Three breeds of Chinese dog breeds are the most popular dogs as pets. Two of them are large breeds.
Have you ever thought of keeping dogs in a giant size?
Big dogs are easier to train.
They tend to have better manners than little nippers, which may be due to the way humans treat them. When you have a big dog, you have a bigger incentive to train him well—and stick with training to make sure he’s well-behaved. [RD.com]
In this article, I will list 6 large Chinese dog breeds that you can keep as pets.
Contents
What are Chinese Large Dog Breeds?
Chinese large dog breeds are popular among pet lovers.
When it comes to “large breeds”, the average size of Chinese dogs is from 11 to 13 inches. Any dog breeds that are 5 inches larger in size (compared to average size – 11 to 13 inches) are considered large dog breeds.
There are six breeds of Chinese dog breeds that are larger than the average Chinese dog size:
- Laizhou Hong
- Shaanxi Xian Hound
- Tibetan Kyi Apso
- Kunming Wolfdog
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Shar-Pei
Top 6 Large Chinese Dog Breeds in Size (Profile & Price)
The largest Chinese dog breed is Tibetan Mastiff, but do you know where is the breed native from? How big do they get? How much do they cost?
The sections below will brief you on more details about large Chinese dog breed profiles and the costs to keep pets.
Before that, here is the list of large Chinese dog breeds in the simplest format.
| Large Chinese Dog Breeds | Height (inches) | Weight | Price (USD) |
| Tibetan Mastiff | 24-26 inches | 120 to 176 pounds | $2000 – $4000 |
| Laizhou Hong | Up to 32 inches | 77 to 85 pounds | Up to $2500 |
| Shaanxi Xian Hound | 24 to 27 inches | Thin | N/A |
| Tibetan Kyi Apso | 24 to 28 inches | 70 to 90 pounds | N/A |
| Kunming Wolfdog | Up to 33.5 inches | Up to 120 pounds | N/A |
| Shar-Pei | 17 to 20 inches | 45 to 65 pounds | $1200 – $2000 |
Tibetan Mastiff
Smart, stubborn, independent, territorial.
Tibetan Mastiff was developed centuries back specifically to be used as a watchdog for livestock and property.
These “tired puppies” are fuzzy and adorable but they grow into strong and determined adults. In the adult stage, they have a lion-like mane and a massive stature that resembles lions and Tibetan bears.
Their thick double coat can be black, red, golden, or brown in color and helps them to thrive in cold weather. The double coat makes them more active when the temperature drops.
Tibetan Mastiff is high maintenance, willful, independent, highly intelligent, and stubborn.
This Chinese dog breed is best suited for people with dog-training experience.
After good training, they are moderately adaptable and can be very stubborn. They are not very affectionate and do not crave affection.
The loyal, protective, and strong-guard nature of Tibetan Mastiff makes them the best protection dog.
Sometimes, Tibetan mastiff becomes overprotective which can be an issue as they do not approve of strangers coming to the house.
If you have a larger breed, they can get along really well with other dog breeds too. They are prone to obesity and need to be taken for moderate exercise and a long walk.
On average, male Tibetan mastiffs are 26 inches in height and weigh about 120 to 176 pounds.
They have a life expectancy of 10-12 years.
Laizhou Hong
Calm, friendly, loyal, loving
Laizhou hong dogs are good family dogs.
They are known for their confidence and loyalty. Their calmness and high deterrence abilities make them perfect dogs for farms and protection.
Laizhou Hong is one of the most energetic dogs. But it doesn’t mean that they are dumb. This breed is a smart and reliable dog.
Their forefathers were considered intelligent, hardworking, and diligent.
So, many of their attributes are seen in this breed too. They have been used as police dogs by the Chinese police force.
This molosser type of dog, also known as the Chinese red dog has a muscular and strong body with a very pronounced skull.
A flat forehead, broad nose, wide nostrils, and almond-shaped eyes are characteristic features of Laizhou Hong dog.
The fur is smooth, short, and black in color with reddish patches on the muzzle and legs.
Laizhou Hong is a low-maintenance breed that sheds minimal hair. They are suitable for people suffering from allergies.
Because of their friendly and calm nature, they get along really well with children.
Laizhou Hong has a life expectancy of about fifteen years.
Male Laizhou Hong can reach up to 32 inches while weighing between 77 to 85 pounds.
On the other hand, females reach a maximum of 27 inches.
They were one of the most popular breeds throughout the mid-20th century.
Shaanxi Xian Hound
Loving, friendly, energetic
They are one of the oldest and rarest Chinese dog breeds.
Due to their courage and alertness, they are as competitive as any hound.
