apart from the ordinary
The origin of the Chinese Crested breed is a bit patchy but has gained fame in China. It is said that these dogs were actually used to chase rats away on Chinese merchant ships.
This breed falls into two categories.
Hairless (the body almost devoid of hair except for the head, tail, and feet)
Powderpuff (long and silky hair covers the entire body)
Their peculiarity is that both types of puppies could be born in the same litter, medium energy and highly friendly, making such a great option for children and the home.
Shih Tzu The Prince of Dogs
Shih Tzu translates as “lion,” and it is indeed a breed fully appropriate for royal heritage. When other Chinese dog breeds were gifted to foreign ambassadors, the Shih Tzus were raised within the court of emperors in China.
Shih Tzus are also friendly and easy to train, making them good candidates for first-time dog owners. Between the 9 and 16 pounds range on average, this breed can live for up to 18 years-a long durable life compared to others.
Chinese Shar Pei: The intelligent dog that has wrinkles
The Chinese SharnPei has a lot of loose skin, or folds, on its face, neck, and shoulders. The breed comes from southern parts of China, with a history of more than 2,000 years.
Like Chow Chow, it has similar features, like a blue-black tongue and self-confidence. Shar-Pei is intelligent but needs an experienced dog owner and positive training.
They do not have high energy needs; just two to three simple walks will do the trick.
Pekinese The Small Strong Protector
The Pekinese is a small, but sturdy dog having long and silky coat, a flat face, and sturdy body. This breed is so attached to their owner and it will not hide its feelings.
Pekingese were bred in ancient China small guard dogs, guarding palaces. This breed is excessively noisy and goes without a second thought.
Also, their flat noses can suffer in warding-off issues regarding respiration and they are intolerable to hot weathers especially during summer.
Chow Chow The Lion Like Big Dog
The chow chow is a large Chinese breed dog with a lion-like appearance. It has a thick skin mantle, like fur, around its neck and shoulders, which gives it a royal appearance. It is quite loyal to the family, yet does not show much attachment.
Chow chows do not like to hug, but they enjoy being around you. These dogs are known to be guards, hunters, and companions in China thousands of years ago.
They are somewhat self-reliant animals, and training them takes lots of patience and discipline.
Conclusion: What Chinese Breeds are Suitable for You?
Every breed has its own temperaments, sizes, energy levels, and needs in terms of care. If you are considering having a pet dog for the very first time, then a Shih Tzu or pug might be a better choice. With that said, if you want a challenge and you have experience, then self-reliant and intelligent dogs such as the Chow Chow or Shar-Pei may fit the bill.
Whichever of these breeds you choose, always ensure that their health, diet, exercise, and love needs are with utmost consideration. The right care will lead to a whole range of joys brought by these adorable ones into your life.
FAQs
Q1: Which dog breeds originated from China?
A: The top 6 dog breeds originated from China include – Pug, Chinese Crested, Shih Tzu, Shar-Pei, Pekingese and Chow Chow. All these breeds are known for their unique looks and temperament.
Q2: Does the Pug breed really come from China?
A: Yes, the Pug breed originated in ancient China. These dogs were much loved by the royal families of China and were sometimes even guarded by soldiers.
Q3: Is the Shih Tzu the right breed for children and new dog owners?
A: Absolutely, the Shih Tzu breed is very friendly, obedient and easy to train. This breed is a good choice for families living in smaller homes and new dog owners.