Chinese dog breed: from emperors to today

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

The culture and traditions of the Chinese have existed for several millennia. The peculiarities of the country's geographical location and its socio-political structure have left their traces in every sphere of human life, including dog breeding. The possession of this animal was the lot of the nobility and the rich, and therefore any Chinese breed of dog is unique and amazing, like a rare jewel. However, something in common is visible in them: these are the small size of the animal, cleanliness and the absence of a dog smell, as well as a holistic and original character.

The most famous representatives

The most popular Chinese dog breed is, of course, the Pekingese. Small, funny-looking dogs are now found on the streets of any city, but until the middle of the 18th century, these animals were forbidden to be kept by anyone except the emperor and members of his family. Violation of this rule was punishable by death. And only in 1860, after the Beijing Summer Palace was captured by English soldiers, Europe first saw these amazing creatures, which, according toancient legend, the fruit of the passionate love of a monkey and a lion. This Chinese dog breed has changed little from its inception to the present day, and it's no less than 2000 years old.

The Lahasa Apso has a very interesting appearance. The history of the breed originates in the mountains of Tibet. The strength and tranquility of mountain ranges, the land of secrets, temples and sacred knowledge, the eternal cover of snow - that's what shaped the appearance and disposition of these small dogs, but great in heart. They are full-fledged children of nature, whose creations have hardly been touched by human hands. The Apso, who lived next to the hermit monks, themselves in some ways became similar to them. The original character, strong attachment to the owner and liveliness of the animal allow him to be an excellent friend and companion, but not a sofa decoration.

Shih Tzu is another truly Chinese dog breed that lived in the chambers of the ruler of the country and was not allowed to be kept by mere mortals. Her puppies were awarded for the highest services to the country and the emperor. The world fully appreciated the light, sociable and loving disposition of these luxurious babies after the 30s of the last century, when offspring were obtained from the female Leidza presented to the Ambassador of Norway and a pair of imported sires, obtained with great difficulty.

Tibetan mastiff can be called an exception from a number of small dogs. This Chinese dog breed remains rare and few in number to this day. They are considered to be the ancestorsmany modern working breeds. Balanced, calm, aware of their great strength and power, and therefore good-natured (up to a certain point), these dogs are ideal guards and full-fledged family members. A lively mind allows Tibetan Mastiffs to grasp on the fly what they are taught, and a high level of intelligence makes it possible to assess the situation and respond to it most appropriately in each case.

Another popular breed of dog today is the Chinese Crested, a photo of these four-legged ones will leave few indifferent, and even more so a live dog. An exotic appearance, coupled with boundless devotion to the owner, remarkable intelligence and the complete absence of a specific canine smell, and sometimes even wool, allowed this breed to win the hearts of people all over the world in a short time. However, these animals need proper maintenance and care, because the lack of hair makes them more vulnerable to disease.

And all this is only part of the heritage of an amazing and ancient country. Chinese dog breeds with photographs, stories of their appearance or conjectures on this topic, with legends and tales about them, breeders' reviews of their pets, funny and touching stories from their lives could make up a series of books, each chapter of which would be unique and inimitable.