It cannot be denied that centuries-old Chinese dog breeds are among the favorite pets of dog owners even today. These dogs have already been part of history in royalty for centuries.
They are originally bred to be emperors’ companions in ancient China. They are pets of the emperor, imperial court, and emperor’s family.
These Chinese dogs are idea lapdogs even today. The following are ten centuries-old Chinese dog breeds that were still living like royalty today.
1. Chinese Crested
Chinese Crested is unique due to its hairless appearance believed to be transported aboard Chinese trading vessels for hunting vermin. They can weigh about 8 to 12 pounds and grow around 11 to 13 inches.
Their lifespan is approximately 10 to 14 years. It is a delicate dog with silky, long hair around the face, ankles, and tail.
This breed is prone to scratchy throats and skin irritation. Even though it is not genuinely hypoallergenic, Chinese Crested has low allergen. You can bathe this breed regularly for about one to two weeks. If you want a loyal friend, it can be your ideal comfort companion.
You should give them proper socialization to avoid them from being fearful and timid with people. Its temperament can be affected by training, heredity, and socialization.
Remember that Chinese Crested is a needy and social dog. With this, they are prone to separation anxiety. If you want to avoid their destructive behavior, make sure to offer them playtime for mental and physical stimulation. Make your pet feel special to keep them healthy, happy, and active.
2. Chinese Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei is a wrinkly-faced dog bred as a guard and hunting dog in China over the last centuries. It has blue-black tongues and petite ears. Unfortunately, the population of Shar-Pei was reduced in the communist revolution in China during the mid-1900s.
However, a Chinese Shar-Pei fan rallied American breeders during the 70s to propagate the breed. Then, the number of the breed increased again. This Chinese dog needs positive reinforcement and obedience training to make them a well-mannered dog.
If you want a loyal companion, opting for this breed is a good decision. This intelligent dog can be regal independent guardians.
This breed can be prone to health issues, especially eye disorders like glaucoma, entropion, SARDS, and retinal dysplasia. Other health conditions may include gastrointestinal disorders, musculoskeletal, respiratory, and certain cancers. Therefore, you need to provide your pet with a regular medical checkup.
3. Chow Chow
This breed is associated with Han Dynasty in China. Chow Chow comes with a distinctive bear-like appearance and blue-black tongues. This breed is independent, so you need to train and socialize your pet at an early age.
Meanwhile, they can be overheated easily, so reduce their exercise during warm weather. During cooler months, you can give them regular walks to offer them physical and mental stimulation. They are originally raised as a guard and hunting dogs.
It is among the most ancient Chinese dogs that are still living like royalty today. Even though this dog doesn’t love being hugged, it can be an attentive and quiet companion.
The Chow Chow can be a protective and faithful family member. As active dogs, they may need lots of exercise. It can live for about 12 to 15 years. The breed can grow around 17 to 20 inches and weigh 40 to 70 pounds.
It can be a good pet with children and other dogs. If you want a cute family pet, Chow Chow is a good choice.
4. Lhasa Apso
This Chinese dog is also called a ‘bearded lion dog.’ It was a thousand-year-old that protected Buddhist monasteries and palaces in the Himalayan Mountains. It is also associated with Dalai Lama.
The breed is considered the country’s protector in Tibetan folklore. Lhasa is Tibet’s sacred city name, and Apso means long-haired dog. The Lhasa Apso can live for about 12 to 15 years. This cute Chinese dog breed can be your best friend and companion when everyone is not around.
It is a loyal pet that loves to protect its family from danger. It is an independent and playful dog. So, you should offer Lhasa Apso proper training. They can grow 9 to 11 inches and weighs around 12 to 15 pounds. Meanwhile, this Chinese dog breed can mature slowly, so be patient.
5. Pekingese
This Chinese breed is also called ‘sun dog,’ ‘lion dog,’ and ‘Pekes.’ It is bred originally as companion pets to Chinese royalty.
There is a story that Pekingese was produced as Buddha shrunk one lion into a small-sized dog. It is among the favorite Chinese royalty pets for thousands of years.
The Pekingese can weigh up to 14 pounds and grow about 6 to 9 inches. It has a thick, long double coat that needs regular maintenance.
They have flat faces and can be recognized with their lion-like manes. Their coats can come in red, sable, gold, black, grey, cream, and tan. This dog is still valued as a family member all over the world. They are ideal for cooler climates.
6. Pug
The pug is ranked 29th by the American Kennel Club in the most popular breeds in America. It first gained popularity 2000 years ago in ancient China. Royal family members and emperors treat pugs as treasured family members.
If you want a loyal, lovable and cute family dog, Pugs are a good option. They can get along with children and older people. This sweet dog was believed to be ancestors to mastiffs and bulldogs.
They can weigh around 14 to 18 pounds and grow about 10 to 13 inches. It is a compact but active dog with a short nose, wrinkly face, round head, and curly tail.
