Having dogs is a new lifestyle, and petting Chinese dogs are becoming popular worldwide. As you know, China is well-known for silkworms, pandas, and small or large Chinese dog breeds. But do you know that China is the origin of the most charming dog breeds ever?
You might be confused about petting Chinese dog breeds. Well, don’t worry, we will help you in choosing the most loyal and amazing dogs.
From Chow Chow to Tibetan Mastiff to different breeds, you will be surprised to see the top 6 large Chinese dog breeds we have listed in the article.
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Short List Of Large Chinese Dog Breeds
Generally, Chinese dogs are known for their small size and adaptable nature. But large Chinese dog breeds have their own appealing features. These dog breeds are known for their larger size and best companion for humans.
Many Chinese dog breeds are recognized as ancient and a little similar to the wolf. At present, Chinese breeds are popular as cute faces of Pekingese dogs, wrinkles of Shar-Pei, and many more.
You can’t decide on your own which Chinese dog breed is most adorable and unique. For your reference, we have compiled a list of the top 6 large Chinese dog breeds.
TOP 6 Large Chinese Dog Breeds
The large dog breeds of China have some of the most popular names; it includes Shaanxi Xian Hound, Shar-Pei, Chow Chow, Kunming Wolfdog, Tibetan Kyi Apso, and Laizhou Hong.
Now, let’s have a look at the highlights and important features of Chinese dog breeds.
Shaanxi Xian Hound
Shaanxi Xian Hound was named after the god in China, Zhang Xian.
Origin
Shaanxi Xian Hound is an ancient and large dog breed of China. According to Chinese history, it originated in 685 AD and is one of the oldest breeds of dogs. This dog is known as traditional folklore, and legends are attached to its name.
Shaanxi Xian Hound has been found on Shaanxi’s Loess plateau.
Size
The height of Shaanxi Xian is approx 25 inches, and their weight is over 50 pounds.
Dog’s nature
Shaanxi Xian Hound is an alert and intelligent dog, and they can easily capture or chase their prey. This dog breed can perform well on a flat and open field. They are blessed with a good sense of hearing, hunting skills and are agile by nature.
Shaanxi Xian Hound breed is not child friendly, but they are loyal to their owners.
Care level
Shaanxi Xian Hound is an energetic and active dog breed. They have high stamina for hunting and demand plenty of exercises.
You can’t keep them in a room or an apartment; it will be better to free them in an open field. They don’t require weekly brushing or bathe, which denotes that it is a low-maintenance dog.
Shar-Pei
In the Guinness Book of World Records, Shar-Pei is listed as the rarest dog breed.
Origin
The Shar-Pei is a southern China dog breed. Traditionally they were kept as a property guardian or watchdogs. It is believed that Shar-Pei was driven to the brink of extinction in the 20th century.
The Shar-Pei dog breed is famous for its deep wrinkles.
Size
The height of Shar-Pei is 17 inches to 20 inches, and their weight varies from 35 pounds to 64 pounds.
Dog’s nature
The Shar-Pei breed is reserved and quiet but also known as the most intelligent dog. When they meet a stranger, there are very few chances that they’ll attack.
The Shar-Pei is a loyal dog, but you can’t keep them alone with children.
Care level
At times, they are stubborn, and that is why they need obedience training. They need to be taught with patience and consistency. Consider brushing their hair one in 15 days.
Chow Chow
Origin
The Chow Chow has been identified as the basal breed that predates the emergence of the modern breeds in the 19th Century. It was founded in China 2,000 years ago and originated in Arctic Asia 3,000 years ago, which moved to Mongolia and China.
Size
The Chow Chow dog is generally 17 inches to 20 inches from the shoulder. Their weight is approx 40 pounds to 70 pounds.
Dog’s nature
The nature of Chow Chow is friendly to their owners and children. They are generally intelligent, independent, reserved, dignified, and stubborn kinds of dogs.
Read more: Are chow chows aggressive?
Care level
The Chow Chow dogs can’t tolerate heat and humidity, so keep them in an air conditioner place. They have thick fur and need brushing twice a week. This dog breed also demands exercise at least 30 minutes a day.
Kunming Wolfdog
In the 2010 XVI Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, Kunming Wolfdogs were security dogs.
Origin
Kunming Wolfdog was founded by crossbreeding local military wolfdogs and German Shepherds from Germany during the 1950s. They were formally identified as the Kunming dog, named after the province’s capital, by the Chinese Public Security Bureau in 1988.
In Yunnan, these dogs are used for police and military purposes.
Size
The height of Kunming Wolfdogs is 25 inches to 27 inches, and their weight is 66 pounds to 84 pounds.
Dog’s nature
The stubborn nature of Kunming dogs doesn’t let them learn easily. Once you train your dog, they can live peacefully with children.
Care level
The Kunming Wolfdog doesn’t feel comfortable in an apartment or small place. They need exercise and perform best at large fields or yards. Do comb or brush their hair weekly.
Tibetan Kyi Apso
The 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso, had a Tibetan Kyi Apso.
Origin
Size
The height of Tibetan Kyi Apso is 25 inches to 28 inches, and their weight is approx 70 pounds.
Dog’s nature
These dogs are calm and loving, only when they are off duty. Tibetan Kyi Apso is not friendly with strangers. They are excellent at potential threats and assessing situations. The best part is they can be sober and fun-loving at the same time.
The Tibetan Kyi Apso comes in as many colors, such as black and tan, blue or red, and solid black.
Care level
The Kyi Apso has dense and long double coats that help in surviving the cold climate. You need to brush your hair at least once a week. They will get familiar with you in a short time. With a great sense of humor, this breed is lovable to all.
Laizhou Hong
Presently, the Laizhou Hong is only known by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) kennel club.
Origin
In the 19th century, Shandong province and other parts of China were colonized by German soldiers. The Germans used working dogs like Rottweiler, the German Shepherd, the Shandong Xian Hound, and Great Dane. After years of breeding these dogs together, the Laizhou Hong was established as its own breed.
Presently, the Laizhou Hong is a rare breed of dog found in the Laizhou region of China.
Size
A female dog can reach up to 27 inches, and a male dog can reach up to 32 inches in height. Their weight is 77 pounds to 85 pounds.
Dog’s nature
The Laizhou Hong is a confident, loyal, friendly, and calm dog. Once trained at an early age, they can be a good companion for a family. This dog is identified as protective, which is amongst the reasons it was bred- as a working/security breed.
The forefathers of Laizhou Hong were all intelligent, diligent, robust, hard-working, and tough dogs. It can be trained as a border or police patrol special dog agent and guard dog.
Care level
This dog is more comfortable in a large field or garden despite the apartment. It is necessary to train them at an early age. They need to be taken for a daily, long walk, jog.
The Laizhou Hong is very energetic, with great stamina. They have to be taken for a daily jog and a long walk.
Wrapping Up
China is an origin to a different breed of dogs. Right from wrinkly-faced dogs to fluffy lap dogs, China has produced unique dog breeds.
There was a time when it was feared that Chinese dog breeds would go extinct. And the reason was Chairman Mao Zedong (the communist leader) had convicted pet-owning as elitist, according to Slate.
After reading this article, you might have gained enough knowledge about large Chinese dog breeds. If you want to buy a new dog, don’t forget to check out and compare its features, size, dog’s nature, and requirements. It will surely make your mind clear about large Chinese dog breeds.
Also, do let us know your favorite Chinese dog breed in the comment section.
