Chinese breed of dogs: from emperors to today

The culture and traditions of the Chinese have existed for several millennia. Features of the geographical location of the country and its socio-political structure left their traces in each of the spheres of human life, including dog breeding. Possession of this animal was the lot of the nobility and rich people, and therefore any Chinese breed of dogs is original and amazing, as a rare jewel. However, something common in them can be seen: these are the small size of an animal, the cleanliness and absence of the smell of a dog, as well as a holistic and original character.

The most famous representatives

The most popular Chinese breed of dogs is, of course, the Pekingese. Small, funny-looking doggies today meet in the streets of any city, but until the middle of the 18th century these animals were forbidden to be kept to everyone except the emperor and his family members. For violation of this rule, the death penalty was threatened . And only in 1860, after the Peking Summer Palace was captured by the British soldiers , Europe first saw these amazing creatures, which, according to ancient tradition, are the fruit of the passionate love of the monkey and lion. This Chinese breed of dogs has changed little from its inception to our days, and it's neither more nor less than 2000 years.

The Lahas Apso has a very interesting appearance. The history of the breed takes its roots in the mountains of Tibet. The strength and tranquility of the mountain ranges, the land of mysteries, temples and sacral knowledge, the eternal cover of snow - that's what shaped the look and temper of these small stature, but great in the heart of dogs. They are full-fledged children of nature, whose creation almost did not touch the human hands. The Apso, who existed next to the monks-ascetics, themselves became similar in some ways to them. The original character, strong attachment to the owner and liveliness of the animal allow him to be an excellent friend and companion, but not a sofa at all.

Shih Tzu is another truly Chinese breed of dogs that lived in the chambers of the ruler of the country and is not allowed to be kept by ordinary mortals. Her puppies were awarded for the highest merits to the country and the emperor. The world appreciated the light, sociable and loving disposition of these luxurious babies after the 30s of the last century, when the offspring were received from the bitch of Leidza, presented to the ambassador of Norway, and a couple of imported producers, extracted with great difficulty.

An exception to a number of small dogs is the Tibetan mastiff. This Chinese breed of dog remains to this day rare and small. It is their custom to consider the ancestors of many modern working breeds. Balanced, calm, aware of their enormous strength and power, and therefore good-natured (until a certain moment), these dogs are ideal guards and full members of the family. A living mind allows Tibetan mastiffs to grasp what they are taught on the fly, and a high level of intelligence makes it possible to assess the situation and react to it most adequately in each specific case.

Another popular breed of dog today is the Chinese crested dog, few of whom will remain indifferent to the photo of these four-legged animals, and even a living dog, even more so. Exotic appearance, coupled with boundless devotion to the owner, remarkable mind and complete absence of a specific puff smell, and sometimes wool, allowed this breed to win the hearts of people all over the world in a short time. However, these animals need proper maintenance and care, because the absence of the hair cover makes them more vulnerable to disease.

And all this is only a part of the heritage of an amazing and ancient country. Chinese breeds of dogs with photos, stories of their appearance or guesses on this subject, with legends and stories about them, breeders' comments about their pets, funny and touching stories from their life could make a series of books, each chapter of which would be unique and unrepeatable.