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Due to cultural isolation in China, unique dog breeds have arisen that are distinguished by their unusual appearance. We have prepared a list that has a companion for everyone. There are both formidable bodyguards and decorative dogs.
- 2 Chow chow
- 3 Shar Pei
- 4 Chinese Crested Dog
- 5 Japanese Chin
- 6 Shih Tzu
- 7 Lhasa Apso
- 8 Chongqing
- 9 Tibetan Mastiff
- 10 Tibetan spaniel
Pekingese
The Pekingese is a funny dog, but its future owners should be prepared for the fact that it is a dog with a complex character. Representatives of this breed are difficult to force to obey. In addition, they are prone to breathing and eye problems due to the specific structure of their muzzle.
Pekingese were once used to protect Chinese emperors: the dogs were hidden in sleeves so that they could quickly attack the enemy when approaching
Health
They can live 10-12 years . The length of life depends on its quality. They have excellent health, but there are a number of diseases inherent in them. Among them: cancer, problems with the digestive system and musculoskeletal system, cataracts, corneal dystrophy, joint dysplasia, growth hormone deficiency, epilepsy, pericardium, pyoderma, dermatitis.
Unfortunately, the list is not short and these are real diseases that are most often inherent in the breed. But if you take proper care of your dog and undergo all necessary examinations on time, then no problems should arise.
It is also recommended to purchase puppies from nurseries, as they only sell healthy pets. Although these diseases are predominantly not hereditary, puppies may already have some of them at birth.
Shar Pei
Shar Peis are considered relatives of the Chow Chow due to their bluish tongue. They are similar in character: they are proud dogs that have difficulty recognizing anyone’s authority. But Shar Peis get along well with children and can even be used for rehabilitation in the presence of psychological disorders.
Previously, Shar Peis were listed in the Red Book as the rarest dog breed.
Miniature breeds
In general, there is a very wide variety of dog breeds in China. Of these, small dogs are especially loved.
Pekingese
Dogs of this breed are one of the most famous Chinese pets. Moreover, they are popular not only in China itself, but throughout the world. However, in ancient times, these four-legged animals were considered sacred animals. Unlike the almost equally elite Pugs (which could be kept by the upper echelons of Chinese society), Pekingese were owned only by the imperial family.
Tradition says that the Pekingese was the result of intercourse between a lion and a monkey. According to Chinese legends, these fluffy dogs are the descendants of Buddha's companion, a dog named Fu.
It is worth saying that this decorative breed has a difficult character, so it is difficult to find a common language with them. One of the specific qualities of the Pekingese is their love of leadership in everything. In this regard, it is not recommended to keep dogs in a house where there are small children or other pets.
Animals have some anatomical features that affect the life process of a dog. For example, Pekingese lap dogs have a specific structure of the skull. Therefore, they may have difficulty breathing, which is why animals may snore while sleeping. Moreover, they are characterized by respiratory diseases.
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Such troubles can occur if animals live in very frosty or, conversely, too hot climates. In addition, these dogs should not be tormented by too much physical activity.
Shih Tzu
Although the breed is officially considered Chinese, it is believed that it originated in Tibet in the 17th century. At that time, the Dalai Lama gave several dogs to the Chinese Emperor. Since then, Shih Tzus have been bred in the Middle Kingdom. Moreover, until the 20th century, they were forbidden dogs that only residents of the imperial palace could have.
The literal translation of the name “Shih Tzu” into Russian means “lion cub.” The dogs have a pleasant appearance and long coat. The hair is pleasant to touch, it is similar to silk. Dogs are classified as decorative.
However, the cute appearance of dogs can be misleading. Dogs have a strong character and a slightly independent disposition. Although in general they are docile and friendly to humans and animals. They are very attached to their owner, they are more interested in communicating with people rather than with dogs. Smart, active and quick-witted. They are active, smart and attentive.
This is a long-living dog breed, usually living for 15 years.
Pug
Pugs originate from ancient China. They were kept by noble families as lap dogs. They may be related to the Pekingese, but in the last few centuries the development of the breed has taken place in European countries. In the 16th century, merchants brought pugs to Holland, where they became very popular. And in the 19th century they became very famous in Britain.
Small dogs have many great advantages. Stocky, handsome guys are charming and have a developed sense of self-esteem. They have a calm character, they are cheerful, smart and friendly.
Chinese Crested Dog
Perhaps this is the most unusual and most discussed of the Chinese dogs. Although they do not originate from China strictly speaking. They are only attributed to Chinese ancestry, but in fact it is believed that they were the result of crossing African hairless terriers and domestic dogs from the Middle Kingdom.
