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 ever go to 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 can share with you 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 its beautiful coat and its gorgeous eyes, the Siberian Husky stands out. Originally bred to pull sleds through frigid Russian winters, this breed of dog has since become a popular pet around the world, including in China. In fact, it was the most popular breed in that country, with 16% of respondents claiming to own one. These dogs 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. That makes them a big commitment.
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. These dogs 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 and are intelligent and active, with 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 the breed 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 |
These friendly dogs have a reputation for being happy and loving, but owners know that 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 a variety of 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 in China, it is quite common. 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 the high-pitched screams that they make 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
