Dogs have played a significant role in the lives of local citizens. And similar to most other countries and cultures with such a long and diverse history, China is one of the oldest nations in the world: it has existed for approximately 4,000 years.
These are ten of the most well-known. In fact, China is the birthplace of many of the most popular breeds in the modern world.
![Pekinés](https://www.lavanguardia.com/files/image_544_267/files/fp/uploads/2022/02/21/62138eb37e5ec.r_d.2736-1824.jpeg)
Pekinés
Pekingese puppies are known for their loyalty and affectionate nature. The Pekingese first met Westerners after British soldiers assaulted the emperor’s summer palace in Beijing during the Opium Wars in 1860. It is said that it was created by Buddha to resemble a lion in a smaller size. It is an ancient breed that was specifically bred for the upper classes in China.
![Vertical](https://www.lavanguardia.com/files/image_607_298/files/fp/uploads/2022/02/21/62138eb37e5ec.r_d.2736-1824.jpeg)
Shih-tzu
Dogs can live up to 18 years, which is uncommon. Since the 1930s, it has become extremely popular worldwide. They were also bred for the upper classes and are known for being playful and affectionate. It is another ancient Chinese breed of dogs that has a lion-like appearance.
![Shar Pei](https://www.lavanguardia.com/uploads/2022/02/21/62138eb37e5ec.jpeg)
Chinese Shar-Pei
This systematic killing and extinction led to the banning of these objects by the Communist Party in 1949. They were specifically bred as watchdogs for farmers and peasants, to guard their homes and livestock. This breed of Chinese dogs, known for their calm demeanor, has a long history dating back to the Han dynasty in ancient China, particularly in the southern provinces, with more than 2000 years of existence, and is famous for their distinctive features.
![Chow Chow](https://www.lavanguardia.com/files/image_449_220/files/fp/uploads/2022/02/21/62138eb37e5ec.r_d.2736-1824.jpeg)
Chow Chow Dog
They were discovered at the Museum of London when they exhibited Chinese wild dogs in the 1820s decade. They could be one of the most ancient dice in the world, used by peasants and servants as well as nobles.
![Xiasi Quan](https://www.lavanguardia.com/files/image_544_267/uploads/2019/05/24/5fa5358d532f5.jpeg)
Xiasi Fist
It is generally very intelligent to train easily, this breed is. The locals of the village of Xiasi developed a deep respect for Quan Xiasi, believing that the breed would bring prosperity and wealth to their owners, as the saying goes in the year. It originated in the province of Guizhou in China, in the village of Xiasi.
![Ejemplar de crestado chino](https://www.lavanguardia.com/files/image_607_298/uploads/2019/05/24/5fa5358d532f5.jpeg)
Chinese Crested
Alerta is always alert and very affectionate. On board, sailors from all over the world have revered this breed for centuries because of its ability to kill and catch dangerous vermin that carry diseases. This breed became known as the “Chinese ship dog”. It is believed that the ancient hairless dogs from Africa were systematically brought to China, where they were selectively bred to create miniature versions.
![Lhasa Apso](https://www.lavanguardia.com/uploads/2019/05/24/5fa5358d532f5.jpeg)
Lhasa Apso Dog
The breed known as “Apso” is the translation of “long-haired dog” and is derived from the sacred city of Tibet. Similarly, the name “Lhasa” also originates from the sacred city of Tibet. In the 1940s, the Dalai Lama introduced these dogs, contributing to their global popularity. Primarily, they served as guardians, protecting the entrances of Buddhist palaces and monasteries. With a history dating back a thousand years, these dogs originated in the Himalayan mountains.
![Chin](https://www.lavanguardia.com/files/image_449_220/uploads/2019/05/24/5fa5358d532f5.jpeg)
Chin
Tibetan dogs are closely related to the waters of Tibet and we know that they spend a lot of time in the laps of their humans and are very affectionate. Some even claim that this breed arrived in Japan, which is also from China, and some historians believe that this breed came from Korea, which is also from China.
![Terrier Tibetano](https://www.lavanguardia.com/files/image_544_267/uploads/2022/02/21/62139141de21f.jpeg)
Tibetan Terrier
The Tibetan Terrier is not really an affectionate and sensitive terrier, despite its unique appearance, as can be seen in this long story, where it was also used as a pastor and guardian dog. We are familiar with terriers in the West, which barely share any qualities with this particular breed.