If you’ve ever traveled to a new country, you’ve probably seen how much things change, even while they stay the same. Dogs are popular pets no matter where you go in the world, but that doesn’t mean you’ll see the same dogs walking down the street in every country. In fact, the most popular breed varies a lot!
If you visit China, you might see a mix of some familiar breeds and a few you don’t recognize. Using some of the most recent data from Statista, we’ll share some of the most popular dogs to own in this Asian country.1
The 5 Most Popular Dog Breeds in China
1. Siberian Husky
| Origin: | Russia |
| Size: | 40–60 lbs |
| Traits: | Energetic, friendly, mischievous |
With their beautiful coat and gorgeous eyes, the Siberian Husky stands out. Originally bred to pull sleds through frigid Russian winters, the Husky has since become a popular pet worldwide, including in China. In fact, they are the most popular breed in the country, with 16% of respondents claiming to own one. Huskies are friendly and good-tempered, so it’s not surprising that so many own one. However, they are fairly athletic dogs, and they require a lot of exercise.
2. Tugou (Chinese Field Dog)
| Origin: | China |
| Size: | 50–80 lbs |
| Traits: | Smart, fearless, cheerful |
The Tuguo, or Chinese Field Dog, is the second most common breed in China and is sometimes considered China’s “wild-type” dog. They aren’t recognized by most Kennel Clubs, and the ideal Tuguo varies from region to region, so they might be better called a group of breeds. However, Tugou dogs are generally medium in size, with pointed ears, a curved tail, and brown or black fur. They have long, lean bodies, are intelligent and active, and have strong hunting instincts.
3. Poodle
| Origin: | Germany |
| Size: | 40–70 lbs (standard) |
| Traits: | Lively, clever, attention-loving |
Poodles are some of the most iconic dogs, and their intelligence, friendliness, and beauty make them popular worldwide. Both standard and toy-sized poodles are popular in China. Their soft, fluffy coats are low-shedding and beautiful, adding even more to their popularity. Around 13.6% of pet owners who answered the survey owned a poodle or toy poodle.
4. Corgi
| Origin: | United Kingdom |
| Size: | 20–40 lbs |
| Traits: | Happy, loving, stubborn |
Corgis have a reputation for being happy and loving, but owners know they also often have a stubborn, independent streak. In the US and UK, they are best known for being a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II. In China, they are one of the most popular breeds, coming in at number four on our list. Although Corgis come in various colors, they are most recognizable in shades of brown and tan with white markings.
5. Shiba Inu
| Origin: | Japan |
| Size: | 20–25 lbs |
| Traits: | Spirited, fastidious, intelligent |
The Shiba Inu is a fairly rare dog in the US, but they are quite common in China. This breed originally hails from Japan and is a small to medium dog similar to Spitz-type dogs from other parts of the world. They have thick, medium-length coats that can be golden, black, or brown, with lighter fur on their undersides. Shiba Inu dogs are known for making high-pitched screams when upset or excited.
Summary
As you can see, most of the breeds that are popular in China are also popular in the United States. But there are a few surprises on this list! If you ever get a chance to visit China, keep an eye out for dog walkers and see if you can spot a Chinese Field Dog or other native Chinese breeds!
See also:
Featured Image Credit: Aleksandr Abrosimov, Shutterstock
