A Comprehensive Guide to Asian Dogs Breeds

Asian dogs have been a part of human history for thousands of years, with ancient breeds like the Chow Chow and Shih Tzu originating in China.

These breeds were often kept as companions for royalty and nobility, and were prized for their loyalty and affectionate nature.

In fact, the Chow Chow is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, with a history dating back over 2,000 years.

Many Asian dog breeds are also known for their unique physical characteristics, such as the Shar-Pei's wrinkled skin and the Japanese Akita's thick double coat.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Giant Asian Dog Breeds

Herding Breeds are known for their intelligence, athleticism, and strong work ethic, traits that make them excel at herding livestock. They're a popular choice among farmers and ranchers.

The Japanese Akita, for example, is a herding breed that originated in Japan and is known for its loyalty and protective nature. They were originally bred to hunt large game.

Some herding breeds, like the Shiba Inu, are also known for their independence and strong will, making them a challenge to train. However, with patience and consistency, they can learn to obey commands and work well with their owners.

Related reading: Herding Dog Breed

The Central Asian Shepherd is a remarkable breed with a rich history that spans over 5,000 years. They're believed to have evolved on their own, rather than being bred by humans.

These dogs are incredibly loyal and protective of their people, making them excellent guardians. They're also highly trainable and adaptable, which makes them a great fit for active families.

Central Asian Shepherds come in different sizes, colors, and temperaments, but they all share a strong instinct to guard and protect. They weigh between 88 to 110 pounds, which is quite impressive.

With early socialization and positive reinforcement training, these dogs can thrive in family life. They're calm, faithful, and loving companions, but don't let their gentle nature fool you - they're also fiercely courageous and confident.

The Shar Pei is a unique breed with a rich history dating back to 200 BC. They're known for their distinctive bristly coat and adorable wrinkles.

Their name, "sand skin", refers to their coat, which is coarse and rough like sandpaper. Shar Peis are also famous for their blue-black tongue, a rare feature in dogs.

This breed is strong and regal, making them great guardians. They're intelligent, loyal, and independent, but can be suspicious of strangers and other dogs.

Early training and socialization are crucial for Shar Peis, as they can be aggressive if they feel threatened. They're eager to play, but may not be suited for dog parks due to their bold and rare nature.

Their loving and bold personalities make them a great companion, but they do require attention and training to thrive.

The Korean Jindo is a remarkable breed that originated on Jindo Island, off the southwest coast of South Korea. It's a natural breed that developed over centuries, living with humans and honing its hunting skills.

This breed is intelligent, alert, brave, and loyal, making it an excellent watchdog. They're also good with families, but they do have a strong prey drive, so they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

The Korean Jindo is a medium-sized dog, weighing between 30-50 pounds and living up to 14-15 years. They're known for their gentle nature, which is a surprise given their hunting background.

Despite being a loyal breed, the Korean Jindo can be reserved around strangers, but they're always affectionate and devoted to their family. They're also known to return to their original home if transported elsewhere, highlighting their strong sense of loyalty.

Here are some key characteristics of the Korean Jindo breed:

Overall, the Korean Jindo is a unique and fascinating breed that's steeped in history and culture. If you're looking for a loyal companion that's also intelligent and active, the Korean Jindo may be the perfect breed for you.

Consider reading: Korean Dogs Breeds

The Thai Ridgeback is a fantastic herding breed that originated in Thailand almost 400 years ago. They're named after their distinctive coats and nationality.

These dogs are loving, intelligent, and muscular, requiring plenty of physical movement and mental stimulation. They thrive on exercise and can impress you with their agility and jumping skills.

Thai Ridgebacks are family-oriented, intelligent, and protective, making them great companions for families with children. They get along well with other pets and have short, dense fur that's easy to maintain.

Here are some key facts about the Thai Ridgeback breed:

Thai Ridgebacks are athletic dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They can jump extremely high, so be prepared for some impressive acrobatics.

Toy Breeds are a delight to have as pets, and some of the most popular ones come from Asia. The Shih Tzu, for example, is a small dog breed that originated thousands of years ago as a pet of Chinese royals.

These small dogs are known for being affectionate, playful, and outgoing. They are also great with children and other dogs, making them a wonderful addition to any family.

Shih Tzus are relatively small in size, weighing between 9-16 pounds, and have a long lifespan of 10-18 years.

Consider reading: What Are Small Breeds of Dogs

The Shih Tzu is a beloved toy breed that's been a favorite among royals and celebrities alike. Queen Elizabeth II and Miley Cyrus are just two famous owners of this adorable breed.

Shih Tzus are small dogs that weigh between 9-16 pounds and live for 10-18 years. They're perfect for small apartments and city life due to their tiny size.

