Only 14 dogs (7 males and 7 females) saved this Chinese breed from extinction.Ī Shih Tzu is happiest when the owners are around and does not mind living in enclosed space, like an apartment.
He’s the winner of the World’s Ugliest Dog Contest from 2003 to 2005. One of the most famous Chinese Crested is Sam.Highlights: Playful, Alert, Sweet-tempered RECOMMENDED: Pekingese – The Royal Lion Dog 2. But the strong will and stubbornness is why the Pekingese is often mistaken as “dumb.” However, when it isn’t, the owner should be prepared to handle the most stubborn pet in the world. Most of the time, the Pekingese is a picture of calmness.
This behavior is symbolic of their imperial history, where they were treated with great respect. Not all small Chinese dogs are lap dogs! But as friendly as they are to family, the Pekingese can just as well assume an air of arrogance towards strangers. Even though they’re relatively small, cheerful and affectionate, a Pekingese would rarely settle down on top of your lap. One of the only two surviving dogs on the Titanic was a Pekingese named Sun Yat-Sen.ĭignity comes foremost with this dog breed and to an extent, also dictates the dog’s behavior.Pekingese were so highly regarded in Imperial China that stealing a Pekingese is punishable by death.Folklore legend says the Pekingese, nicknamed “lion dog,” is a cross between a lion and a marmoset (small monkey).There are just 9 small Chinese dog breeds, including the Pekingese, Chinese Crested, Shih Tzu, Pug, Tibetan Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Japanese Chin, Manchurian Hairless and the Tibetan Spaniel. As a result, many of these small dogs still retain their instincts of warm your lap! That’s because these small Chinese dogs were once bred to sit on the laps of royalty. Most of which, are some of the best lap dogs we have today. RECOMMENDED: 40 Stunning Dog from GermanyĪrguably the most famous and popular Chinese dog breeds are all small or toy dogs. As a result, it’s common for Chinese families to own a pet dog now, despite stringent government regulations.Īll Chinese dog breeds include: the Pekingese, Crestie, Shih Tzu, Pug, Tibetan Terrier, Lhasa Apso, Japanese Chin, Manchurian Hairless, Tibetan Spaniel, Taiwan dog, Chuandong Hound, Chongqing dog, Bone Mouth, Xiasi Quan, Shaanxi Xian, Laizhou Hong, Kyi Apso, Kunming Wolfdog, Tibetan Mastiff, Shar Pei and the Chow. And unlike the past, people in China have grown to love dogs.
There was also a time in Chinese history when certain breeds were patronized by the rich and elite. This can be traced as far back as 15,000 years ago, where scientists have identified maximum genetic variation. Historical evidence has suggested that it was in the Middle Kingdom (ancient China) where the domestication of dogs first appeared. But did you know China is also home to some of the most charming dog breeds ever? Big, small, fluffy or hairless, there’s a dog breed in China that will appeal to you. China is well-known for its pandas, dragons, silkworm, and centuries of beautiful ancient traditions.