Chinese dog breed: from the Emperors to today

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

The most famous representatives of

The most popular Chinese dog breed is, of course, the Pekingese. Small, funny-looking dogs are found today on the streets of any city, but until the middle of the 18th century, these animals were forbidden to be kept by everyone except the emperor and his family members. For violating such a rule, the death penalty was threatened. And it was only in 1860, after the Beijing Summer Palace was captured by British soldiers, that Europe first saw these amazing creatures, which, according to ancient legend, are the fruit of the passionate love of a monkey and a lion. This Chinese breed of dog has changed little since its inception to the present day, and in fact it is no less than 2000 years.

The Lahass 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-sized, but great-hearted dogs. They are full-fledged children of nature, whose creations have hardly been touched by human hands. The Apso that existed next to the hermit monks themselves became somewhat similar to them. The distinctive character, strong attachment to the owner and the vivacity of the animal allow him to be a great friend and companion, but not a sofa decoration.

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

An exception to a number of small dogs can be called the Tibetan mastiff. This Chinese breed of dog remains rare and small to this day. They are considered to be the ancestors of many modern working breeds. Balanced, calm, aware of their enormous 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 adequately in each case.

Another popular dog breed today is the Chinese crested, photos of these four–legged ones will leave few people indifferent, and even more so a live dog. The exotic appearance, coupled with boundless devotion to the owner, a remarkable mind and the complete absence of a specific canine smell, and sometimes 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 diseases.

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