These dogs are known for their playful and friendly temperament, but they can also be quite mischievous if ignored or left alone for too long. They love to be the center of attention!

Shih Tzus have a rich history that dates back over 1,000 years, with one theory suggesting they originated in Tibet to be small replicas of lions. They were also once the lap dogs of Chinese emperors.

Here are some key characteristics of the Shih Tzu breed:

Overall, the Shih Tzu is a loyal and loving companion that's perfect for families and individuals alike.

The Japanese Chin is a toy breed with a rich history. They originated in China but were brought to Japan to serve as companions to Japanese dignitaries.

These dogs have an "unmistakably Eastern look", as the AKC puts it. They're also connected to mysticism and the rites of ancient times.

Japanese Chins are perfect for mature pet parents who want a sweet, low-maintenance pup. They're skilled in Laptime 101 and Advanced Fluffy Dog Bed, and even passed Cat Tolerance Level 2.

Check this out: Japanese Dogs Breeds

The Philippine Aspin, also known as "Asong Pinoy", is a unique dog that thrives in the country's diverse environments.

They are highly adaptable and intelligent, making them a valued companion for many families. Their loyalty and protective instincts are legendary, often serving as guardians for their loved ones.

Aspins come in a variety of looks, but they commonly share traits such as a medium build and short coats. Their sturdy constitution allows them to survive the Philippines' challenging conditions.

Despite not being a traditional breed, Aspins are celebrated for their resilience and ability to thrive in different environments.

Guard Breeds are a must-have for any family looking for added security. The Tibetan Mastiff is a prime example, with a lifespan of 10-14 years and a temperament that's aloof, strong-willed, and stubborn.

These large dogs are perfect for standing guard, as they rarely bark and are agile enough to sneak up on intruders. Their dense fur coat also makes them well-suited for cold weather.

Here are some key characteristics of Guard Breeds:

The Tibetan Mastiff is a powerful and impressive breed, originating from the nomadic cultures of Tibet, China, Nepal, and India. They were bred to guard livestock from predators like wolves and leopards, and their incredible strength, bravery, and loyalty make them excellent guardians.

These dogs are known for their thick, long coats, which are well-suited to the harsh, cold climates of the Himalayan mountains. They're also nocturnal, with a deep bark and intimidating size that makes them a formidable presence.

The Tibetan Mastiff is a large breed, with males weighing in at almost 100 pounds. They're also quite agile and attentive, making them quick to sneak up on any intruders.

The AKC calls the Tibetan Mastiff "guardian dog supreme", and it's easy to see why. They're intelligent, strong-willed, and aloof with strangers, while being mellow with family around the house.

One of the most interesting things about the Tibetan Mastiff is its temperament. They're known to be affectionate with their families, but reserved around strangers. This makes them a great breed for families who want a loyal companion, but also need a dog that will protect their home.

Here are some key facts about the Tibetan Mastiff:

Overall, the Tibetan Mastiff is a breed that's steeped in history and tradition. They're a powerful and loyal companion, and with the right training and care, they can make a wonderful addition to any family.

The Formosan Mountain Dog is one of the most primitive dog breeds in the world. They began as hunting dogs in the mountains of Taiwan as many as 20,000 years ago.

Native Breeds are truly a treasure trove of diversity and uniqueness.

The Tibetan mastiff is one of the most ancient dog breeds, with some weighing a massive 150 pounds.

These massive dogs have been around for thousands of years, and their size and strength are just two of the many characteristics that set them apart.

The Lhasa Apso is an ancient breed that's been around for a thousand years. They originated in the Himalayas, where they served as watchdogs in palaces and Buddhist monasteries.

Lhasas are known for their silky long hair that sweeps along the floor, making them a beautiful and elegant breed. They are tiny watchdogs that weigh 12-18 pounds and live 12-15 years.

These small dogs are confident, smart, funny, exotic, and loving, making them great companions. They are also good at adapting to new situations, which is a great asset for any pet owner.

Lhasas were lap dogs for the Chinese emperor and Chinese royalty, and they are still highly valued for their watchdog abilities today. They are naturally wary of strangers and will bark to notify their guardians when someone approaches.

Many owners choose to give their Lhasas a short puppy clip cut, which saves time on bathing and brushing. This is a great option for busy owners who want to keep their Lhasa looking its best without too much hassle.

Expand your knowledge: Chinese Dogs Breeds

The Chippiparai is a sight-hound from India with a rich history.

They live 12-15 years and weigh 33-44 pounds, making them a robust breed that needs plenty of physical movement. Their independent nature means they don't do well being alone, so they thrive with people and companionship.

