Dogs of China
Some of the oldest breeds of dogs call China their homeland. From the Imperial dogs like the Pekingese to the monastery dogs of Tibet, such as the Lhasa Apso, China is full of breeds we have come to know and love.
Many of the breeds were companion dogs, but where not owned by the commoner. The Pekingese was kept by the royal family at the Imperial Palace, and if one was taken it would result in that person’s death. The Shih Tzu was also kept as an Imperial pet, and although the Chow Chow was kept by the Emperor they were used for hunting. Even the little Pugs origins are with Chinese Royalty.
Other breeds were kept by the Tibetan monasteries. Some, such as the Lhasa Apso and the Tibetan Spaniel were used as companions and guardians. The Tibetan Mastiff, which is thought to be the ancestor to all mastiffs, were chained to the outside of the monasteries as guard dogs.
Many mysteries surround the Chinese dog breeds, and perhaps this is because they are older breeds with older, unknown histories. The origin of the Pekingese is simply a Chinese legend. Many wonder whether the Chow Chow and Chinese Shar-Pei are closely related, but the only think linking the two is their oddly black/blue tongues. It is wondered if the Chinese Crested Dog’s origins lie in China at all, as hairless dog breeds are found in different locations around the world.
It is known that in recent DNA testing found that six of the Chinese dog breeds are the oldest in the world, the Chow Chow, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Chinese Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, and Tibetan Terrier. Some have disputed these results, but until more testing is done it appears that China and the surrounding countries may hold the origins of the domesticated dog.
