A Collection of Rare Chinese Dog Breeds with Rich Histories

The Chinese dog breeds are a treasure trove of unique and fascinating companions. The Chinese Shar-Pei, for example, has a history dating back over 2,000 years and was originally bred as a working dog.

This breed's distinctive wrinkled skin and blue-black tongue make it a standout among other dog breeds. In China, the Shar-Pei was highly valued for its loyalty and protective nature.

The Chow Chow, another ancient Chinese breed, is known for its fluffy coat and independent personality. With a history dating back over 2,000 years, the Chow Chow has been a beloved companion in Chinese culture for centuries.

As a loyal and protective breed, the Chow Chow has been used as a watchdog and even a guard dog in the past. Its unique appearance and strong personality make it a breed that's hard to forget.

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Chinese culture has a rich history of dog domestication, with evidence suggesting dogs were becoming domestic animals in China millennia ago. Dogs were kept for specific jobs, such as food or sacrifice, guard dogs, and hunting.

The tradition of dogs as pets in China started with the emperor receiving a pair of small, exotic "trick dogs" between 618 and 626 A.D. These dogs could lead horses by the rein and carry lit torches in their mouths.

Lap dogs became popular pets among elite women in China across the eighth, ninth, and 10th centuries, paving the way for keeping other animals, such as cats, as pets. Lap dogs were small and docile enough to be kept on a lap or even in the voluminous sleeve of a robe.

The Saluki, a prestigious hunting hound imported from the Persian and Arabian world, is often featured in tomb murals or tomb ceramics belonging to elite Chinese men. It represents the exchange of goods and animals along the Silk Roads during the Tang dynasty.

With China's complex history and politics, many breeds that originated in Tibet have been reclassified as Chinese dog breeds. The distinction between Tibetan and Chinese breeds is a matter of history and politics.

Chinese dog breeds are incredibly diverse, reflecting the varied regions of China. From the colder mountain zones to the tropical, coastal areas, each breed has its unique characteristics.

Many Chinese dog breeds have shorter snouts and folds in their faces, giving them a distinctive "lion dog" appearance that's steeped in Chinese lore. This is a deliberate breed characteristic, as the emperors and nobles of old valued this look.

The shar-pei, chow chow, and Chongqing dogs are notable for their blue-black tongues – a rare quality in dogs. I've never seen anything like it!

Most Chinese dog breeds fall within the toy to medium-sized range, with a few larger breeds topping out at 80 pounds.

The Chinese Shar-Pei is one of the rarest dog breeds in the world, with only a few hundred registered annually.

This breed is known for its distinctive wrinkled skin and blue-black tongue.

The Chinese Crested is another rare breed, recognized by its crest of fur on its head and its smooth, hairless body.

This breed comes in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff, with the former being the rarest.

The Chow Chow is an ancient breed with a long history in China, known for its distinctive blue-black tongue and fluffy coat.

This breed is highly intelligent but can be stubborn at times, making training a challenge.

The Chongqing is a rare breed of dog from China, notable for their short muzzle, stocky build, and “bamboo stick” tail.

They are naturally protective of their families due to their natural guarding instincts, so socialization is important to establish boundaries.

Some Chongqing dogs can be friendly with strangers, but others will remain somewhat aloof.

Training early is a must for Chongqing dogs, as they don't take kindly to strangers at first.

Their reddish-brown coats are very short, and bathing them too often will dry out their skin.

Chongqing dogs make excellent protectors and are highly sought after for their reputation as stalwart guardians of the home and family.

They are a medium-sized dog with a deep red/mahogany (orange) color and a black muzzle.

The number of existing purebred Chongqing dogs is estimated to be around 2,000, making them one of the rarest dog breeds in the world.

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The Laizhou Hong is a unique breed with a rich history. It's believed to have originated from combining indigenous Chinese breeds with German Shepherds and Rottweilers in the 19th century.

These dogs are known for their striking red coats, which is where they get their nickname "Chinese Red Dog". Their tall, pointed ears are also quite distinctive.

Laizhou Hongs are brave yet kind dogs that make great social companions. Be sure to give them a job to do, as they thrive on having a purpose.

Their physical build is quite impressive, with a longer body than they are tall at the withers. Their skull is robust and proportionate to the rest of their body.