Chippiparai dogs are intelligent, loyal, and have a hunting dog background. They were favorites of the royals and are genetically linked with Egyptian breeds, Sloughi and Saluki.

These dogs are built for speed, with very long and narrow legs. They excel at hunting small games and get frequent work as a police dog.

Here are some key characteristics of the Chippiparai breed:

Chippiparai dogs are devoted to their masters and will often refuse to eat food from anyone else.

The Bangkaew is a unique breed that originated in Thailand around 100 years ago. It's believed to be a cross between a domestic Thai dog and the Asiatic wild jackal.

Bangkaews are part of the Spitz family and are known for their energetic, active, and intelligent nature. They can be stubborn at times, making them a bit challenging to train.

These dogs are bred to guard homes and are fiercely loyal, which makes them great watchdogs. They're also very popular in their homeland of Thailand, where they're renowned for their speed and hardiness.

Bangkaews typically weigh between 35-43 pounds and live for 14-17 years. They're relatively rare outside of Thailand, but their confident demeanor and strong loyalty make them a beloved breed among locals.

The Sapsali is a unique breed originating from Korea, and its long, shaggy coat is reminiscent of the English Sheepdog.

This breed is steeped in local folklore, with a popular Korean saying claiming that the Sapsali provides good fortune and drives out evil spirits.

Interestingly, the Sapsali's appearance is quite distinct from its origins, making it a fascinating breed to learn about.

The Jindo is a national treasure in South Korea, originating from Jindo Island off the southwest coast. It's a natural breed with great hunting skills.

This intelligent, alert, and brave dog is loyal and weighs between 30-50 pounds. They live to be 14-15 years old and are good watchdogs.

The Jindo has a gentle nature that's never aggressive towards humans or other dogs. They're extremely loyal and have been known to travel hundreds of miles to return to their original home.

Here are the Jindo's key characteristics:

The Jindo is a double-coated spitz-type dog with forward-pointing upright ears. They're considered a national monument in South Korea and are protected by law.

This breed is renowned for its exceptional loyalty, intelligence, and hunting abilities. They possess a strong prey drive, keen senses, and agility, making them an excellent hunter and guardian.

The Jindo's remarkable loyalty and intelligence secure its place among the top Asian dog breeds, symbolizing the enduring spirit of Korea.

The Tibetan Spaniel is a breed originating from the Himalayan mountains of Tibet. They're known for their intelligence and independence, making them a unique companion.

These dogs were bred by Tibetan monks to serve as companions and alarm dogs, not true spaniels as their name might suggest. They have a distinctive lion-like mane around their neck.

Tibetan Spaniels are small but confident dogs, often enjoying perching on high vantage points. This trait likely comes from their history of watching over monasteries.

Their loving and attentive nature makes them excellent companions. They embody the serene and spiritual heritage of Tibet.

The Tibetan Spaniel's unique blend of independence and loyalty makes them a cherished member of the Asian dog breeds.

For more insights, see: Tibetan Mastiff China

Spitz Breeds are a group of dog breeds that originated in the Arctic regions of Asia, known for their thick coats and wolf-like appearance. They are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of living situations.

One of the most distinctive features of Spitz Breeds is their unique coat, which can be either short or long and comes in a variety of colors including white, black, and gray. They are also known for their small to medium size and wedge-shaped heads.

Spitz Breeds are highly intelligent and energetic dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

The Akita Inu is a large breed from Northern Japan that can often exceed 90 pounds. They're known for their courageous and friendly nature, making them excellent family pets.

Akitas were originally bred to guard royalty and nobility in feudal Japan, and even competed in dogfighting. Today, they're mostly used as companions or working dogs for sled and cart pulling.

They have webbed toes to help them walk on snow, distributing their weight more evenly. Their front dew claws also function as ice picks, helping them climb out of icy water.

Akitas typically live between 10-14 years, and are strong-willed dogs that need consistent training. They're also known for their thick double coats, which allow them to withstand cold climates.

Here's a brief summary of their key characteristics:

They're also known for their noble and intimidating presence, making them excellent family protectors.

The Japanese Spitz is a friendly and loyal breed that's great with kids and other dogs. They're also very trainable, making them a joy to have around.

They're believed to have descended from white German Spitz brought to Japan around 1920 from Siberia and China. Unfortunately, breeding records from that time were lost in World War II.

Japanese Spitz are known for being brave guard dogs with no fear for their own safety, which is quite impressive. They're also very alert, always keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.

These dogs are relatively small, weighing between 10-25 pounds and living up to 10-14 years. They're an energetic breed that loves to stay active, so be prepared for daily interactive games.

Despite their small size, Japanese Spitz are smart and agile, making them a fun and entertaining breed to have around. They're often nicknamed "cloud dog" due to their white coat and lively personality.