Asia is home to an incredible diversity of native dog breeds, from tiny lap dogs to powerful guardians. Out of the hundreds of breeds recognized worldwide, a significant number trace their origins to various countries across the Asian continent. These Asian dog breeds showcase a wide spectrum of appearances, temperaments and histories. Many have been cherished companions to humans for thousands of years and maintain strong cultural ties to their homelands.
As the popularity of Asian breeds continues to rise worldwide, join us as we dive into the fascinating world of dogs native to China, Japan, Korea, India, and beyond. We‘ll explore some of the most iconic and intriguing Asian breeds, covering their origins, characteristics, care needs, and cultural significance. Whether you‘re a current owner of an Asian breed, considering adding one to your family, or simply curious to learn more, there‘s a lot to discover about these remarkable dogs.
Let‘s start our journey through the Asian dog breeds by heading to the East Asian nations of China, Japan, and Korea, a region with an especially rich and ancient history of dog breeding.
The Dogs of East Asia
China
China is the birthplace of several of the most popular and recognizable dog breeds in the world. From the roly-poly Pug to the lion-like Chow Chow, Chinese breeds have captured hearts with their unique looks and larger-than-life personalities.
Chow Chow
One of the oldest dog breeds native to China, the Chow Chow is perhaps best known for its bear- or lion-like appearance. With a broad head, small upright ears, and a distinctive ruff of fur around the neck and shoulders, Chow Chows have an unmistakable look. They‘re powerfully built dogs originally bred for hunting, herding, protection, and pulling sleds.
Chow Chows are known for having a rather aloof and independent nature. While devoted to their families, they can be standoffish with strangers and aren‘t typically cuddly, affectionate dogs. Chows require firm training and lots of socialization from an early age. Grooming that thick double coat also takes a good amount of upkeep.
The Chow Chow has a noble history in its homeland, once kept as prized companions to Chinese nobles and emperors. The breed also has a rather goofy claim to fame – Chow Chows have black tongues and mouths, a trait shared by only a couple other breeds!
Chinese Shar-Pei
The Chinese Shar-Pei‘s most prominent feature is undoubtedly its wrinkly skin and deeply furrowed brow. This unique appearance served a purpose, as the loose skin provided protection when these dogs were fighting. Shar-Peis were originally bred in China as all-around farm dogs and guardians.
Though Shar-Peis tend to be standoffish with strangers, they are very devoted to and protective of their families. These intelligent, confident dogs require training and socialization to prevent aggressive tendencies. That wrinkly skin also demands regular care and cleaning to avoid irritation and infection.
After China‘s Communist revolution, Shar-Peis nearly went extinct and the breed was revived using the small number of remaining dogs in the 1970s. All Chinese Shar-Peis today descend from this limited gene pool, making them subject to several hereditary health issues. Careful breeding is necessary for the future of the Shar-Pei.
Pug
Beloved by royals and commoners alike for centuries, the petit, wrinkly-faced Pug is a true people-lover. These happy, goofy little dogs thrive on human companionship and have long been prized as lapdogs. As the Latin phrase multum in parvo – meaning "a lot in a little" – associated with Pugs suggests, these small dogs pack a lot of personality into a tiny package.
Pugs were kept by Chinese emperors as far back as 700 BC and later became popular in Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. They were brought to Europe in the 1500s and soon became fashionable companions among royal households. Their small size and even temperaments also made them favorites of ordinary folk as well.
While those wrinkles and pushed-in nose are undeniably cute, they can lead to health issues in Pugs. The flat faces of brachycephalic breeds like Pugs make them prone to breathing problems, skin fold infections, and eye injuries. Supporting responsible breeding practices is important for the welfare of Pugs.
Japan
The island nation of Japan has a long and proud history of dog breeding. Many of Japan‘s native breeds are ancient landrace types that developed naturally in isolation. More recently bred dogs still maintain close ties to Japanese culture.
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu, Japan‘s most popular native breed, has soared to worldwide fame in recent years, thanks in no small part to the breed‘s status as an internet icon. Who can resist that foxy face, compact build, and puffy curled tail? Shiba Inus are muscular little dogs originally developed for hunting in Japan‘s mountainous regions.
Living with a Shiba Inu isn‘t all cute memes and viral videos, however. These dogs tend to be independent, strong-willed, and a bit aloof. They can be possessive of toys and food. Firm, consistent training and plenty of physical and mental exercise are a must for this smart, active breed.
The devastation of World War II nearly drove the Shiba Inu extinct. The breed was revived using the few remaining dogs and has since spread across the globe. Shibas maintain their cultural status as one of Japan‘s most treasured dogs and a designated national natural monument.
Japanese Akita
The Japanese Akita is a powerful, muscular dog with a dignified presence. Originally bred as hunters and guardians in the rugged mountains of northern Japan, Akitas combine strength, agility, and fearlessness. They are famous for their loyalty and have an important place in Japanese culture and history.
Perhaps the best-known Akita was Hachikō, who garnered worldwide admiration in the 1920s for his remarkable devotion. Hachikō continued to wait for his deceased owner at a Tokyo train station for over nine years, embodying the breed‘s legendary faithfulness. A statue of Hachikō still sits at Shibuya station today.
