Chongqing Dog (Chongqing quan)

This remarkable looking dog is found only in Chongqing City and eastern Sichuan province. The Chongqing is a distinct and ancient bloodline with no genetic connection to the boxer, despite possessing a strong resemblance to that family of dogs. They were traditionally used by officials and gentry for hunting, to guard property and as status symbols. The breed is even rarer than the panda and little known even inside China. Owners say the Chongqing is a noble, loyal and very intelligent dog.

Formosan Mountain Dog (Taiwan quan)

The Formosan Mountain Dog category contains a variety of indigenous Taiwanese dogs that are defined by great athleticism, triangular features and large, upright ears. They are closely related to other primitive or original Asian dogs and are ideally adapted to living and hunting in Taiwan’s thickly forested mountains. Due to centuries of interbreeding with imported dogs, today very few pure blood Formosan Mountain dogs remain; however, their genetic legacy is evident in street dogs all over the island.

[More:]

Tibetan Mastiff (Zang’ao)

Renowned for its great size and ferocity, the Tibetan Mastiff has traditionally been used to protect flocks and property from predators on the Tibetan plateau. In winter the Tibetan Mastiff’s size is exaggerated by its thick winter coat and, in some dogs, the presence of a mane. The Tibetans call the dog Dokhyi meaning “tied dog”. Chinese make the distinction between “lion” and “tiger” varieties of Tibetan Mastiff. The lion subgroup is distinguished by a 20cm long mane that grows around the head, neck and shoulders whereas tigers are defined by their black coat and yellow brown patches on the muzzle, chest and legs.

Mongolian Dog (Menggu’ao)

Often classified together with Tibetan Mastiff, the Mongolian dog is not yet recognized as a distinct breed. But while the Mongolian displays the markings of the “tiger” type Tibetan Mastiff, it is a slimmer dog, possessing a pointed muzzle and lacking the jowls that are the defining characteristic of the mastiff family. The Mongolian dog is used extensively by nomadic herders as a guard dog and for shepherding. Soft under hair combed from the dog in spring is used to knit socks and vests.