Let's explore the fascinating world of giant Asian dog breeds! The Korean Mastiff, also known as the Doberman Pinscher's cousin, is a gentle giant from South Korea, weighing up to 230 pounds.
Originating from China, the Chow Chow is an ancient breed that's been around for over 2,000 years. This fluffy giant can weigh up to 75 pounds and has a lifespan of 12-15 years.
In Japan, the Japanese Tosa is a powerful breed known for its strength and agility. Weighing up to 220 pounds, this breed is a rare sight, with only a few hundred registered worldwide.
The Tibetan Mastiff is a majestic breed from the Himalayas, weighing up to 160 pounds and standing at an impressive 26 inches tall.
Take a look at this: Tibetan Mastiff China
Giant Asian Dog Breeds
The Tibetan Mastiff is exceptionally strong and highly intelligent, but also extremely stubborn. They're traditionally used to guard livestock grazing in the mountains and as personal watchdogs.
The Akita Inu is a large and powerful breed that hails from the mountainous regions of Japan, originally bred for hunting. They possess a strong, independent, and loyal nature, making them excellent family protectors.
These breeds are known for their impressive size and strength, but also for their loyalty and intelligence. The Tibetan Mastiff, for example, is said to contain the souls of monks who did not live a good enough life to be reincarnated as humans.
Akita Inu
The Akita Inu is a large and powerful breed that hails from the mountainous regions of Japan.
They were initially bred for hunting and were also used as a fighting dog during the 1600s.
The Akita Inu has a history that dates back to the 17th century, where they were originally bred for hunting large game such as bears.
Their thick double coats allow them to withstand cold climates, reflecting their adaptability to the rugged terrain of the Akita region from which they hail.
The Akita Inu possesses a strong, independent, and loyal nature, making them excellent family protectors.
Akitas are known for their noble and intimidating presence, and their dignified demeanor has made them revered not only in Japan but around the world.
Their profound sense of loyalty, combined with their physical prowess, makes the Akita Inu a remarkable representation of Asian dog breeds.
Akitas have webbed toes to help even out their weight when walking on snow, and their front dew claws function like ice picks.
They are one of the wolf-dog breeds, and their strong bite force makes them an excellent guard dog.
There are two separate varieties of Akita: the Akita Inu or Japanese Akita, and the American strain known simply as the Akita or American Akita.
In all countries except the United States, the two strains are considered different breeds, while in the United States, they are officially considered the same breed with differences in type.
The Akita Inu is a beautiful, large breed of dog that hails from the remote mountainous regions of Japan, bred for hunting and often seen as aloof to strangers, but affectionate to families.
Akitas have a thick double-coat similar to many other spitz breeds, including the Siberian Husky.
They were originally bred to guard the imperials and later were used to hunt and as a fighting dog, showcasing their versatility and strength.
Tibetan Mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a breed that's steeped in history and mystique. They originated from Tibet, China, Nepal, and India, where they were bred to guard livestock from predators like wolves and leopards.
These dogs are incredibly strong, brave, and loyal, making them excellent guardians. Their thick, long coats are well-suited to the harsh, cold climates of the Himalayan mountains.
Tibetan Mastiffs are known for their nocturnal nature, deep bark, and intimidating size, which can be a bit intimidating at first. However, they're also affectionate with their families and reserved around strangers.
You'll need to invest in some dog brushes to keep their thick coats looking their best. Their double coat can be medium to lengthy and come in a range of hues, including solid black, black and tan, and red.
Tibetan Mastiffs were initially used to guard Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and monks from creatures like bears, wolves, and snow leopards. They're truly a breed with a noble demeanor.
In the late 1950s, two Tibetan mastiffs were sent to the United States as a gift to the U.S. President, but unfortunately, they vanished from the public eye.
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Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is a beloved Asian dog breed that originated from northern China. They're known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a lion-like or teddy bear-like appearance.
Their downy coats are a key feature, making them look and feel soft to the touch. They also have a square profile and a bluish-black tongue, which is quite unique.
These dogs are popular worldwide, and their Chinese name, "Songshi-Quan", translates to "puffy lion dog", which suits them perfectly.
In terms of temperament, Chow Chows can be more tolerant and gentle, making them potentially well-suited for families with children and other pets.
Kunming Dog
The Kunming Dog is a working dog breed that was created in Kunming, China, in the 1950s from the crossbreeding of native dogs with Alsatians.
They are exceptionally bright, assured, confident, fun, enthusiastic, and inquisitive, making them a joy to be around.
Their coats can be any colour from deep rust to white to light tan, and they have pointed ears, a robust build, and shorter fur that is thick in hue.
The Kunming Dog is similar in appearance to the German Shepherd but stands taller in the back.
In its country of origin, the police and military utilise the Kunming Dog often, and it has been exported to many other nations.
It gained breed status in 2007 and is also known by other names such as Kunming Wolfdog and Chinese Wolfdog.
A Footnote
As I was researching Giant Asian Dog Breeds, I stumbled upon some smaller but equally fascinating breeds that are worth mentioning.
The Oriental Dog Breeds are indeed a great selection, but I've found that they're often overlooked in favor of their larger cousins.
These smaller breeds are perfect for city living, as they require less space and exercise.
The article highlights a small but great selection of Asian dog breeds, and I think they're definitely worth a closer look.
Some of these breeds, like the ones mentioned, are ideal for first-time dog owners due to their relatively small size and gentle nature.
Other Large Breeds
The Korean Mastiff, a gentle giant, can weigh up to 230 pounds and stand as tall as 30 inches at the shoulder. This massive dog breed requires regular exercise to stay healthy.
The Japanese Tosa Inu is another large breed that can grow up to 24 inches tall and weigh as much as 200 pounds. Its short coat requires minimal grooming.
These giant breeds have a loyal and affectionate nature, making them wonderful companions for active families.
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Shaanxi Xian Hound
The Shaanxi Xian Hound is an ancient breed of dog from China, with a history dating back over 2,500 years.
This breed is also known as the Xian Hound, a name that comes from the Chinese god Zhang Xian, who is often depicted in dog form.
Dogs resembling the Shaanxi can be seen in artworks from the Qin Dynasty, showcasing their long-standing presence in Chinese culture.
The Shaanxi Xian Hound is an excellent security dog, a faithful companion, and a skilled hunter, making them a versatile and valuable breed.
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Dog Breeds with Children and Other Pets
If you're considering getting a large breed dog that's good with children and other pets, there are a few things to keep in mind. The temperament and compatibility of Asian dog breeds with children and other pets can vary depending on the breed and individual dog.
Some Asian dog breeds, like the Shiba Inu, may have a more independent and dominant nature, requiring proper socialization and supervision around children and other animals. This means they need to be taught how to interact with kids and other pets from an early age.
Breed like the Pekingese and Chow Chow, on the other hand, may be more tolerant and gentle, making them potentially better suited for families with children and other pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Alabai dogs get?
Alabai dogs typically weigh between 90-160 pounds and stand 24-28 inches tall at the shoulder. They require spacious living conditions to thrive due to their large size.
Sources
- 19 Asian Dog Breeds - Celebrating Canine Treasures Of ... (worldanimalfoundation.org)
- Chippiparai (wikipedia.org)
- Dosa Mastiff (dosamastiff.com)
- Top 10 Asian Dog Breeds (iheartdogs.com)
- bluish-black tongues (akc.org)
- A Huge List of The Oldest and Rarest Chinese Dog Breeds ... (animalcorner.org)
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