Chinese Dog Breeds: Temperament, Care, Prices, and Everyday Life – Dog Breeds

China is home to a wide variety of dog breeds, each with its own appearance, temperament, and history. Some are instantly recognisable for their unusual looks, while others are known for their compact size or distinctive character. Many of these dogs have ancient roots and were once closely tied to everyday family life or imperial palaces. Here is an overview of the main Chinese dog breeds and what makes each of them unique.

The essentials (TL;DR):

• Chinese dogs include very different breeds, from the small Pekingese to the large Tibetan Mastiff.
• Their needs, health concerns, grooming requirements, and costs vary a great deal from one breed to another.
• Before adopting, it is important to learn about each breed’s traits and specific needs.

Chinese dogs: temperament, behaviour, and lifestyle

Chinese dog breeds differ widely in personality and daily needs, depending on the breed.

What is the temperament of Chinese dogs?

It depends on the breed, but Chinese dogs are often deeply attached to their family, intelligent, and sensitive. Some are also fairly independent or reserved with strangers, such as the Chow-Chow or the Shar-Pei.

Who is the ideal owner for a Chinese dog?

There is no single ideal profile. What matters most is a person who is patient, available, and willing to adapt training to the dog’s character. Breeds such as the Chow-Chow or Shar-Pei tend to be more independent, while the Chinese Crested is usually more affectionate and people-oriented*.

Do they get along with children and other animals?

Most can live with children, although some breeds are better suited to family life than others. The Chinese Crested generally enjoys the company of calm children, while the Pekingese is better matched to children who know how to handle a dog gently.

The same is true when it comes to other animals. The Shar-Pei may be reserved with strangers, while the Tibetan Mastiff is often highly protective of its family and can be territorial around other dogs. A successful household therefore depends on careful introductions and proper training.

Santévet’s advice: before adopting, observe how the dog reacts to children and other animals in a calm setting. Gradual, supervised introductions help reduce tension and encourage good relationships.

Can they live in an apartment?

Some Chinese breeds adapt well to apartment living, especially the Pekingese and the Chinese Crested. Larger breeds such as the Chow-Chow or Tibetan Mastiff, however, need more space and more exercise. In all cases, daily walks remain essential.

Training and socialisation: how should they be raised?

Training should begin early, using positive reinforcement based on rewards. Early socialisation with different people, dogs, environments, and noises also helps raise a well-balanced dog. Short, regular sessions work best, without shouting or punishment.

Health of Chinese dogs: common illnesses and life expectancy

Chinese dog breeds may face different health issues depending on the breed. Here are the main conditions to know about, along with their average life expectancy.

What is the life expectancy of Chinese dogs?

Life expectancy varies by breed and size. The Chinese Crested generally lives around 13 to 17 years, while the Pekingese reaches around 13 years. The Chow-Chow averages 11 to 13 years and the Shar-Pei around 8 to 12 years.

The main health problems in Chinese dogs

Brachycephalic breeds such as the Pekingese or the Shih Tzu often suffer from breathing difficulties linked to their flat faces, which makes strenuous exercise in hot weather especially risky.

Skin disorders are also common, especially in the Shar-Pei, whose skin folds can encourage bacterial infections and dermatitis.

Here are the most common conditions by breed:

• Hip dysplasia in the Tibetan Mastiff and Chow-Chow
• Patellar luxation in small breeds such as the Lhasa Apso
• Eye disorders linked to skull shape in the Pug and Pekingese

Before adoption, a genetic test carried out by a reputable breeder can help identify some inherited predispositions and allow the future owner to plan veterinary follow-up for the puppy.

To help cover veterinary expenses up to 100%, you can take out pet health insurance. Find out which plan is best suited to your Chinese dog.

Budget to expect for Chinese dogs

The cost of owning a Chinese dog depends on the breed, the breeder, and the expenses involved in daily care.

How much should you budget for veterinary expenses?

Veterinary costs depend on the dog’s age, breed, and health status. As a guide, here are the main expenses to expect:

How much should you budget for food?

Food costs mainly depend on the dog’s size, age, and the type of diet chosen. Here are some rough estimates:

What are the grooming and maintenance costs?

Maintenance costs vary depending on the breed, coat length, and how often grooming is needed. Here are a few guidelines:

Other expenses to plan for

Other costs may also be added to the yearly budget, including equipment, accessories, and any boarding or pet-sitting fees.

Total annual budget for Chinese dogs

Adding up veterinary care, food, grooming, and accessories, an owner should expect to spend between €600 and €1,500 per year, depending on the breed and size of the dog. A small dog such as the Chinese Crested or Pekingese will generally fall at the lower end of the range, while a Chow-Chow or Tibetan Mastiff, being larger, will push costs higher.

How much does a Chinese dog puppy cost?

Here is a summary of Chinese dog breeds and their price ranges:

Caring for Chinese dogs: grooming, hygiene, and nutrition

Chinese dog care varies by breed, especially when it comes to grooming, hygiene, and nutritional needs.

How should Chinese dogs be fed?

There is no single diet suitable for all Chinese breeds. The food should be complete and balanced, and adapted to the dog’s age, weight, activity level, and health condition. Portions should be adjusted to maintain an ideal body weight, and treats should remain limited.

For a home-prepared diet or a special feeding plan, it is best to ask a veterinarian for advice to avoid nutritional deficiencies.

How should Chinese dogs be cared for on a daily basis?

Daily care depends on the breed, especially because coat type and skin sensitivity can vary significantly:

• Regular brushing for long-haired or dense-coated breeds to prevent tangles.
• Eye and ear hygiene: check them regularly and clean only with a suitable product if needed.
• Dental care: regular brushing helps reduce plaque buildup.
• Nail care: trim nails when they become too long.
• Skin care: the hairless Chinese Crested needs particular attention, especially to protect its skin from the sun and avoid irritation.

Need to discuss your pet’s health? Explore pet health insurance options and request a callback from one of our advisers.

Origins and physical characteristics of Chinese dogs

Chinese dogs include several ancient breeds with very different sizes, body shapes, and coat types.

Where do Chinese dogs come from?

Some of these breeds originated in the mountainous regions of Tibet and Mongolia, where they were used as guard dogs or companions in extreme cold. Others developed within imperial palaces, selected more for their appearance and affectionate nature than for a specific working role.

This geographic diversity explains why Chinese dogs include both ornamental breeds with floppy ears and sturdy hunting dogs built for difficult terrain. Trade along the Silk Road also encouraged crossbreeding between similarly sized dogs from Central Asia and local lines.

For a long time, several of these breeds were reserved for the Chinese aristocracy, and many did not leave the country until the 19th century, when China gradually opened to the West.

What are the different breeds of Chinese dogs?

Chinese dogs bring together many very different breeds, with a wide range of sizes, body types, and coat textures. The main breeds to know are:

• Central Asian Shepherd Dog
• Pug
• Chinese Crested
• Chinese Chongqing Dog
• Chow-Chow
• Tibetan Mastiff
• Tibetan Spaniel
• Lhasa Apso
• Pekingese
• Shar-Pei
• Shih Tzu
• Tibetan Terrier

Chinese dog breeds share an ancient heritage and a strong personality, which makes early training especially important. From the Pug to the Tibetan Mastiff, each breed has its own traits that should be carefully considered before adoption.

Source: *American Kennel Club

Santévet

Leader in pet health insurance

Photos: 123 rf