10 Adorable Chinese Dog Breeds

Dogs have a long and rich history in China, there are a number of Chinese dog breeds and they include some of the oldest and rarest breeds in the world. Chinese dogs have been used as herders, guardians, hunters, hauliers, and royal companions for centuries. Whether you are looking for a wrinkly guard dog or a fluffy lap dog, these unique Chinese dog breeds are worth considering. 

1. Chow Chow

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• Size: 43 - 51cm

• Weight: 25 - 32kg

• Character: Dignified, serious-minded, loyal, intelligent

• Colour: Black, Blue, Cinnamon, Cream, Red

• Life Expectancy: 9 - 15 years

The Chow Chow is among the oldest breeds in the world and there is evidence of Chows in artefacts of the Chinese Han Dynasty (206 b.c.). Chow Chows were often companions to Chinese nobles and a Chinese emperor was said to own between 2,000 and 5,000 Chows in the 7th century. Chow Chows have a distinctive appearance with a unique blue tongue and a thick coat. This breed can be aloof but is affectionate with its family. 

Check out our guide on Chow Chows. 

2. Lhasa Apso 

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• Size: 23 - 28cm

• Weight: 6 - 7kg

• Character: Smart, confident, comical, versatile

• Colour: Black, Black & Tan, Cream, Golden, Red, Red Gold, White

• Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 years

The Lhasa Apso breed can be traced back a thousand years, the dogs were first seen at monasteries in the Himalayan Mountains. Lhasas are often associated with the Dalai Lama and dogs gifted by the 14th Dalai Lama helped the breed take off in America. Lhasa Apsos have a reputation as affectionate, fun-loving dogs and they are one of the more popular breeds. 

Check out our guide on Lhasa Apsos. 

3. Tibetan Terrier

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• Size: 35 - 41cm

• Weight: 8 - 14kg

• Character: Sensitive, affectionate, loyal

• Colour: Black, Black & White, Black White & Gold, Brindle, Gold, Gold & White, Sable

• Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 years

The “Holy Dog of Tibet”, the Tibetan Terrier is an ancient breed that would guard monasteries and herd flocks in the Himalayas. The Tibetan Terrier is not actually a terrier and the breed is associated with good luck, in the 1900s these dogs would be offered as gifts rather than bought. Tibetan Terriers are playful, lively, and affectionate, they are popular family dogs thanks to their adaptability. 

Check out our guide on Tibetan Terriers.

4. Shar-Pei

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• Size: 46 - 56cm

• Weight: 25 - 29kg

• Character: Loyal, independent, calm

• Colour: Black, Blue, Cream, Red, Brown, Fawn, Sable

• Life Expectancy: 9 - 14 years

Sometimes called the Chinese Shar-Pei, this is an ancient breed that has a long history in China. Shar-Peis are native to the southern provinces of China and the breed goes back over 2,000 years. The Shar-Pei breed was originally used for herding, hunting, and guarding. This versatile dog is easily recognised and is known for being loyal, affectionate, and independent. 

Check out our guide on Shar-Peis.

5. Pekingese

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• Size: 15 - 23cm

• Weight: 3 - 6kg

• Character: Affectionate, calm, loyal, robust

• Colour: Black, Biscuit, Cream, Black & Tan, Fawn, Grey, Red, White, Sable

• Life Expectancy: 12 - 14 years

The origin of the Pekingese breed is not known but can be traced back to China’s Tang Dynasty. During this time, Pekingese were highly prized dogs and only royals and nobles could own them. This changed in 1860 when anyone could buy a Pekingese. Although small in size, Pekingese are lion-like in their looks thanks to their “lion’s mane” coat.  

Check out our guide on Pekingese.

6. Pug

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• Size: 25 - 35cm

• Weight: 6 - 8kg

• Character: Loving, mischievous, charming, loyal

• Colour: Black, Fawn

• Life Expectancy: 12 - 14 years

The pug is one of the most popular breeds and has a long history that can be traced back around 2,000 years. Pugs were one of the more popular dogs of ancient Chinese emperors and could only be acquired by outsiders as gifts. In the 1500s, Dutch traders brought Pugs back to Europe and the breed became instantly popular thanks to their sweet natures and small size. 

Check out our guide on Pugs. 

7. Tibetan Spaniel 

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• Size: 20 - 25cm

• Weight: 7 - 9kg

• Character: Confident, playful, bright, curious

• Colour: Black, Black & Tan, Fold, Cream, White, Red, Sable

• Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 years

The Tibetan Spaniel has a long history as a companion of monks and a watchdog for monasteries. This breed would work with Tibetan Mastiffs and would sit on monastery walls to keep watch. Tibetan Spaniels are curious, independent and make wonderful family pets. 

Check out our guide on Tibetan Spaniels.  

8. Tibetan Mastiff

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• Size: 36 - 41cm

• Weight: 45 - 72kg

• Character: Reserved, intelligent, independent, watchful

• Colour: Black, Brown, Black & Tan, Brown & Tan, Grey, Red Gold, Red Gold Sable, Blue Grey & Tan

• Life Expectancy: 9 - 12 years

Tibetan Mastiffs are large dogs that were used as guard dogs in the Himalayas. The breed's history is unclear but Tibetan Mastiffs are ancient and are believed to be the ancestor of all modern mastiff breeds. Tibetan Mastiffs are one of the healthiest breeds in the world and are known to be loyal family pets that are excellent with children. 

Check out our guide on Tibetan Mastiffs.

9. Chinese Crested

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• Size: 23 - 33cm

• Weight: 3.5 - 5.5kg

• Character: Alert, affectionate, lively

• Colour: Black, Apricot, Black White & Tan, Chocolate, Cream, White, Blue, Slate

• Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 years

Chinese Crested dogs are thought to originate from hairless dogs that were brought from Africa to China in ancient times. These hairless dogs were then bred to reduce their size and create the Chinese Crested breed we are familiar with today. Chinese Crested dogs became valued vermin exterminators onboard ships and were often called Chinese Ship Dogs. This breed is fun, intelligent and mischievous and has become a popular family dog in the UK.

Check out our guide on Chinese Crested Dogs.

10. Shih Tzu

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• Size: 20 - 28cm

• Weight: 4 - 7kg

• Character: Playful, affectionate, outgoing, charming

• Colour: Black, Black & White, Brindle, Brindle & White, Blue, Blue & White, Liver, Liver & White, Gold, Gold & White, Silver, Silver & White, Red, Red & White

• Life Expectancy: 10 - 16 years

The Shih Tzu A.K.A “Lion Dog” was developed centuries ago in the palace of the Chinese emperor. The breed is believed to be a cross of the Lhasa Apso and Pekingese breeds. Shih Tzus remained virtually unknown to the rest of the world until the 1930s. Since the formation of breed clubs, Shih Tzus have become one of the most popular small dog breeds in the UK and USA. 

Check out our guide on Shih Tzus.

Considering Buying a Chinese Dog Breed? 

As you can see, Chinese dog breeds have a rich history that spans more than 7,000 years. Thanks to the variation in size, temperament and characteristics, there’s a Chinese breed to suit every lifestyle. If you’re considering bringing a Chinese dog into your home, use Puppies to find a responsible breeder. Some of these breeds are very rare so it is important to find a reputable breeder.