Although they are considered ancestors of sighthounds, their shorter hanging ears and curled tails make them look different from other sighthounds.
Shaanxi Xian Hound dogs are specialized in chasing and capturing prey. Their smooth coat and long set of legs help them in running with long strides. They do not have excess fat and look thin.
They tend to be tall and comparatively lower in weight. Their average size is about 24 to 27 inches.
Due to their height, they can be susceptible to joint problems when they get older.
Their weight should be managed within a safe limit as being overweight can be disastrous for them. Routine visits to the veterinarian can add years to the life of your dog.
Tibetan Kyi Apso
Intelligent, protective, territorial, stubborn
Tibetan Kyi Apso is a rare and ancient breed. They were developed back in 19th and early 20th centuries. Nowadays, Tibetan Kyi Apso is one of the rarest breeds on earth.
Conventionally, they were used by nomads for personal protection and for guarding live stocks. Western countries know this breed by the name Apso Do-Kyi or the Tibetan Collie.
Tibetan Kyi Apso is often confused with Tibetan Mastiff as they are close relatives but Tibetan Kyi Apso has a lighter and shaggier appearance.
Their territorial and stubborn nature makes them a great watchdog. You will notice that they have high learning abilities and are trainable but they can be very stubborn.
Tibetan Kyi Apso is known to be loyal and highly intelligent which makes them very good companions. They possess a heavy, double coat that is pale in color with extremities. They shed odors and molt once a year.
In height, they range from 24 to 28 inches while weight varies from 70 to 90 pounds. This bearded dog breed has eyes that are almond-shaped and amber in color while the nose and lips are black.
The beard makes the head and muzzle appear bigger than they actually are. They are known as a children-friendly breed, and they love running and chasing.
You need to make sure that you keep an eye on them when your children play with them.
Tibetan Kyi Apso’s average lifespan is about 12 to 14 years.
Kunming Wolfdog
Intelligent, friendly, less adaptable.
This Chinese breed was created in the 1950s in Yunnan and is named after the province’s capital.
Since it is a type of German shepherd and is very similar in appearance to them Kunming Wolfdog is a little taller and has a shorter coat. Their coat color ranges from light straw to deep rust.
Kunming Wolfdog is a muscular dog breed. They have graceful stature with a height that may reach up to 33.5 inches and weigh up to 120 pounds.
Kunming Wolfdog has an athletic body and loose skin while the tail is long and bushy which becomes high and curled when they are intrigued.
They are very agile and highly alert when it comes to suspicious intruders.
Although Kunming Wolfdogs are known as guard dogs, they can be excellent pets too.
Talking about personality, they are easy-going, loving, loyal, and quite approachable. This makes them a great family breed.
Early socialization with children and training at a younger age helps them to shape their behavior at an early age which prevents them from experiencing behavioral problems later.
Kunming wolfdogs crave strenuous exercises and love a good challenge. They need to be taken for jogging or brisk walking when they are underexercised.
They have the tendency to become destructive and restless. Kunming Wolfdog’s life expectancy is 12 to 14 years.
Shar Pei
Loyal, calm, independent, strong, territorial.
Shar Pei has a broad muzzle that has been compared with that of a hippopotamus.
This dog breed originated in China around 200 BC for hunting and guarding purposes. They are known for their loose folds of skin around the head, neck, and shoulders.
Their sandpaper coat is harsh and thick in appearance. Their coat can be found in a number of colors including red, chocolate, and cream while the tail curls over its back.
Initially, Shar Pei has been used as fighters because their wrinkled skin gives them an advantage during the fight as it is difficult for the opponent to get a grip. However, their loose skin can make them prone to skin problems.
In addition to their unique appearance, they are known as a calm dog breed and can be excellent guards and watchdogs.
They are docile and self-reliant. Since they are strong-willed animals, they need early training and socialization so that they will not become aggressive towards strangers.
Similarly, Shar Pei requires training to get along with other pets. This devoted and protective companion can become stubborn if you do not show strong leadership.
Chinese Shar-Pei size is about 17 to 20 inches in height and weighs 45 to 65 pounds.
In the family, you can expect a life expectancy of 8-12 years.
Wrapping Up
Large Chinese dog breeds belong to an elite group of dogs due to their beautiful appearance and characteristics.
They have proven their loyalty, service, and companionship over thousands of years.
Due to their qualities, they have always been the best friends of mankind. So, if you want to add ease and fun to your life, get a large Chinese dog.
Alternatively, in situations where large dogs are a turn-off to you probably because of their large size, there are lots of small fluffy pet dogs you can look into.