Their snout is as long as the top of their head, and their skull is very prominent.

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The Pekingese is a small but mighty breed with a big personality. They typically stand between 6-9 inches tall and weigh between 7-14 pounds.

Their royal heritage is evident in their regal demeanor, making them a dignified and confident companion. Pekingese are often called Velcro dogs because of their strong attachment to their favorite person.

One of the most distinctive features of the Pekingese is their long coat, which gives them a lion-like appearance. This is no accident - they were bred to resemble the mythical lion Buddha is said to ride through the sky.

Here are some key characteristics of the Pekingese breed:

Pekingese are known for their strong will and can be quite stubborn at times. However, they are generally good-tempered and not aggressive, making them a great companion for many families.

The Shaanxi Xian Hound is an ancient breed that's been around for at least 2,500 years. They're likely the ancestors of Greyhounds and Afghan Hounds.

These dogs are tall and elegant, with bodies designed for speed. They can weigh between 44-66 pounds.

Shaanxi Xian Hounds are bred to chase and hunt, making them skilled hunters. They're independent and only respond to those they know and love best.

Dogs resembling the Shaanxi Xian Hound can be seen in artworks dating back to the Qin Dynasty, which is over 2,500 years old. The breed's name comes from the Chinese god Zhang Xian, who often takes the form of a dog.

The Shaanxi Xian Hound is also known as the Shanxi Xigou, and is an excellent security dog.

The Xiasi is a rare and ancient Chinese dog breed that originated in the village of Xiasi in Guizhou Province, China.

They were long reared by the Miao people, which is where they got their name. With little genetic variation, the breed is in grave danger.

The Xiasi is a small but rugged dog, built to handle rough terrain and elements. They're generally friendly and bond closely with their families.

Xiasis love their families and work well with kiddos, but may not be the best fit for households with smaller pets due to their high prey drive.

The Chinese Crested is a lively and graceful member of the toy dog breeds. They come in two varieties: the Hairless and the Powder Puff.

The Hairless Chinese Crested has a fine-grained smooth skin that feels warm to the touch. This skin can be prone to blackheads and sunburn if they live in a sunny climate.

Both Hairless and Powder Puff varieties can be found in the same litter. The two Crested varieties are often interbred, which can lead to interesting and unique puppies.

These agile dogs are very good climbers and jumpers and can even grip objects and toys with their paws. They love to play and need early training while puppies to control these activities.

The Chinese Crested is a happy and animated dog that needs a lot of personal interaction with its owner. They thrive on attention and affection from their family.

They are very active and inquisitive indoors, making them perfect for apartment living. They love to explore and play, so early training is a must to keep them out of trouble.

You'll come across two types of Chinese Cresteds: the hairless variety and the variety with a coat. The hairless variety has fur covering only its ankles, head, and tail.

These dogs are alert and affectionate with their humans, making for lively pets.

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The Shar Pei, also known as the Bone Mouth Dog, is an exotic-looking medium dog breed with wrinkled skin and a large head with scowling features.

This breed has a unique appearance, with a blue-black tongue that's a rare quality in dogs.

The Shar Pei is a serious, calm, dignified, quiet, confident, independent, and devoted breed that's easy to house train.

They are very clean animals, but their independent and strong-willed nature makes obedience training a challenge.

Originating from the Han Dynasty, the Shar Pei was bred as a protective watchdog for peasants and farmers, serving as a guardian over livestock and homes.

They are one of the quietest dog breeds, not barking too much, and are often wary of strangers, making early and firm training essential.

On average, a Shar Pei weighs around 52 pounds and has a slightly rough coat, known as "sand skin."

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The Kunming dog is a breed that's truly one of a kind, created in China in the 1950s from the crossbreeding of native dogs with Alsatians.

They're known for being exceptionally bright and eager to learn, making them a joy to train. Their intelligence and confidence shine through in their behavior.

In terms of appearance, Kunming dogs stand taller in the back compared to other breeds, and their coats can be a variety of colors, from deep rust to white to light tan.

Their robust build and shorter fur that's thick in hue make them a striking sight. They also have pointed ears, which add to their unique look.

The Kunming dog gained breed status in 2007 and has since been exported to many other nations, where they're often used by the police and military due to their impressive skills.