Chongqing Dog

Two thousand years ago, in the mountains of Sichuan, there was already a dog that hunted alone and distrusted strangers: the Chongqing is so ancient that the Han Dynasty knew of it, and so rare it nearly disappeared in the 20th century.

Ancient Origins in the Mountains of Sichuan

It originates from the Chongqing and Sichuan regions in inland China, though within the country itself it goes by many different names, such as Hechuan, Chuandong, or Linshui. This multiplicity of names reflects how deeply rooted it is in different rural communities across the region.

The Chongqing's origin remains a mystery to this day, though it's known to be one of China's oldest breeds. Its presence dates back to the Han Dynasty, roughly two thousand years ago. The mountainous, isolated geography of its home region allowed it to maintain exceptional genetic purity, free from outside influence for centuries.

During the second half of the 20th century it was persecuted by the authorities of communist China, which nearly drove the breed to extinction. Even today, safe from that particular danger, it remains a relatively rare breed with few dogs found outside its home territory.

Loyal but Wary of Strangers

It's hard to generalize much about the Chongqing's temperament, since this breed seems to show drastically different personalities depending on whether it's used as a hunting dog or a companion dog.

What we can say is that it's a loyal, obedient dog that always forms a very close emotional bond with its family. On the other hand, due to its protective, territorial nature, it's highly wary of strangers, which makes it a good guard dog.

Its protective instinct knows no limits when it comes to defending its own.

The Chongqing forms such deep bonds with its family that it can become overprotective without proper socialization from puppyhood.

Its hunting instinct remains very strong, so it can struggle to control the urge to chase anything it sees as prey, including birds, since these dogs are excellent jumpers. Despite its independent nature, it responds well to firm but fair leadership, and needs experienced owners who set clear boundaries from the start.

Three Sizes and an Unmistakable Tail

There are three types of Chongqing based on size:

• Small: height at the withers of 30-35 cm and 7 kg in weight
• Medium: height 35-45 cm and around 15-20 kg
• Large: more than 40 cm at the withers and a weight over 25 kg

All three varieties share a look that makes them unmistakable: a compact, strong body with well-developed muscle and a keen sense of smell. One very distinctive trait is the so-called "bamboo tail", always straight and very thick.

The head, square in appearance, is fairly large compared to the rest of the body. The muzzle is short but very wide and deep, while the mouth and tongue are dark blue, almost black.

The face is covered in folds and wrinkles, much like the Bulldog's.

Coat and Care

The Chongqing's coat is unique in the dog world, comparable only to that of the Chinese Shar-Pei. This coat is very short, smooth, glossy, and rough to the touch. On the ears and tail, hair is sparse, sometimes nonexistent, exposing this breed's characteristic dark skin. Generally, the back half of the body is less hairy than the front.

The color is always dark brown or reddish. Its thin coat doesn't provide much protection against the cold, so when temperatures drop very low, it's important to keep the dog indoors or in a sheltered space.

How to Train It Without Losing Your Patience

Opinions differ on this breed's trainability. Some experts say they're capable of learning more than other Asian breeds, while others point to just how difficult training a Chongqing can be.

What everyone agrees on is its intelligence and adaptability, traits that come paired with a dominant streak and a certain stubbornness. For that reason, it's necessary to establish your position in the hierarchy before starting any training method.

Proper training and adequate socialization are the best tools for making sure our furry companion turns out calm and balanced, and for preventing aggression problems.

It's strongly recommended to start from puppyhood, since puppies are easier to work with, and you can begin teaching them simple routines that you'll build on as they grow.

Robust Health and Exceptional Longevity

No known genetic defects exist in this breed, so it's fair to say the Chongqing generally enjoys very good health. They can live up to 17-18 years, though the average falls between 10-12 years depending on care and individual genetics.

That said, due to the shape of its muzzle, this dog can be quite sensitive to heat, since it struggles to draw in enough air to cool itself down.

HEAT SENSITIVITY IN BRACHYCEPHALIC BREEDS

Short-muzzled dogs like the Chongqing can't regulate their body temperature well. In summer, avoid walks between noon and 6pm, provide constant access to fresh water, and never leave the dog in a closed car.

For that reason, it's a good idea to limit its exercise time and sun exposure on hot days, and make sure it always has enough water within reach.

Beyond that, keeping up with recommended vaccinations and routine vet check-ups is enough to keep it healthy and strong.

Price and Technical Specifications

The price of a Chongqing puppy varies considerably depending on the kennel, the bloodline, and the geographic location. Since it's a very rare breed outside China, finding specialized breeders in Europe or America can be difficult, which can significantly drive up the cost. It's recommended to contact registered breeders directly and ask for references before making any purchase.

As for technical specifications, it belongs to FCI Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types). The breed standard sets a weight of 18-25 kg in males and 15-22 kg in females, with heights at the withers of 38-54 cm in males and 34-50 cm in females. These ranges are broader than the three traditional categories (small, medium, large) and reflect the breed's natural variability.

Is the Chongqing the Dog for You?

The Chongqing isn't a breed for just anyone. It needs an experienced, patient owner capable of establishing firm leadership without being harsh.

Its independence, strong hunting instinct, and natural wariness of strangers call for early, ongoing socialization, along with regular exercise and mental stimulation.

If you're looking for a loyal, protective dog with a strong personality, one that forms a deep bond with its family and can live by your side for many years, the Chongqing can be an extraordinary choice. But if you'd prefer a dog that's easy to train, friendly with everyone, or suited to beginners, this ancient, primitive breed isn't the right fit.