Chongqing Dog

The history of this breed dates back to the Western Han Dynasty, more than 2000 years ago. Archaeologists discovered on April 20, 2000 a vast cemetery dating from the Western Han Dynasty in the Jiangbei District of Chongqing. A large number of terracotta statues representing dogs similar to this breed were found. Some of them were, apparently, protective deities charged with accompanying the residents of the tombs of noble families in the afterlife. These dogs were once very common in the Chongqing region. They descend directly from indigenous breeds of the neighboring regions of Dazhu, Hechuan, Yongchuan, Lingshui and Guanan. This ancient breed was developed and used for hunting in the mountains of East Sichuan. The Chongqing Dog lost its essential role because of urbanization and the numbers of the breed quickly declined. The restoration of the breed was undertaken in the 1970s with success. They have since become popular utility and companion dogs in Chongqing and its surroundings.

This dog is an excellent guardian of properties and a good defender for families. It is courageous and intelligent. Its muscular and agile body once made it a perfect hunting auxiliary and an excellent protector for its masters, their family and their property. The Chongqing dog can protect his family and owners, but if a stranger is friendly to him and the owner is present, the dog will respect him. However, these dogs are reputed to be wary of strangers and, if they sense a threat, they will stand guard and attack if false movements or suspicious actions are committed.