Initially, the breed was bred for a specific purpose - so that the dogs could catch rats on sea ships.
At the beginning of the 20th century, hairless dogs from China appeared at an exhibition in America. After some time they were forgotten and only at the end of the twentieth century the breed began to be reborn again. Moreover, the British rehabilitated the dogs.
The appearance of dogs is very original, thanks to which many people immediately pay attention to them. Their body is covered with bare skin, long hair is only on the head, paws and the tip of the tail. There is also a downy variety - powder puff, they have soft hair with a light undercoat.
Crested dogs are friendly. They do not tolerate loneliness well, they need a team. They are responsive, playful, easily become attached to the owner and follow him everywhere. Therefore, it is very difficult for them to change their owner. They are non-aggressive and get along well with children and other pets.
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These dogs are quite energetic, so they need to devote a lot of time to play with them, walk them and take care of them in every possible way. They are very fond of attention and affection, in return for which they bring endless devotion to their owners.
Chinese Crested Dog
The Chinese Crested dog is suitable for homebodies. Due to the lack of fur, the pet does not tolerate heat or cold equally well, so it is advisable to accustom him to the tray. However, the dog still needs walking for proper adaptation in society, it’s just that representatives of this breed need it less than others.
Chinese Crested dogs are good for apartment living.
Maintenance and care of the snow-white dwarf Spitz
In order to maintain the health of your pet, you should take care of its safety. The enemy of the small snow-white Pomeranian is his curiosity and irrepressible energy. All dangerous passages in the house should be blocked, wires, household chemicals and medications should be removed.
The dog needs its own cozy place - a house or bed, which is located away from drafts and heating devices. You can brighten up his loneliness with the help of safe toys, and don’t forget to provide a bowl of water and food.
The puppy can begin walking after vaccination and quarantine.
Caring for your teeth and ears
The owner of a Pomeranian needs to take care of the puppy’s teeth - control the change from milk teeth to permanent ones, and regularly brush them with a special paste and brush. If problems arise, you should contact your veterinarian.
Ears should be cleaned weekly. Cotton pads are used to carry out the procedure.
Grooming
A white dwarf fluffy Spitz looks impressive and attracts everyone's attention if its coat is healthy and well-groomed. It needs to be combed at least once a week, long hair - twice. Use a soft comb so as not to damage the animal's skin. When caring for fur, owners most often encounter problems:
- The coat is gray - the dog should be bathed using a special shampoo.
- The brown color on the face and paws is lightened with hydrogen peroxide.
- Dark places on the body are treated with a mixture of talc, boric acid and starch.
Feeding your pet
Pomeranians have an excellent appetite, and therefore are prone to gaining excess weight. With small dogs, even an additional 500 g can lead to serious health problems.
Oranges should be provided with a varied, balanced diet that can compensate for energy costs without gaining excess weight. The feed should include:
- proteins - accelerate metabolism, contribute to the harmonious development of the animal;
- carbohydrates – provide the necessary energy;
- fats – help maintain healthy skin and coat;
- vitamins and minerals – reduce the risk of vitamin deficiency and organ dysfunction.
All components can be provided using natural food or ready-made food (dry and wet). When using the first option, the diet should consist of 35% protein foods (lean meat, fish, eggs, dairy products), 20% of cereals. Additionally, the Pomeranian is given vegetables, fruits and berries.
Ready-made dry and wet food is easy to use and saves the dog owner a lot of time. It is necessary to choose a quality product, follow the daily intake (according to recommendations) and store it correctly.
Regardless of which feeding system is chosen, the Pomeranian should have 24/7 access to fresh water.
Walking outside
If the puppy is not vaccinated, there is a risk of contracting numerous infections during walks. For this reason, he is taken outside only after vaccination and quarantine are completed.
It is necessary to ensure that the dog does not eat anything from the ground. You can let a white Pomeranian Spitz off the leash only in special areas, outside the city or in the country.
Walks lasting from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours should be daily, regardless of the weather. Despite the thickness of the Pomeranian's coat in cold weather, like any decorative dog, it should be dressed so that it does not catch a cold and does not dirty its magnificent coat.
Bathing and haircut
You should not bathe your Pomeranian frequently. Twice a year is enough, after shedding or if he is very dirty. Use special zoo shampoos for light wool.
If the pet does not take part in exhibitions, it can be cut according to the owner's preferences. A visit to the groomer will not only give the coat a well-groomed appearance, but also create an unusual haircut or prepare it for an exhibition. The dog easily tolerates the procedure, many even like such attention.
