Discover Chinese Guard Dogs: Breeds, History, and Care

Chinese guard dogs have been around for thousands of years, with records of their existence dating back to the Han Dynasty in 206 BCE. They were initially bred to protect imperial palaces and guard the emperor's family.

These dogs were highly valued for their loyalty and bravery, earning them a special place in Chinese culture. In fact, some breeds were even considered sacred animals.

The Chinese guard dog breeds we know today are descended from these ancient dogs, with many still retaining their original characteristics. One such breed is the Chow Chow, which has been a popular companion dog for centuries.

The Chow Chow's thick coat and broad face are just a few of the physical features that make it well-suited to guarding. Its independent nature also means it can be wary of strangers, making it a natural watchdog.

Consider reading: Are Chow Chows Good Guard Dogs

The Chongqing dog, a breed from China, is known for its hunting abilities and has been guarding its humans for 2,000 years. They are a natural breed occurring in East Sichuan and were bred solely for their working capabilities.

Their loyalty is unmatched, and they've been depicted in ancient art, with broken pottery figures of the Chongqing dog found in a Western Han Dynasty graveyard in Chongqing. These statues were placed in family tombs to provide spiritual protection to the dearly departed.

The Chongqing dog's role as a guard dog is well-documented, and they're also known for their intelligence and curious nature. They're a rare breed, but one that's steeped in history and tradition.

Here are some key characteristics of Chinese guard dogs:

The Kunming Wolfdog, also known as the 'Chinese German Shepherd,' is a rare breed that's often misunderstood.

This wolf-hybrid was created in the 1950s by mixing wolfdogs with shepherds, which explains its striking resemblance to German Shepherds.

Taller and shorter in coat than German Shepherds, the Kunming Wolfdog has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other breeds.

Officially recognized in China in 1988, the Kunming Wolfdog has a rich history as a military working dog.

With its intelligent and curious nature, it's no wonder this breed has also been used for police duty.

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The Tibetan Mastiff is a Chinese dog breed that's been around for centuries. Written accounts mention a large dog as early as 1100 BC.

These dogs are known for being great guardians of livestock or the home. They're also highly prized.

Last year, a golden-haired Tibetan Mastiff puppy was sold for $2 million in China.

Expand your knowledge: Tibetan Mastiff Russian Guard Dog

The Chinese Shar-Pei is an exceptional breed, and I'm excited to share some of its highlights with you. One of the most distinctive features of the Chinese Shar-Pei is their wrinkled skin, which is especially noticeable in puppies.

Their face is often described as "hippopotamus-like" due to the deep-set wrinkles and fleshy muzzle. This unique appearance is not just for show, but also served a functional purpose in their original role as hunting dogs.

Shar-Peis are one of the few breeds with a solid blue-black tongue, a trait they share with the Chow Chow. This is just one of the many characteristics that set them apart from other breeds.

Their coat can be either "horse-coat" (short and bristly) or "brush-coat" (slightly longer and smoother), making them a versatile choice for dog owners.

Shar-Peis are known for their loyalty and protective instincts, making them excellent guard dogs and devoted companions. They can be somewhat aloof with strangers, so early socialization is crucial to ensure they're well-behaved around unfamiliar people and animals.

Here are some key characteristics of the Chinese Shar-Pei breed:

Overall, the Chinese Shar-Pei is a unique and loving breed that can make a wonderful companion for the right owner.

Fu Dogs are a common sight in Chinese culture, and for good reason - they're believed to bring prosperity and good fortune.

They're also known as Foo Dogs or Lion Dogs, and are often depicted as a pair standing guard at entrances.

One way to tell if a Fu Dog is male or female is by looking at its paw - females often have a puppy under a lifted paw, while males have a brocade ball.

These guardian dogs have their roots in Indian culture, particularly in Buddhist symbolism, which was introduced to China through traders and priests.

The first recorded use of Fu Dogs in China dates back to around 200 BC, where they were used as protectors of dharma.

Over time, Chinese sculptors modeled statues of these dogs after native Chinese dogs, but with a twist - they were transformed into lions, which were not native to China, to reflect the dignity of an emperor.

In Chinese, these statues are known as Rui Shi or Shi, meaning auspicious lions.

The Shar-Pei is an alert and independent dog. He's extremely devoted to his family, but aloof with people he doesn’t know.

This breed is known to enjoy the companionship of people more than dogs, and he likes to be with his owner all the time. He's a calm and confident dog, and he develops an intuitive understanding of his owner or family.

He's protective of his family and makes for an excellent guard dog, responding to threats. However, due to his history as a pit-fighting dog, he can be aggressive toward other canines.

Related reading: Dog Resource Guarding Owner

The Chongqing dog is a fascinating breed that's closely related to the Chinese Shar-Pei. They're believed to be the predecessor of the Shar-Pei.

These dogs were bred solely for their working capabilities, making them excellent scent hounds with impressive hunting abilities. They've been guarding their humans for 2,000 years, providing spiritual protection to their families.

A graveyard discovered in the Jiangbei region of Chongqing in April 2000 revealed broken pottery figures of the loyal Chongqing dog, which were placed in family tombs to ensure protection for the dearly departed.

The Chinese Shar-Pei originated in the southern provinces of China, valued as a hunter, herder, guardian, and fighter.

Some historians believe the Shar-Pei is an ancient breed, though there is no definitive evidence to prove this.

Statues from the Han Dynasty (200 B.C.) resemble the Shar-Pei, but also look like the Chow and Pug.

The creation of the People’s Republic of China led to a nearly wiped-out dog population in the country.

A few Shar-Peis were bred in Hong Kong and Taiwan, thanks to the efforts of Matgo Law, who kept the breed from extinction.

In 1973, a small number of Shar-Peis were brought to the United States.

The first National Specialty show was held in 1978.

The Shar-Pei was accepted in the American Kennel Club Miscellaneous Class in 1988.

The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1991 as a member of the Non-Sporting Group.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is a medium-sized dog breed.

Both males and females typically have a height ranging from 18 to 20 inches.

They weigh between 40 and 55 pounds, which is a relatively compact build for their sturdy appearance.

Their size makes them suitable for living in apartments or homes with small yards.

The Shar-Pei is an alert and independent dog. He's extremely devoted to his family, but aloof with people he doesn’t know.

The Shar-Pei enjoys the companionship of people more than dogs and likes to be with his owner all the time. This makes him a great companion for those who want a loyal friend.

He's a calm and confident dog, and he seems to develop an intuitive understanding of his owner or family. This understanding helps him respond to their needs and emotions.

As devoted as he is, the Shar-Pei is also independent and strong-willed. He's protective of his family, making for an excellent guard dog.

Because he once was used as a pit-fighting dog, he can be aggressive toward other canines. Early socialization is crucial to help him become a well-rounded dog.

Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start to socialization. Inviting visitors over regularly and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and on leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills.

Feeding your Chinese Shar-Pei is a crucial aspect of their care. A highly active dog will need more food than a less active one.

Dogs are individuals, just like people, and they don't all need the same amount of food. The quality of dog food you buy also makes a difference - the better the dog food, the further it will go toward nourishing your dog.

You'll need to consider your Shar-Pei's size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level when determining how much food they need. A couch potato dog will need less food than a highly active dog.

For more on feeding your Shar-Pei, you can check out our guidelines for buying the right food and feeding your puppy and adult dog.