Breeds
Asian Dog Breeds
Asian dog breeds are varied and today are found all over the world. The looks and personalities of these dogs are wide-ranging — one of them could turn out to be the dog you're looking for! Discover the main breeds from Asia and their characteristics here.
Shar Pei
This is a Chinese dog from the province of Guangdong, where it was bred as a guard dog and hunter. It's among the medium-sized Asian breeds, standing between 44 and 51 centimeters at the withers.
You'll recognize the Shar Pei by its many skin folds and flat face. The coat is very short and coarse, in solid colors like sand or brindle. It's a loyal, affectionate dog with a calm personality.
Tibetan Mastiff
This is a dog of Tibetan origin whose existence can be traced back to before Christ. Since ancient times it was used as a guard dog in monasteries and as a companion animal for Himalayan nomadic tribes.
It's known for a strong, solid body, able to withstand any climate. Its coat has smooth and shaggy areas, both long and short, but is always thick and dense. The coat is black, reddish, gold, or fawn, either solid or with some patches.
Looking for a guard dog? The Tibetan Mastiff's loyal, protective personality is ideal for you.
Japanese Terrier
This breed appeared in Japan during the 17th century, from crosses with Fox Terriers brought from the Netherlands. It's among the small Asian breeds, standing at most 33 centimeters at the withers.
The Japanese Terrier has an active, playful temperament. The coat is short and shiny, a combination of white and black with reddish patches.
Chow Chow
The Chow Chow is an ancient Chinese dog, bred for 2,000 years. It's a large breed known for a solid, muscular, sturdy body, a large nose, and a flat face.
If you're drawn to fluffy dogs, the Chow Chow has a dense, lion-like coat, with a mane around the head; some varieties also have a short coat. Its colors are black, red, fawn, cream, and white, always solid.
Akita
One of the best-known Japanese dog breeds is the Akita, a large dog that began being bred in 1600. It came close to disappearing during World War II, but some breeders saved it from extinction.
The Akita stands between 61 and 67 centimeters at the withers. It has an upright head, firm legs, and a tail that curls over the back. The coat is double, coarse, and dense, appearing in brindle, reddish, or white combinations. Its personality tends to be calm and docile.
Shiba
The Shiba looks similar to the Akita, but is older and is currently considered a natural monument in Japan. It's a small dog, muscular and with strong bones.
The Shiba is loyal and lively — you'll have fun with it on walks and trips to the park. Its coat is double, straight, and coarse, coming in combinations of white and gold, white and red, black and red, among others.
Japanese Spitz
This Spitz variety emerged in Japan starting in 1920, after crossing local dogs with German Spitz. It's a sturdy, energetic, strong dog, excellent as a companion animal thanks to its intelligent, calm personality.
The Spitz's coat is double, short, dense, and soft, abundant and delicate on the tail. It only comes in pure white.
Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu originates in Tibet, but the breed developed in China, where it was common as a companion dog in palaces. It's small, with an abundant coat that's its main draw.
The Shih Tzu stands just 27 centimeters at the withers and stands out for its friendly, active, intelligent personality.
Pekingese
The Pekingese is another small Chinese breed, used as a companion dog. It's known for its short body with short, thick legs, plus a large head. It's independent and curious.
The Pekingese's coat is long and abundant, even over the eyes, so it needs special care to prevent tangles and to avoid limiting the dog's mobility. The coat comes in every color, even with patches.
Pug
Also called the Carlino, the Pug is native to China, from where it spread and began being bred in the Netherlands and England. It's a small breed with a chubby look, legs proportional to its size, and a face with several folds.
This breed is known for being playful and lively, showing lots of joy. Its coat is short and shiny, coming in black, fawn, or apricot, paired with a black mask running from the muzzle to the ears.
Other Asian Dog Breeds
Besides the dogs mentioned, there are other varieties of Asian origin, such as the following:
- Tosa
- Hokkaido
- Kai
- Kishu
- Shikoku
- Taiwan Dog
- Korean Jindo Dog
- Thai Ridgeback
- Chinese Crested Dog
- Tibetan Spaniel
- Tibetan Terrier
- Lhasa Apso
- Japanese Spaniel
IMPORTANT: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary, nutritional or behavioural advice. Every dog is different, and only your trusted vet can advise you on its specific needs.