Diseases and life expectancy
Like many dwarf dogs, Pomeranian diseases are associated with several reasons:
- The small size of the animal - there are difficulties with changing teeth, coughing due to the structural features of the laryngeal cartilages, tearing due to the specific structure of the skull. Bone diseases and dislocations are common.
- Heredity – possible hypothyroidism, epilepsy, nanism (birth of super mini Spitz), unfused fontanel, umbilical hernia.
- Poor care – dermatitis, allergies, ticks and fleas.
With daily care and attention to the condition of the pet, Pomeranians grow healthy and cheerful, the life expectancy of representatives of the breed is from 12 to 16 years.
Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin may seem like a mischievous little dog, but first impressions can be deceiving. In fact, these are majestic dogs that demand respect. This breed may be too difficult for a beginner, as the owner will constantly have to maintain his authority and balance between rewards and punishments.
Despite their name, these dogs were bred specifically for the Chinese imperial house and were subsequently presented by Tibetan monks to the Emperor of Japan
Bolognese
The Bolognese is a curly little dog with round dark eyes that is attractive with a sweet expression and loves to have fun. This is a curious, funny, intelligent and loyal animal. He doesn't need long walks every day, but will do it if necessary. If you are the kind of person who can't say no to an adorable, small, white and fluffy dog, you will have problems with an adult Bolognese as he needs proper training from an early age. The curly coat of these small dogs requires daily brushing and sometimes professional grooming.
The Bolognese is one of several white dog breeds that have been known in the Mediterranean for at least 2,000 years. The breed was popular at the ducal courts in Italy, particularly in Bologna, where it got its name.
Lhasa apso
Lhasa Apso dogs are distinguished by their independent disposition and distrust. They are very wary of strangers. Although they cannot become such reliable protectors as, for example, shepherds, they are able to warn of intrusion by barking. These dogs are difficult to train because they are not obedient. The owner will have to maintain iron discipline with gentle, but not too pliable treatment.
The coat of the Lhasa Apso is an indicator of proper nutrition: if the diet is incorrect, the coat immediately becomes dull and falls out.
Chongqing
Chongqing is one of the few Chinese dog breeds that unconditionally respects the authority of its owners. We can say that these pets idolize their owners. They are wary of strangers, so they can become good guards. The disadvantages of the breed include conflict in relation to other pets.
Chongqing is one of the oldest Chinese breeds on the planet
Tibetan mastiff
The Tibetan Mastiff is a gentle giant. With proper upbringing, he is capable of harming only the ill-wishers of his owners. Despite their impressive size, mastiffs are very gentle and affectionate dogs. They need attention from their owner. The disadvantages of the breed include difficult care: due to the size and structure of the coat, it will take more time to comb than, for example, decorative short-haired pets.
These animals do not have the typical dog smell at all.
Exterior
There are 2 types of German Shepherds in China. They are completely different in appearance, although a certain similarity can be seen in them, because their ancestors are still the same German shepherds.
There are two types of “Germans” recognized in the PRC:
- Kunming (a light and nimble dog that perfectly shows its working qualities, has a light frame with a fairly high height at the withers, about 65 cm, the dog weighs about 35 - 37 kg, by color they distinguish between saddle-backed, zoned and almost black pets);
- German Shepherd of Chinese breeding (large animals with a massive head, their weight can reach 70 kg; there is a version that in their blood, in addition to the base from German shepherds, there are impurities from the Tibetan mastiff).
Important! The first variety shows itself well in operational and rescue activities, the second variety is an excellent guard, somewhat slow, but no less formidable.
Adults
In appearance, the Chinese-bred shepherd resembles a “German” crossed with a mastiff. It has a large head, a shorter muzzle with a non-pointed nose, a powerful and wide chest, and stronger paws. The animal is slightly heavier than its purebred relatives, and slower. However, its large size and intimidating appearance make it possible to effectively use it as a security guard.
From the usual shepherd dogs, the dog has erect ears, in most cases a sable-colored coat with a dense undercoat. The tail is saber-shaped and droops down. The back and croup are wide, powerful, the angles are sharp and pronounced.
Puppies
Shepherd puppies bred in China differ little from purebred “German” babies. Almost all of them are born almost black in color and in the first month they are almost no different in size and power from their relatives from Germany.
A little later, the babies acquire angular outlines of the muzzle, the head and body become powerful, and the clear outlines of mastiffs, whose blood is mixed with this breed, become visible. The color of the coat becomes black by 2-3 months and subsequently remains virtually unchanged.