7. Tibetan Mastiff
Tibetan Mastiff is believed to be the host to the souls of nuns and monks who aren’t reincarnated into people in the heavenly realm. The dog protected the Himalayan villages and their people.
The breed has a thick double coat; however, it only requires less maintenance. Usually, Tibetan Mastiffs give birth during the winter months.
8. Shih Tzu
Known as the little lion, Shih Tzu is among the favorite pets today. In several last centuries in China, ancient breeders were awarded by royal emperors as they produce well-tempered and best-looking Shih Tzu.
It is crowned as China’s noble dog. It can grow about 8 to 11 inches and weighs around 9 to 16 pounds. This toy dog comes with a flat face and a long, double coat available in different colors.
If you want a cute and affectionate pet, Shih Tzu is the best option. It is also an ideal pet for families with children. This small dog is bred to spend time inside the royal palaces. So, if you live in an apartment or small backyard, it can be the best pet for you. It has a playful personality that will surely make you smile.
9. Japanese Chin
Although its name is Japanese Chin, this dog breed is believed to be originated in China among emperors and Buddhist monks. However, its introduction to Japan shaped the breed as what we know it today. It is a quiet and lovable lapdog that is ideal for apartment living.
The Japanese Chin has behaviors like a cat. They are affectionate and calm. This breed can grow about 8 to 11 inches and weighs around 4 to 9 pounds.
It is a delicate, small breed with a round, big head, round and dark eyes. They also have silky and long coats, which can come in various colors, including white and lemon, black and white, white and sable, black, and other colors.
10. Xiasi Quan
Another centuries-old Chinese dog breed that was still living like royalty today is the Xiasi Quan. It is a muscular, lean hunting dog which was originated in Guizhou Providence in China around 1080. It was bred as a guard or hunting dog and believed to bring wealth to its human family.
This dog breed can weigh about 22 to 60 pounds and grow around 17 to 20 inches. They have powerful legs, padded paws, and a big face with pointed ears. The Xiasi Quan comes with a wiry, short, and white coat.
There we go, so that is the list of 10 centuries-old Chinese dog breeds still living like royalty today. They are ideal pets, so you can choose the best ones that suit your standards and needs.
Choosing a Chinese dog breed as your pet
Chinese dog breeds are great companions since they are the favorite pets of emperors and royal families in ancient China. Do you plan to get your Chinese dog pet? Then, you can consider the following questions before choosing the right one for you.
- Do you live in a house with a huge fenced-in yard or in an apartment?
- Do you live in a warm or cold climate?
- Does your family have active adults, children, or active adults?
- Do you have other dogs or other pets at home?
- Are you an experienced dog owner or a first-time pet owner?
- Do you want a dog that doesn’t shed much? Do you have allergies?
Taking care of your Chinese dog
Taking care of your Chinese dog breed is essential to maintain their good health. So, before you get your pet, make sure that you have enough time to take care of your dog in the best possible way. Owning a pet takes responsibility to provide quality and healthy living.
Health
Like other dogs, Chinese dog breeds are prone to health problems. Therefore, you should be responsible for offering their medical needs. Visit their veterinarian regularly to check their health status. With this, you can diagnose early potential health problems and treat them as much as possible.
Grooming
For sure, you want to maintain the beautiful look of your Chinese dog pet. With this, make sure to keep proper grooming with your best friend. Trim their nails and bathe them regularly.
Exercise
Chinese dogs have different exercise needs. So, offer them exercise and playtime based on their specific exercise needs. With proper exercise, you can prevent your pet from separation anxiety, loneliness, and boredom, leading to their destructive behavior. Instead, they can be happy and more active.
Nutrition
You should feed your Chinese dogs with foods that are appropriate for their age. Give the right amount of food for your dog to avoid obesity. It is essential to give quality and safe foods for the healthy nutrition of your pet. Make sure to purchase dog foods from reliable suppliers.
Training
Proper training is essential to make your dog a well-mannered pet. Training and early socialization can help your dog to be friendly and sociable. It can also help to prevent their destructive behavior. Train your dog with positive reinforcement. Reward them as they improve their training performance.
Give them the love and care they deserve
If you want to keep your Chinese dog happy and healthy, make sure to offer them the love and care they deserve. Spend quality time with your pet by playing with them. It can make them feel loved and special making them healthy and active.
By applying these tips, you can take care of your Chinese dog in the best possible way. In return, you can make your pet enjoy healthier and quality living. Additionally, you can increase their lifespan.
Conclusion
To sum it up, many centuries-old Chinese dog breeds are still living like royalty today. These breeds are lovely pets that can bring you fun, companion, and entertainment. You can choose one from the list of Chinese dog breeds we mentioned above. Meanwhile, your pet needs love and care like humans. So, before you decide on owning your Chinese dog pet, make sure to be responsible for providing their specific needs.
With that, you can prolong their lifespan and keep them healthy and happy. You can make them feel special to avoid separation anxiety, loneliness, and boredom. If you observe potential health issues with your Chinese pet, seek the help of a professional vet immediately.