As pets, Akitas are calm, intelligent protectors of their families. They tend to be territorial and should be trained and socialized from an early age. That thick double coat also requires plenty of brushing. The Akita isn‘t for novice owners, but they are incredible companions in the right hands.
Korea
The Korean peninsula is home to several native spitz-type breeds prized for their loyalty and valor. Unfortunately, many native Korean breeds are now very rare, even in their homeland.
Jindo
The Jindo, also known as the Korean Jindo Dog or Jin Dog, is one of Korea‘s most well-known and beloved native breeds. These medium-sized spitz-type dogs were originally bred on Jindo Island as skilled hunters and loyal protectors. They are cherished in Korean culture and officially designated as a national treasure.
Jindos are renowned for their unwavering loyalty, courage, and indomitable spirit. They form incredibly close bonds with their human families and will go to great lengths to find them if lost or separated. These dogs need plenty of physical and mental activity to stay happy.
Sadly, Jindos are at high risk of extinction in Korea. Dedicated breeders are striving to preserve the purity of this majestic dog for generations to come. Though rare, Jindos make deeply devoted and adventurous companions in the right homes.
The Dogs of South and Central Asia
South and Central Asia are home to some of the world‘s oldest and most unique dog breeds, many of which are still relatively unknown in the West. From the Afghan Hound to the mighty Tibetan Mastiff, these breeds have fascinating histories and cultural significance.
Afghanistan
Afghan Hound
The elegant Afghan Hound, beloved for its long, silky coat and exotic appearance, is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence. These majestic sighthounds were originally bred by nomadic tribes in the mountains of Afghanistan and Central Asia to hunt large game like hares and gazelles.
In spite of their delicate, glamorous look, Afghan Hounds are actually quite rugged and independent. Bred to work far from their humans, they can be aloof and aren‘t inclined to cling to their owners‘ sides. Typical sighthounds, Afghans have a strong prey drive and love a good chase. They need lots of space to run.
That luxurious coat is high-maintenance, requiring frequent brushing and bathing to prevent tangles. But for those captivated by the breed‘s beauty and admire its regal aloofness, the grooming demands are well worth it to live with such a striking piece of living history.
Tibet and the Himalayas
Several impressive breeds hail from the high altitude regions of Tibet and the Himalayan mountains. Bred to thrive in harsh conditions, these dogs have been valued guardians and companions to the Buddhist monks and nomadic peoples of the region for millennia.
Tibetan Mastiff
One of the largest dog breeds in the world, the powerful Tibetan Mastiff has a commanding presence. With males standing up to 26 inches tall and weighing well over 100 pounds, these giant guardians were bred by nomads in the Himalayas to protect livestock from predators like wolves and leopards.
The Tibetan Mastiff is a highly intelligent, independent breed with strong protective instincts. Wary of strangers but deeply loyal to their families, Tibetan Mastiffs require firm, consistent training and socialization from an early age. That dense double coat needs a lot of brushing, especially during shedding seasons.
These noble giants have an important place in Tibetan culture and are traditionally given as good luck gifts to expecting families. Though still quite rare, Tibetan Mastiffs have a devoted following worldwide among those seeking a calm, watchful companion and able to handle a dog of such size.
Lhasa Apso
On the other end of the size spectrum from the massive Tibetan Mastiff is the small but equally ancient Lhasa Apso. Don‘t let this breed‘s long, flowing coat and tiny stature fool you – the Lhasa Apso was bred as a sentinel and still takes its guarding duties seriously!
For over a thousand years, Lhasa Apsos served as alarm dogs in the monasteries and palaces of Tibet. Their keen senses and loud bark made them well-suited to the job of alerting the bigger Tibetan Mastiffs to intruders. According to Tibetan folklore, the Lhasa Apso‘s spirit would enter the body of a Mastiff after death, giving the little dogs a mighty presence indeed.
Though small, Lhasa Apsos are confident, independent little dogs. They can be suspicious of strangers and aren‘t afraid to stand their ground. Frequent brushing is needed to prevent that beautiful coat from matting. This long-lived breed is a great choice for those wanting a small dog with a big personality.
Conclusion
From the wrinkly Shar-Pei to the foxy Shiba Inu, the loyal Jindo to the lion-like Tibetan Mastiff, Asian dog breeds are an incredibly diverse bunch. Hailing from the high peaks of the Himalayas to the crowded cities of Japan, these breeds have captivated humans across the globe with their unique looks, larger-than-life personalities, and enduring cultural significance.
Though their appearances and original purposes vary widely, Asian dog breeds are united by some common threads. Breeds native to this part of the world tend to form deep bonds with their chosen humans and display steadfast loyalty. Many Asian breeds are also highly intelligent, independent dogs that can be a bit aloof with strangers.
As some sadly teeter on the brink of extinction in their homelands while others have spread to the far corners of the world, Asian dog breeds are facing both challenges and newfound popularity. Preserving rare breeds and ensuring the health of popular ones will be key to the survival and welfare of these incredible dogs.
We hope you‘ve enjoyed this deep dive into the astonishing variety and rich histories of Asian dog breeds. For those considering adding one of these remarkable dogs to their families, thorough research and careful selection of a responsible breeder is a must. In the right homes, Asian breeds make a captivating window to a long and storied tradition of human-canine partnership.
