Five Unusual But Impressive Chinese Dog Breeds

Unusual dog breeds can be classified as those breeds that demonstrate certain features or traits not seen in other dog breeds. These unusual breeds are found in all corners of the globe. In this article we feature those unusual but impressive dog breeds which originated in China. Read on to know them.

Chow Chow

The Chow Chow or ‘Songshi’as it is known in China, is one of the most strange dog breeds, having the trademark lion-like mane, the characteristic blue-black tongue of a bear and its almost straight hind legs. A large, sturdy dog, the Chow Chow has a large black nose, triangular, erect ears with rounded tip, almond-shaped eyes and broad chest. It has densely-furred coat that can either be smooth coat or rough coat. The coat comes in a variety of colors including black, blue, cinnamon, cream and solid red. This impressive Chinese dog breed averages 46-56 cm at the shoulder and weighs between 20-32 kg. Life Expectancy is about 15 years.

Chows are well-mannered dogs and can go along well with children. Though intelligent, they are not easy to train. Chow is a very dominant breed who requires a dominant owner. They are aloof, dignified, independent, reserved with affection, and stubborn. They will do okay in an apartment but need to be taken for a daily walk. This breed is a seasonal heavy shedder and the long coat requires regular brushings. Common ailments include: canine pemphigus, diabetes mellitus, entropion, gastric cancer, glaucoma, hip dysplasia, and lymphoma. Owing to its thick coats, fleas can become a problem.

Pekingese

The Pekingese, or “Peke”, is a small companion dog originating in China. Bred for the Chinese nobility, this breed is known for its flat face, muscular, compact body and bowed legs. This toy dog sports a double coat and colors may come in black, black and tan, cream, gold, red, sable, white, sables, black and tan and occasionally ‘blue’ or slate grey. A Pekingese has large round eyes, a short neck, black nose and slightly arched tail. On average, adults measure 15–23 cm at the withers and weigh between 3.2 to 6.4 kg. Life Expectancy about 12-15 years.

Pekingese are brave, very intelligent, sensitive, independent, and very affectionate with their master. They are good watchdogs since they are aloof, almost cautious, of strangers. They can do okay for apartment life, but need a daily walk. They don’t always get along with other dogs. If overfed, Pekingese tend to gain weight and with their short noses, they snore, some quite loudly. Some health problems that besieged this breed include eye-related problems, congestive heart failure, back injuries, and breathing difficulties caused by the flat face. Pekingese tend to catch colds very easily. The long, flowing coat requires daily maintenance.

Shih Tzu

The Shih Tzu, literally “Lion Dog”, meaning “of the master”, is a breed of dog with a short muzzle, large, dark eyes and with long silky hair. The breed measures between 25-26.7 cm at the withers and weighs between 4–7.25 kilograms. This sturdy dog has a broad nose with well-open nostrils, and large low-set ears covered with plenty of hair. The body is longer than the tail and well-boned, straight stocky legs. The double coat is dense and long and comes in a variety of colors including various shades of gold, white, brown, solid black, and black and white. Life Expectancy is about 15 years or more.

The Shih-Tzu is a clever, happy, alert, playful, little dog. This affectionate and sociable dog goes a long way with people as well s other dogs. This unusual but impressive Chinese dog breed makes a very alert watchdog. The Shih Tzu is fairly active indoors and can do with apartment life, but requires a daily walk. It needs a daily grooming using a bristle brush. The breed is prone to some health issues like: ear infections, respiratory problems, eye problems, thyroid malfunction, hip dysphasia, and brain problems.

Shar Pei

The Shar Pei is a large dog known for its wrinkled skin and a blue-black tongue. This unusual but impressive Chinese dog breed can reach between 46-51cm at the withers and weighs around 18-25kg. It has a broad, flat head; a hippopotamus-like wide muzzle; small almond-shaped eyes; small, triangular ears; and a high-set tail. Shar Pei comes in two coat types: horse-coat and brush coat which has longer hair. Coat colors include all solid colors and sables. Life Expectancy is up to 10 years.

Shar-Pei is an intelligent dog, playful, dominant, brave and very loyal to its master. They go along well with people but are weary of strangers, thus Shat Pie is a good guard dog. The breed will do okay in an apartment, since it is moderately active indoors provided it gets a daily walk. The Shar-Pei coat is never trimmed, but requires a regular brushing. Warning: Shar Pei is allergic to foods containing corn, gluten or sugars, soy and wheat. This Chinese dog breed is prone to some ailments like: Common ailments include: entropion, (a painful eye condition), allergy-induced skin infections, and chronic yeast infections in its ears.

Pug

The Pug is a small “toy” dog known for its distinctive wrinkled face, short muzzle, long tongue, large, expressive eyes, and curled tail. Known in ancient China as lo-sze, the breed has two different shapes for their ears, “rose” and “button” (standard style) and “Rose” (smaller one). Breeders prefer the “button” style pugs. It has a round head and very strong, straight legs. The coat is short and smooth and comes in a variety of colors including apricot, black, fawn, and silver. Males average 30-36 cm at the withers and weighs between 6-9kg. Pugs have a life span of about 12 to 15 years.

The Pug is loyal, highly intelligent, playful, lively and affectionate which made the breed fitting for families with children. Though at times, Pugs appear quiet and docile, they are very alert and make good watchdogs. Pugs fall under the low-maintenance breed of dogs since the smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. This unusual but impressive Chinese dog breed can do okay in for apartment life, but needs regular daily walks. Caution: Pugs can’t withstand hot or cold weather. They are prone to certain ailments such as: colds, chronic breathing problems, and other skin problems.